Albufeira★
Albufeira is the tourist epicenter of the Algarve — and it polarizes. The city has two faces: On one side is the charming Old Town (Cidade Velha) with its white houses, narrow streets, and the dramatic city beach Praia dos Pescadores, framed by golden cliffs. On the other side is the infamous "Strip" (Avenida Sá Carneiro) — a party mile of neon signs, British pubs, karaoke bars, and all-inclusive tourism reminiscent of the Balearic Islands' Ballermann.
If you're looking for a party, this is the place: The Strip is one big open-air festival from June to September, dominated by British and Irish vacationers. Drinks are cheap (cocktail pitchers from €10, beer €2), the music loud, and the atmosphere uninhibited. If you're explicitly not looking for that, stay in the Old Town and avoid the Strip — here you'll find excellent restaurants, quiet bars, and one of the most beautiful city beaches in the Algarve.
The culinary Albufeira away from the Strip is surprisingly good. O Marinheiro (Rua da Liberdade, Old Town) has been serving freshly caught grilled fish for over 30 years — order the Dourada grelhada (grilled gilt-head bream, from €14) or the Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice for 2 people, €32). If you love fresh oysters: Evaristo on the beach (Praia do Evaristo, 3 km west) serves them for €12 per half dozen, right by the water, with your feet in the sand.
The most beautiful beaches are east and west of the city, not at the city beach. The Praia de São Rafael (3 km west) has dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear water — ideal for snorkeling. The Praia da Falésia (10 km east) is one of the most impressive beaches in the Algarve: 6 km of red sandstone cliffs that flow into a golden beach. Early in the morning, when the rising sun makes the cliffs glow, the sight is breathtaking. The descent from the cliff edge to the beach takes 5-10 minutes via wooden stairs.
Albufeira is suitable as a base for families — the infrastructure (supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, car rentals) is the best in the Algarve, and the beaches have lifeguards and beach bars. The Zoomarine (10 km north, entry from €29) is a marine park with dolphin shows, water slides, and aquariums — popular with children, but keep the ethical discussion about dolphin shows in mind.
💡 Tipp
The "Old Town Trap": Many restaurants in the pedestrian zone lure with touts and cheap menus — the quality is often mediocre. The better restaurants are in the side streets. As a rule of thumb: If there's a tout outside and the menu is written in German/English, keep walking.