Albufeira Old Town
The most popular area in Albufeira is the Old Town, characterised by its narrow pedestrian cobble stone roads, lined with traditional whitewashed buildings overlooking the Fisherman’s beach and Peneco Beach. Its packed with shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.
Albufeira Old Town is one of the most charming places for a walk along the streets and plazas. A truly remarkable place with the quaint streets, the old buildings and an atmosphere of yesteryear. Wander its quaint cobbled streets and you’ll find old-world Portuguese charm at every turn.
Old Town Landmarks
The streets are lined with traditional houses enjoying their new lease of life as cafes or restaurants. With such a setting, it’s no wonder that Old Town is so popular with visitors and locals alike. There are several landmarks around the Albufeira Old Town that you shouldn’t miss when in this charming area, including:
Albufeira Old Town Beach (Praia dos Pescadores or Fisherman’s Beach)
Situated right in front of Albufeira’s old town, Praia dos Pescadores is one of the resort’s main beaches. It can get pretty busy in the summer months, but you’ll be able to enjoy its azure waters and golden sands. The name of the beach comes from it once being where the town’s fishermen would launch their boats from, and although those days are behind it now, you can still find a few colourful fishing boats dotted around. As you’d expect from an Algarve beach, the water is crystal clear and the sand is a beautiful golden colour.
Albufeira Old Town Square
The main square is surrounded by bars, cafes, restaurants and shops – perfect for people watching on a sunny day. Just grab a cold beer, glass of wine or coffee, pull up a chair outside one of the bars or cafes and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Or just wander around looking at the shops and picking up small knick-knacks.
Old Town Square
Largo Eng. Duarte Pacheco 9
8200-210 Albufeira
Google Maps
Pau de Bandeira Lookout
The Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira is the perfect spot to take in the stunning views of the old town. As you gaze upon the centuries-old buildings and listen to the waves crash against the shoreline, you’ll feel yourself being swept away by the magic of Albufeira. What’s even more special about this place is that you can also take an escalator down to the beach!
The Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira is also a sort of hub for all manner of transport: taxis, hop-on bus, public buses, tuk-tuks etc…
Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira
R. Sacadura Cabral 23
8200-176 Albufeira
Google Maps
Tunnel to Peneco Beach
Praia do Túnel is a gem in the old town of Albufeira. Accessible via a tunnel, this beach is perfect for anyone that enjoys nightlife and beach activities. It is surrounded by stunning yellow sandstone cliffs. The sand is soft and the water is clear – it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day. Make sure to watch the sunset from the cliffs above – it’s a truly magical experience. Praia do Túnel is a wonderful beach for families and couples in general.
Museu de Arte Sacra de Albufeira
The Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra) in the old town of Albufeira is a truly lovely space. It is housed in the beautifully restored 18th century Chapel of San Sebastian (Capela de São Sebastião).
The Museu de Arte Sacra exhibits religious art that was collected from surrounding churches. This art miraculously survived the 1755 earthquake and subsequent tsunami and fires that hit the region. It is a must-see for those interested in the history of art and culture in Portugal.
Museu de Arte Sacra de Albufeira
Praça Miguel Bombarda 9
8200-146 Albufeira
Google Maps
Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros
The Art Gallery is named after one of Albufeira’s most famous people and is housed in the city’s oldest Electrical Power Station, which dates back to the turn of the century. In 1988, the building was transformed into an Art Gallery. It’s a beautiful building, with high ceilings and a view that overlooks the ocean- perfect for a dreamy day spent admiring the works of art on display.
Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros
Travessa Cândido dos Reis 2
8200-064 Albufeira
Google Maps
Things to do in the Old Town
Shopping
The Old Town has dozens of little souvenir and gift shops where you can spend a good few hours browsing. During the summer most of these shops are open until late at night, so perfect for your after dinner stroll around town. For some serious retail therapy visit the Algarve Shopping Centre in Guia or the Mar Shopping and Designer Outlet in Loulé. The gypsy market is not in the Old Town (but easily accessible by bus or taxi) and takes place every first and third Tuesday of the month.
Tours
The Old Town is not very extensive but is a bit hilly and can be difficult to navigate if you have mobility issues. A fun and safe way to see the town and beyond is by tuk-tuk. Read reviews for the most popular Albufeira tuk-tuk tour on getyourguide.
