The big day is fast approaching so it’s time to take some well-deserved time out from all the planning to let your hair down with your nearest and dearest. Mention to your Maid of Honour that Albufeira – the Algarve’s premier party town – is one of Europe’s top resorts and the place to go for a memorable hen do, and then pack your swimsuit and sun cream and get ready for some fun! Loaded with everything a good pre-matrimonial send-off could need, Albufeira is a dizzying kaleidoscope of colourful bars, spas, restaurants and beaches, all-inclusive hotels, boutique B&Bs and more shots and cocktails than you could shake a stick at, and at prices that give stiff competition to many of southern Europe’s other city break or beach destinations.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year and direct flights from most of the UK and Ireland’s main airports, the Algarve is a great place for a break any season, as well as being a safe and family-friendly destination. Typically, prices are much lower off season (roughly October – April), but there’s still plenty to do in terms of entertainment (although some bars, restaurant and hotels will close in winter, so the resort is much quieter then). From booze cruises to go-karting, shopping to relaxing spa treatments or a day at a luxury beach club or theme park, there are many entertaining and enjoyable activities all within a short drive of Albufeira, year-round.
Have a look at the best hotels in Albufeira for hen dos.
Alfagar Aparthotel
Located on cliff-tops overlooking Santa Eulalia beach, set in leafy, landscaped park-like gardens, the Alfagar Aparthotel is a great choice for a party break. Offering modern rooms with spacious balconies, the hotel is located a short distance back from the coast, between Albufeira and Olhos de Água, within walking distance of shops and bars, but being far enough out to provide peace and quiet. Facilities on-site include a large outdoor pool, gym, a heated indoor pool, sauna, spa, tennis courts and a range of on-site restaurants. The nearest beach is within walking distance, while Albufeira’s famed strip and old town are a short taxi ride away.
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel
If you’re looking for some serious indulgence and can afford to push the boat out, then this is a fantastic option. Elegant but relaxed, the Grande Real Santa Eulalia is grown up and down-to-earth; a 10-15-minute walk from two excellent beaches, Santa Eulalia beach and Praia Maria Luísa, this sprawling resort also has an excellent onsite spa. Comprising standard double rooms, suites and holiday apartments, it is also home to a swanky nightclub, Le Club, which hosts some of the trendiest summer parties in Albufeira.
Clube Albufeira Garden Village
Take the strain and financial considerations out of looking for somewhere eat every night by plumping for an all-inclusive hotel. Albufeira has some excellent all-inclusive options for all budgets, with Clube Albufeira Garden Village being among the best. One of Albufeira’s affordable all-inclusive options, Club Albufeira is a popular holiday resort. Set amid lovely landscaped gardens, it has superb pools, an on-site restaurant, fully equipped self-catering apartments for up to eight-people and a free courtesy bus to Old Town Albufeira and nearby beaches.
Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel
Set in a fragrant Mediterranean pine forest overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this contemporary adults-only hotel is a great option for some grown-up R&R while still being close to all the fun. Just 400 meters from the beach, this swish and swanky hotel has a modern design and wellness centre so you can really indulge in some serious me time. Walking distance to the strip, and a short stroll to local shops and supermarkets, this modern hotel also has an onsite bar and restaurant.
Vila Nova Resort
Large, laid-back, and stag & hen friendly, the spacious Vila Nova resort is a popular choice for parties as it is located right on the strip. Slightly dated but cheap and cheerful, the accommodation ranges from studios through to villas. A 15-minute walk to the nearest beach, Vila Nova is the place to choose if all you need is somewhere for a few hours’ sleep after fun days and nights out. It has a large pool surrounded by nicely-kept lawns, and there is a mall and supermarket right next to the hotel.
Clube Ouratlantico
Situated in the popular Oura neighbourhood, just 300 meters from the flashy bar Strip and Praia da Oura beach, this affordable resort offers guests the best of relaxing days by the pool or on the beach, with Albufeira’s exciting nightlife on the doorstep. Boasting two large pools, with poolside massages available, Clube Ouratlantico has bright and airy accommodation ranging from studios to two bedrooms apartments, all with air conditioning, heating and kitchenettes.
Apartamentos Monica Isabel Beach Club
Right on the beach, this large resort comprises a 4-star aparthotel and 3-star tourist apartments. Centrally-located, it is close to the city’s favourite shopping areas, restaurants and 15-20 minutes’ walk to the Strip. With an all-inclusive option, rooms are basic but the service and location are brilliant, offering good value for money.
Janelas do Mar Apartments
Sat on a hillside slap bang in the middle of Albufeira’s Old Town and buzzing Strip, the three-star Janelas do Mar apartments have fantastic sea or city-views and great self-catering facilities. Apartments are clean and spacious, if a little basic, and range from studios to penthouses that sleep six. With two large outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool, among other facilities, this popular apartment block is conveniently located for all of Albufeira’s top attractions.
Villa rentals:
If you’d rather keep your party private, then think about renting a villa. Albufeira has a whole host of fantastic villas with pools for holiday rentals, and new laws mean that properly-registered accommodations (AL – Local Accommodation certified) will comply with the strictest health and safety rules and regulations.
For more information on Albufeira and all its attractions, see Algarve Fun’s website, and also for more specialised information on hen group bookings and activities.
