Albufeira is a popular destination in Southern Portugal, offering a wide range of accommodation options. It is known for its expansive beach, charming village, trendy hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. Both Albufeira Old Town and The Strip feature attractive accommodations. This Portuguese destination offers a variety of hotels, hostels, apartments, and resorts. In this blog, we will assist you in making a choice. Where should you stay in Albufeira? What are the top places to stay overnight? And which hotels come highly recommended?
Booking.comHow to get to Albufeira in Portugal
Albufeira is a popular coastal town in the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. This holiday destination is located on the Atlantic coast and offers multiple extensive golden beaches.
To reach Albufeira, most travelers fly to Faro Airport, the main international airport in the Algarve. From Faro, it is approximately a 40-minute drive to Albufeira by rental car.
Additionally, there are regular bus and train services connecting Faro to Albufeira, making the city easily accessible for travelers without their own transportation. The extensive public transportation network in the region also allows for effortless exploration of surrounding villages and towns.
Is Albufeira worth visiting?
We do not highly recommend visiting Albufeira as we believe the attention this tourist destination in the Algarve receives is unwarranted.
Read more: why we wouldn’t recommend Albufeira
Albufeira boasts some of the Algarve’s most expansive sandy shores, making it a magnet for travelers worldwide. Both the historical Old Town and the bustling Strip offer stunning beach vistas.
Beyond the sandy retreats, the picturesque Old Town of Albufeira draws many visitors. While it represents just a small fraction of the city, it’s undeniably its most captivating segment. Cobblestone streets weave through the town, where cats can be found lounging on benches and flower-clad shrubs add charm to the backdrop of white and brightly colored houses. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Contrastingly, the modern side of Albufeira is synonymous with The Strip, home to the densest collection of bars and nightclubs in the entire Algarve. If you’re looking to seamlessly blend beach relaxation with vibrant nightlife, this is the hotspot.
However charming these aspects may be, we remain somewhat skeptical of the allure Albufeira holds for many travelers. To us, it feels heavily tourist-centric. While tourist hubs can often indicate a location’s inherent beauty and worth, in this case, the overwhelming tourist vibe seems to overshadow the city’s authentic charm and ambiance.
Where to stay in Albufeira
Albufeira consists of two main parts: Albufeira Old Town and the rest of the city.
The Old Town is the older coastal village, characterized by narrow streets, churches, squares, and white houses. It is only a small section of the city and serves as the tourist center, hosting souvenir shops and restaurants. Albufeira Old Town is located directly on expansive sandy beaches, allowing for seamless transition from the cobblestone streets to the sand.
The new part of Albufeira can be considered a separate town. It revolves around the Praia da Oura beach and particularly The Strip. You won’t find charming streets there, but you will find numerous facilities. There are large resorts, trendy eateries, and, above all, many clubs, bars, and discos on The Strip. Additionally, you can enjoy a lovely sandy beach, Praia da Oura, where many holidaymakers recover from their hangovers.
The best places to stay in Albufeira Old Town
#1 Vila Origens Boutique Hotel Albufeira boasts an exclusive adults-only experience with luxurious, stylish rooms. Located a mere 200 meters from the beach, guests can bask in a refreshing outdoor pool, stroll through enchanting gardens, and indulge at the in-house bar. Some rooms feature inviting terraces, while others present captivating city views. Rave reviews frequently label this boutique hotel a “hidden gem” and a “fairytale escape”.
#2 Sun Lovers Hostel is a sought-after accommodation in the historic center, backed by glowing guest feedback. Its interiors captivate with fresh, serene aesthetics dominated by crisp whites. The rooftop terrace isn’t just a sight for sore eyes with its breathtaking city views. It’s the social heartbeat of the hostel. Visitors can sip on affordable drinks, relish a fun-filled barbecue, and bask in the hostel’s vibrant atmosphere. Nights brimming with entertainment, like pub crawls, coupled with its location just 500 meters from the beach and complimentary breakfast, make it a top pick.
#3 Casa Amarela Guesthouse showcases a distinct rooftop pool encircled by a sun deck, perfect for leisurely moments under umbrellas. Some rooms even offer private terraces. Positioned just 500 meters from the historic town square, every attraction is only a short stroll away. It’s no wonder this Albufeira guesthouse garners such high praise.
#4 Hotel California Urban Beach offers an unparalleled adults-only experience just a heartbeat away from the Praia dos Pescadores beach. From the rooftop pool, guests are treated to unrivaled Albufeira views, complemented by refreshing cocktails from the pool bar. Wellness enthusiasts can delve into a world of relaxation with a heated indoor pool, rejuvenating massages, beauty treatments, and an outdoor gym.
#5 Alfagar Cerro Malpique unveils a staggering panorama of both Albufeira and the sea. A brisk 5-minute walk from the city center, the hotel features spacious apartments distributed across two buildings. Each apartment is equipped with its own kitchen and balcony. For those seeking relaxation, the expansive sea-view terrace and calming steam bath await.
Best places to stay at Albufeira The Strip
#5 Vila Maria Hotel is a luxurious adults-only sanctuary nestled close to the stunning Praia da Oura. Flaunting a pristine, contemporary, and minimalist white aesthetic, its crowning glory is a breathtaking swimming pool that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Guests can lounge on plush sunbeds, ensuring the utmost relaxation.
#6 3HB Golden Beach is ideally positioned next to the mesmerizing Praia da Oura beach and just moments away from The Strip. The hotel showcases a beautiful outdoor pool complemented by sun loungers, umbrellas, and a poolside bar. From the terrace, visitors can lose themselves in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Each apartment boasts luxury balconies, well-appointed kitchenettes, and captivating ocean vistas.
#7 Santa Eulalia Hotel & Spa is just a stone’s throw from popular beaches like Praia da Oura and Santa Eulália. The hotel offers guests a verdant haven of serenity amidst lush gardens. Elevate your stay with indulgent wellness amenities, indoor and outdoor pools. Comfortable rooms, complete with private balconies and the added perk of complimentary parking, make this hotel an impeccable choice for a hotel in Albufeira.
#8 Monicca Collection Suites and Residences is the best place to stay in Albufeira for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury near the dazzling Praia da Oura beach. Guests can bask by the outdoor pool or savor the ocean panorama from the terrace. Each stylish suite is furnished with a fully-equipped kitchenette, blending elegance with convenience.
#9 Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa is nestled on the Algarve coast with direct beach access to the Santa Eulalia beach. It’s the quintessential family holiday destination, featuring four outdoor pools, dedicated children’s pools, a luxurious spa, and three restaurants. Add to that a kids’ club, and you’ve discovered the ideal holiday haven for all family members.
Best places to stay near Albufeira
#10 Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel is beautifully nestled within a lush Mediterranean pine forest, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can indulge in soothing massages or bask alongside the outdoor pool, complemented by plush sun loungers. The sandy shores are just a short stroll away. Each stylishly designed room exudes luxury and comfort, topped off with its own private balcony.
#11 PortoBay Falesia boasts a prime location on the stunning Falésia Beach, offering guests the luxury of direct beach access. Dine at one of its two on-site restaurants, or immerse yourself in the highlight of the resort: a captivating lagoon-style pool overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. After a sun-filled day, unwind on your room’s veranda or balcony. For a touch of pampering, head to the lavish wellness center, complete with a sauna, steam room, and fitness amenities.
