A stunning coastline of creamy, coppery cliffs and a wide assortment of beautiful, sun-drenched beaches have transformed Albufeira from the quiet little fishing village of old into the holiday haven and favourite Algarve destination that it is today.

The allure is understandable: Albufeira’s beaches come in all shapes and sizes and they are all equally appealing. Ranging from secluded sandy coves and miles-long stretches of glittering, golden sands to picture-postcard landscapes combining sea, sand and delightful rocky outcrops, the draw is irresistible. More than half of these beaches hold the prestigious Blue Flag and offer a comprehensive range of amenities and water sports facilities while the resorts that flank them provide an endless supply of entertainment and leisure activities. The great diversity of bars, restaurants and clubs have made Albufeira’s nightlife the most famous in the Algarve while numerous golf courses, a marina, children’s theme parks and abundant shopping opportunities provide plenty of additional daytime distractions.

The city of Albufeira is fronted by three magnificent long, sandy beaches: Pescadores, Peneco (also known as Túnel beach) and Inatel. The colourful fishing boats on Pescadores beach are present-day reminders of the city’s fishing past and while the fishermen continue to supply the local restaurants with their daily catches, the boats are  also used to provide scenic tours around the natural grottoes that adorn this beautiful coastline. A pleasant promenade links Peneco beach to Albufeira’s vibrant marina.

Affording breathtaking views of Albufeira’s scenic coastline from their clifftop positions overlooking Santa Eulália, São Rafael and Falésia beaches, the luxurious Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa, CS São Rafael Atlantic Hotel, and Sheraton Algarve Hotel & Pine Cliffs Resort offer access to the beaches lying below, the privacy of secluded locations and exceptional accommodation and facilities. Porto Bay Falésia enjoys an equally beautiful clifftop location above Falésia beach while the exclusive CS São Rafael Suite Hotel, situated a small distance inland from São Rafael beach, will impress with its contemporary elegance and peaceful surroundings. In a quiet Albufeira location, theReal Bellavista Hotel & Spa provides a wide range of facilities and a shuttle service to the beach and city centre. Enjoying a unique oceanfront location with direct access to the sand dunes of Salgados beach, the brand new CS Salgados Mar Hotel is a luxurious retreat where guests can also appreciate the natural beauty of the protected Salgados lagoon wetlands lying nearby.

Albufeira’s old town centre has a delightful traditional feel. Whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets lined with cafés and shops lead to a picturesque central square surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can taste some of the local fish-based gastronomy. And if you’re looking for some late night partying, there’s plenty of it in fun-loving Albufeira. The area known as ‘The Strip’ is a succession of thriving bars, restaurants and clubs – and the hub of Albufeira’s nightlife.

Outside the resort, the landscape changes dramatically as the coast is left behind and the hinterland unfolds into an expanse of rolling hills swathed in almond, fig and orange trees, dotted with peaceful farming villages.