There are several places to visit in and around Albufeira. Here is a short selection:

• The Old Town. This is a must

Albufeira Old Town is a major attraction for all visitors to Albufeira. The exception, of course, are the holidaymakers who want to lie on the beach all day, and spent the nights on the "Strip". Nothing wrong with that, but the Old town also has a wonderful feel to it that all visitors should experience.

Albufeira old town is a splendid place for evening walks, refreshing entertainment and a huge variety of delicacies. The best way to enjoy your trip to Albufeira is to get out there and explore the town on your own. That way you would definitely stumble upon a lot of fun places that offer tasteful food and good entertainment.

The Old Town of Albufeira is certainly a treat for the eyes. It is enveloped by beautiful houses on the hills, with small alleys leading to the main square that in turn is covered with palm trees. The entire place is surrounded by small souvenir shops and places to eat and drink. Lush green trees adorn the middle of the square where one can enjoy listening to the melodious songs of hundreds of chirpy birds. The beach is close by, which is why the old town is popular with children and adults alike. Apart from hotels, tourists have the option of renting apartments or pretty cottages in the town. The town depicts the typical European architecture with clean narrow streets lined with neat brick houses. Interestingly, most of the houses are painted in bright hues of pink, green and yellow, apart from the pale shades of white.

• Restaurants in the Old Town:

Since the Portuguese cuisine is originally very diverse, you would never run short of options when it comes to eating, in this town. The Portuguese people are fond of seafood, and are known to consume a plenty of dry cod, which itself is prepared in hundreds of different ways. In fact, you could enjoy having a different dry cod dish every day of the year in this town.
To top it up, there are a number of good restaurants in Albufeira where you can relish these traditional Portuguese entrees. Pick an open air restaurant and expose yourself to the warm sunshine along with your scrumptious meal. And for the days you are looking for a quick meal, you can choose from a variety of fast food joints and coffee shops

A few popular restaurants in the old town are listed below:

• Alfredo: Famous for its Portuguese and Italian cuisine, this restaurant has been attracting tourists for many years.
• Atrium: A restaurant located in the Old Albufeira Theater. Traditional Portuguese folk dancing and musicals are performed here thrice a week.
• Bailote: Well known for the quality of its food.
• Beach Basket: A beautiful eatery located on the top of a cliff above the tunnel. It is best known for its fantastic food.
• Casa do Fonte: One of the oldest restaurants in the old town; it is known for offering the exquisite experience of conventionally rich fine dining. It is in the form of a garden and is located in the very center of the old town. It is also very well known for its fresh fish and meat.
• Grandma's Kitchen: The perfect place for traditional North American and English dishes such as grilled fish, pork and steak.
• Liza: An eatery best-suited for Italian food lovers. The dishes here are reasonably priced.
• Penedo: Very popular Restaurant cum Bar.
• Dias: Best known for its great ambiance with a terrace view facing the sea.

• Entertainment Options:

If you are interested in theater and are an ardent music lover, then Albufeira will not disappoint you. The town lives on folk music and also has a small theatre. For many reasons, summer is the best season to vacation in Albufeira. Traditional festivals such as Feira de Nossa Senhora da Guia enhance the pomp and show of the town during summers. You can even enjoy magnificent fireworks during these festivals.
The Old Town comes alive during the night with its beautiful eateries and happening pubs. DJs from UK keep visiting the pubs and bars in Albufeira from time to time. All these coupled with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere make it an even better experience. The lively music and serene environment of the place take you to the heights of tranquility. The night clubs and disco bars in the old town are open for teenagers, adults and even senior citizens.

A few popular ones are listed below:

• Rock Cafe: It is located in the main square and is extremely popular among the young people. You can enjoy live music as well as enlivening rock music in this pub.
• Vertigo: Another bar in the old town famous for its excellent live bands.
• Central Station Bar: A replica of the 'Central Station' bar in Amsterdam, this club is popular for its food and music.


The other great options to browse are live bands and karaoke bars where you can liberate the artiste in you. Talented artistes such as painters, guitarists, singers and jugglers frequent the old town with their little tricks and shows. It is great fun to be a part of their performances in a pleasantly animated atmosphere of the lively little town. If you have kids then you can enjoy the lovely evenings through a game of frisbee. Old town is colorful and bright, and children just love browsing through it. And if you like golf, you can spend some good time at the lush golf courses located here.

• Churches and religious buildings, some of which date back to the 15th century

• The Mercy Chapel, built on the site of a mosque

•  Alte village, deep within the Algarve Barrocal. A car is needed, and it’s a winding road climb, but well worth it - Alte has been nicknamed the Garden of the Algarve. It's all citrus groves and fig trees here. Many visitors come to view the stunning azulejos adorned church and springs, and to walk the many footpaths in the area. A really relaxing day out is assured.

• The Museum Municipal de Arqueologia, situated within Albufeira’s City Hall. There are four different exhibition areas with prehistoric, Roman, Islamic and modern artefacts on display.

• Gallery of Art. Set in an interesting white building which was once a rather decorative old power plant, the art of Albufeirense painter Samora Barros is on display.