Whether you are in search of an exciting nightlife experience or the perfect family beach vacation, there are several places to visit in Albufeira that will not disappoint you. A former fishing village, Albufeira has become a popular holiday destination, with sandy beaches, water sports, and a bustling nightlife strip.
Benagil Cave
Located on the coastline of the Algarve, Benagil Cave is among the best places to visit in Albufeira. It is one of the most popular sea caves in Portugal and it is easily accessible by boat. You can also explore the cave by swimming, snorkeling or hiking.
The Benagil Cave is part of the Seven Hanging Valleys hiking trail, which takes hikers 7.4 miles along the coastline. A kayaking tour is also a great way to see this cave.
The cave is about 20 million years old. It is formed from erosion. It has a circular opening on the top that allows sunlight to enter. It is best visited on a low tide. The opening is shaped like a dome, which makes for a stunningly beautiful display.
Another fun thing to do is to try a self-led SUP tour. This is the perfect choice for people looking to get the most out of their visit. The water is a bit rough, but it's an experience worth having. It lasts two to three hours and costs about EUR50 per person.
The sea cave that is considered the most impressive is Grotte de Benagil. It is one of the most iconic sea caves in the world. A support boat tows you back to the beach when you are done.
The aforementioned sea cave is not the only cave in the area. You can also visit the Marinha Beach, which is about 1.7 kilometers from Benagil Caves. There are steep steps leading down to the beach. It's a great place to relax and take in the views.
The best time to visit the Benagil Cave is on a low tide. If you are unsure of the tide schedule, you can find a tide table online. It's also best to go during the shoulder season, which occurs in the beginning of September. This is because the weather is usually better and accommodation prices are lower.
The best way to see the cave is to take a tour. There are several tour companies in the area. They range from those that take you to only one or two of the caves to those that take you to more than ten. It's easy to find a boat tour that's right for you.
Praia do Pescadores
Located in the old town of Albufeira, Praia do Pescadores is a popular city beach. It is also known as fishermen's beach, and is named after the site where fishermen hauled their boats in. At low tide, it's more than 100 metres wide.
The golden sand is unmixed and unspoiled, and the water is clear and warm. There is a lifeguard on duty in the summer months. There are public toilets, showers and sun loungers. It's a popular beach for families. It's also a great place for paragliding.
In the past, the fishing harbour was here, and the boats were pulled by oxen. Eventually, the harbour moved to the marina, and the boats were pulled by a tractor. The fishermen would then haul the baskets full of fish to the auction.
Today, fishing is no longer a major activity on the beach. The beach has been transformed into a haven for sun worshippers. There are some restaurants along the beach, and there are a number of nightclubs and bars near the shoreline.
There are two car parks at the beach. One is at the beach level, and the other is at the top of the cliffs at Bairro dos Pescadores. There is an escalator to access the beach from the car park. There is also a man-made tunnel for descending to sandy beaches.
It's also a good spot for parasailing and jet skiing. You can rent a pedal boat to explore the bay. Several seafood restaurants are located near the shoreline.
As with most of the Algarve, there are many excursions you can go on, including boat trips and caves. You can even book these online.
In the winter, Praia do Pescadores can be quite cold, so don't forget to bring warm clothing. The water is usually calm, but it can be a little rough at times. If you're looking for a more relaxing holiday, it might be best to head for another beach. This will ensure you enjoy the sun, without the crowds. And if you want to go to a concert, you can find one on Largo 25 de Abril.
Vilamoura
Located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, Vilamoura is a resort town. It is famous for its exclusive marina and its nightlife. It attracts local celebrities and jet set tourists. Known as the Monaco of the Algarve, Vilamoura is a popular destination for golfers and luxury travelers.
A great day trip from Vilamoura is to take a boat tour of the coastline. Speedboat drivers can take tourists to private beaches, caves, and uncharted territory. These tours can last an hour or more.
You can also rent a jet ski. These are safe and comfortable. They include power and life jackets. A jet ski instructor will teach you how to drive your jet ski. You can also book a boat tour that includes a banana ride or other activities.
You can see the ruins of a Roman village at Cerro da Vila. It is also home to a museum that features mosaics and Roman artifacts. You can also see the remains of two large Roman villas.
There are several cafes and restaurants along the beach. One of the best is Willies, which offers an excellent wine list and great food. It is the only Michelin star restaurant in Vilamoura.
You can also visit the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira. This museum is housed in a former town hall. You will find that the building is surprisingly spacious inside. You can see Roman mosaics and well-preserved floor tiles.
Another great day trip from Vilamoura is to visit Silves and Benagil. Both are nearby. You can also visit Mercado do Peixe, which is next to the beach. It has a large variety of fish and other items.
You can also go shark fishing. These are endangered species and will be released after catching them. The company will provide all the necessary equipment. You can also rent stand up paddle boards at Decathlon.
There are several great golf courses in Vilamoura. You can take a lesson at the Golf Integrated Academy or Lesters Golf. You can also play on a private golf course.
The city of Vilamoura is full of great restaurants. The Mughal Clay Indian Restaurant has an outstanding curry. You can also eat at the EMO Restaurant. This restaurant has a great view and provides a real culinary experience.
Nightlife
Located in southern Portugal, Albufeira is a vibrant town with a fantastic nightlife. The resort town is also known for its lovely beaches. The town has a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It is also home to several museums, ruins, and galleries.
One of the most popular bars in the town is Matt's Bar. This bar is a staple on the Albufeira Strip, and it hosts great parties every night. They host regular pre-parties, stag nights, and a legendary boat party. They are also known for their reasonably priced drinks.
Another popular nightlife spot in Albufeira is Wild & Co. This bar is a mix of an Irish pub and an American saloon. It is located on the Strip, and is often used as a location for stag parties. They have a great dance floor and excellent deals on drinks. The bar is also known for its charisma, and the bar staff is always friendly.
Calixtos Beach Bar and Restaurant is a good place to relax and have a drink, especially if you are looking for something a little more fancy. They have a large variety of cocktails, and they also serve steaks during the day. They are also known for serving specialty libations, like passion fruit sangria. They offer a great view of the ocean, and have a good selection of food.
If you are interested in a more sophisticated nightlife experience, you may want to try a few of the bars and clubs that are in the Old Town. These include Sherry's Bar, which is a real Irish pub. They have a great vibe, and they have a great selection of beer.
Another bar that is gaining in popularity in the Albufeira nightlife scene is Casa do Cerro. This Moroccan themed bar is very cool. It has a great interior, and a dangling linen ceiling. They offer shisha, hookahs, and live belly dancing performances.
The club also plays a variety of music. They play the latest RnB and hip hop, and they also accept reservations for special occasions. The entry fees vary depending on the event. They also have a huge dance floor and multiple rooms, and they are open every night.
