Albufeira has long been known as a beach destination resort, in fact, as long ago as the 60’s, Albufeira was a touristic hotspot. Covering an area of around 20 kms of gorgeous, golden sandy beaches, there are loads of beaches to choose from with some being more suitable than others for young children or people with restricted mobility. There are so many things to do in Albufeira, and the beaches shouldn’t be missed!
In this guide, we will try to cover the points that should help you find your perfect, Albufeira beach.
Praia dos Pescadores
If you’re in the old town, this is the most accessible beach to get to by foot. Big enough to cope with the huge influx of visitors in the summer and small enough that you can see the end of it.
It is, undoubtedly, the most popular beach in Albufeira because of its golden sand and the sea of a dreamy blue. The town hall usually organizes concerts close to the beach, which attracts even more visitors.
How to get there? Praia dos Pescadores sits in the vicinity of the town of Albufeira, so you do not have to walk far to get there. If you leave the old town, head towards Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, turn right at Rua Cândido dos Reis and turn left towards Rua Ferreira de Castro. Turn again towards Rua dos Telheiros and continue until Rua Sacadura Cabral. Enter Rua Almirante Gago Coutinho and you will be able to see the beach
Parking – Close by at the top of the escalator or in the old town but generally at a cost and can be tricky in high season.
Access – There are tunnels, a lift and escalators that will bring you down to sea level and then you can get on to the beach, either via a sloped embankment or steps.
Lifeguards – Yes, during the season.
Tips – As the beach is bustling in the summer with a mixture of party goers and families, it’s advisable to get there early.
Are there sunbeds for hire? – Yes
Are there showers and toilets? – Toilets, yes, showers, no.
In the zone – Numerous bars and restaurants which are surprisingly very good value.
Good for – Water sports, families, teenagers, groups of friends and socialising.
Location – 37°05’11.0″N 8°14’55.2″W
Praia da Oura
Located east of the old town in the Areias de São João neighbourhood, this beach predominately services the busy Oura area of Albufeira that is home to the main bars and clubs on The Strip. Surrounded by the beautiful rock formations and spanning, just short of a kilometre of golden sand, this beach usually attracts the younger crowd, making it famous for teenagers, stag and hen parties in Albufeira. This is also one of the best beaches in the Albufeira area to experience water sports given the enormous choice.
How to get there? – To get to Praia da Oura from the old town of Albufeira, it is recommended that you go by car. Start by taking Rua 5 de Outubro until you reach Avenida dos descobrimentos. Then Rua Miguel Torga to Rua Dunfermline, turn onto Avenida Infante Dom Henrique and head to Rua Ramalho Ortigão, from which you will reach the beach.
Parking – Limited, as it’s a residential area.
Access – Easy
Lifeguards – Yes, in season.
Tips – Get there early.
Are sunbeds for hire? – Yes.
Are there showers and toilets? – Yes.
In the zone – Bars and restaurants are available on the beach and in surrounding areas.
Good for – Younger crowd and water sports.
Location – 37°05’10.3″N 8°13’33.6″W
Praia da Galé
One of the few beaches that aren’t set inside the cliffs, Galé is a lovely long stretch of beach with Dunes and a fabulous selection of beach bars along with the 2 Michelin Star Boutique Hotel Vila Joyas’ beach bar, foodies will be spoilt for choice. To the east, there are shallow pools, and unusual rock formations and the western area is more open.
How to get there? – Praia da Galé is a bit further away from Albufeira than Praia da Oura or Praia dos Pescadores. The best way to get there is by car, following Rua Miguel Bombarda and then the M526 until entering Estrada do Castelo. Go straight at the roundabout at the end of Estrada do Castelo until you reach the beach.
Parking – There’s free parking.
Access – Easy. No steps or cliffs to navigate.
Lifeguards – Yes, in the Summer.
Tips – Great for a relaxing day at the beach exploring the dunes.
Are sunbeds for hire? – Yes.
Are there showers and toilets? – Yes.
In the zone – Many good restaurants
Good for – Chilling out, eating good food and exploring.
Location – 37°04’54.8″N 8°19’02.5″W
Praia do Barranco das Belharucas
Heading towards Vilamoura, you’ll find this beautiful, long, wide beach with a few restaurants dotted along the way. A quieter beach than many in the area, and well worth a visit to see the beautiful contrasting colours or the cliffs, sea and sand.
This is one of the reasons why photographers from all over the world visit the beach.
How to get there? – By car or a lovely longish stroll from Vilamoura. From the old town of Albufeira, follow Avenida dos Descobrimentos by car until you reach the EM526 road. Turn right towards Estrada Toy 70 and follow Estrada das Açoteias until Caminho do Depósito Continue along Caminho do Depósito for almost a kilometre until you reach the beach.
Parking – Yes; limited parking is available.
Access – Walking through slightly overgrown, wild and rugged land.
Lifeguards – Yes, during the season.
Tips – If you plan to walk to Vilamoura, take some water with you as the rest
stops are spaced out.
Are sunbeds for hire? – No.