Old Town Nightlife
Nightlife in Old Town Albufeira is the perfect escape for couples looking to let their hair down. The winding cobbled lanes and whitewashed cottages provide the perfect backdrop for shopping for souvenirs during the day, while at night the live music venues and glass-clinking cocktail bars will keep you entertained until the early hours. There is a saying here “you’re never too old for Albufeira”.
Restaurants in Albufeira Old Town
The Algarve region is known for its Mediterranean climate, fabulous beaches and being an excellent place to enjoy the best of Portugal’s cuisine. From traditional dishes like grilled octopus to regional specialties like seafood cataplana, there are plenty of great authentic dishes to try in Albufeira. If you are looking for a great meal with fresh fish, grilled meats, or some delicious seafood, check out some of these restaurants. It is impossible for us to list all the great restaurants in the area but here are a few that will give you an idea of what to expect.
Restaurants with Sea Views in Old Town
Três Coroas Restaurante & Bar
The Três Coroas Restaurante (Three Crowns Restaurant) is one of the oldest hidden gems in Old Town Albufeira. The cozy courtyard with sea view offer a delightful setting for a casual lunch or dinner.
This restaurant offers a wide variety of Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. And if you’re feeling thirsty, they have an excellent selection of wine, port and sangria. Plus, the charming atmosphere and gracious staff make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal with your loved one.
O Cabaz da Praia – The Beach Basket
At The Beach Basket, you can enjoy a Mediterranean or Portuguese meal with one of the best sea views in town. This little gem is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
The restaurant is located on the cliff overlooking the Peneco (Tunnel) Beach and has some amazing reviews about the cuisine, service and overall experience.
The Cabana Fresca
Cabana Fresca is located on the sea front (Fisherman’s Beach), offers amazing views and is a wonderful spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. The menu is Portuguese and Mediterranean with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood.
This restaurant ticks all the boxes: service, cuisine, location and reasonably priced. They serve breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner and are open all year round. Check out the reviews, menus and photos of the mouth watering dishes here.
Café Oceano Restaurant
The Café Oceano Restaurant is another waterfront restaurant overlooking the beach. You’ll have superb views whether you choose the outdoor area on the ground floor or indoor section on the first floor. Not only is the location perfect, this restaurant is known for its friendly service and amazing food at reasonable prices. You can check out their menu and book a table online below.
Hotels in Albufeira Old Town
Vila Sao Vicente Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a luxurious and charming adults-only hotel in the heart of Albufeira Old Town, then look no further than Vila Sao Vicente Boutique. This hotel is situated right on Pescadores Beach with panoramic sea views from the terrace, pool areas, and some room balconies. You can expect elegance and class at every turn during your stay. Each room is attractively decorated, comfortably furnished, and fitted with top-quality amenities.
The marina is only a 10-minute walk away if you’re looking to explore more of this beautiful town. With its well-reviewed restaurant and all the action in Albufeira, you’ll never want to leave.
Hotel Sol e Mar
If you’re looking for an escape to the stunning Portuguese coastline, Hotel Sol e Mar is the perfect place for you. Nestled right on the beach in Albufeira Old Town, this hotel provides guests with beautiful views of the ocean and easy access to all the local attractions. Indulge in delicious seafood at one of the two on-site restaurants, or relax with a refreshing drink in the bar.
With private balconies in each room, you can enjoy peaceful sunsets from the comfort of your own bed. So if you’re searching for a breathtaking getaway in sunny Portugal, look no further than Hotel Sol e Mar.
Hotel California Urban Beach
If you’re looking for a trendy and luxurious place to stay in Albufeira Old Town, look no further than the Hotel California Urban Beach. This 4-star hotel has been completely refurbished and is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The hotel is located in the centre of town and is only a 2-minute walk from Pescadores beach.
All of the rooms at the Hotel California Urban Beach are elegant, and the shared areas are luxurious. Plunge into the swimming pool, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, and dine at the fabulous onsite Italian restaurant. There are also plenty of wellness facilities available at the Hotel California Urban Beach. The Spa follows an organic and vegan concept.
Other accommodation in the Old Town
Use our interactive map provided to check out other types of accommodation such as apartments and guest houses in Albufeira Old Town.
Is The Strip in Albufeira Old Town?
The famous strip is not in the Old Town but in the Monthechoro area on Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro. It is a short drive from the Old Town about 3.5km or a 25 minute walk.
Is there a Gypsy or Flea Market in Albufeira Old Town?
The Gypsy market is held in the Caliços neighbourhood about 4km from the Old Town. This market is held on every first and third Tuesday of the month during the morning.