Are there showers and toilets? – Not public ones but the restaurants have facilities for their patrons.
In the zone – Nature and wildlife.
Good for – Relaxing, families and couples. Also great for walkers.
Location – 37°05’27.7″N 8°10’59.8″W
Praia dos Olhos de Água
A super, quaint little town that dips into the cliffs and has a lovely little beach, ideally suited to people who enjoy a relaxed holiday without all the flashing lights. There’s some beautiful rocks and cliffs to break up the sea and sand.Among the rocks, small puddles of water often form, allowing children to play safely or to have fun trying to catch small crabs.
How to get there? – To get to Praia dos Olhos de Água from the old town of Albufeira you have to drive in a parallel way to the coast towards east. Follow Avenida dos Descobrimentos until Estrada de Santa Eulália. Afterwards, take Estrada de Albufeira and then Caminho da Zefa. Finally, look for Rua dos Pescadores.
How to get there? – Drive and park in the car park near the main road.
Parking – Not too bad.
Access – Easy.
Lifeguards – Yes, during the season.
Tips – Get there early, it’s a lovely beach, but not very wide, so if you’re after a good spot, you’ll have to be quick.
Are sunbeds for hire? – No.
Are there showers and toilets? – No.
In the zone – Lots of bars and restaurants and some cute shops.
Good for – Chilling out.
Location – 37°05’23.3″N 8°11’26.0″W
Praia da Falésia
A long, stretching golden beach with stunning views all around. The cliffs are high here and act as a windbreaker, so great for sunbathing. Very popular with locals, especially among young adults. During the months of July and August, the NoSolo bar usually hosts sunsets during most afternoons. The parties are really nice and combine the pleasure of enjoying a magnificent afternoon on the beach with the delight of listening to the best songs of the year.
How to get there? – By car or by foot. It’s a good walk from Albufeira but you can certainly do it. By car, from the old town of Albufeira, you have to follow Avenida dos Descobrimentos, then the EM526, take Estrada do Toy70 and then Estrada das Açoteias. Enter Rua da Falésia and continue until you reach Praia da Falesia.
Parking – A reasonable amount of parking is available.
Access – Not very easy with lots of steps.
Lifeguards – Yes, during the season.
Tips – The water can be quiet shallow, so great for kids and paddling. Also, it feels slightly warmer due to the depth, making it more comfortable.
Are sunbeds for hire? – Yes.
Are there showers and toilets? – Only toilets.
In the zone – Restaurant/bars are dotted along the coast, and the town has decent facilities.
Good for – Hang around for the sunset from the cliffs, it’s pretty special.
Location – N 37° 4′ 45.5694″ , W 8° 8′ 32.2548″
Praia de São Rafael
A picturesque, sandy beach that’s surrounded by a series of dramatic rock formations known as Ponte Pequena and the Ninho das Andorinhas. This pretty beach has good access and is less crowded than the main beaches in the area. The beach is known for its rocky formations of vibrant colours and a turquoise sea that promises us a bit of paradise.
How to get there- Located west of Albufeira, the best way to get to Praia de São Rafael is by car. Follow Rua Miguel Bombarda until you reach Avenida dos Descobrimentos. Then take Estrada do Vale in the direction of Caminho das Sesmariais. Turn left towards Rua dos Corais and then left again towards the roundabaout of São Rafael. Before reaching the roundabout, turn right and you will arrive at Praia de São Rafael.
Parking – Yes, but can be tricky in high season.
Access – Wheelchair accessible.
Lifeguards – Yes, during the season.
Tips – If you head off to the right of the beach, you’ll find a small waterfall.
Are sunbeds for hire? – Yes.
Are there showers and toilets? – Yes.
In the zone – Bar and restaurant.
Good for – Snorkelling and water sports.
Location – 37°04’29.4″N 8°16’49.7″W
Praia dos Salgados
The scenery of cliffs and dunes offers shade from the Atlantic Ocean to Lagoa dos Salgados. The beautiful Salgados area, full of lagoons and with a rich biodiversity, is also the scenery of one of the most peaceful beaches in the Algarve. Slightly evading the radar of tourists, Praia dos Salgados preserves a peaceful aura that allows us to enjoy a beach day without the noise of crowds. During low tide, one can walk out into the sea quite far.
How to get there? – By car, from the old town of Albufeira, it takes about 15 minutes. Follow Rua Miguel Bombarda until you reach Avenida dos Descobrimentos. Then take the EM526 road in the direction of Pêra. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and continue until Rua de Relvas. Continue on the street until you reach Estrada da Praia Grande, at the end of which you arrive at Praia dos Salgados.
Parking – Yes.
Access – Easy.
Lifeguards – Yes, during the Summer.
Tips – Take a cooler box and make a day of it.
Are sunbeds for hire? – Yes.
Are there showers and toilets? – Yes.
In the zone – Restaurants, boat hire.
Good for – Birdwatching, water sports, swimming, surfing and bodyboarding.
Location – 37°05’19.1″N 8°19’45.7″W
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