Things to Do in Albufeira, Algarve

Albufeira was a Moorish settlement until 1755, when it was devastated by the Great Lisbon Earthquake and subsequently rebuilt by the Marquês de Pombal.

The town's name derives from the Arabic "al-buhayrah," meaning "the lagoon," reflecting its 800+ years under Moorish rule.

Albufeira has over 100 beaches within a 30-minute radius, making it one of Europe's most beach-dense coastal towns.

The Old Town (Cidade Velha) sits on a clifftop above two golden-sand beaches and features a whitewashed church built in the 18th century after the earthquake.

Albufeira is the most visited destination in the Algarve, welcoming around 2 million tourists annually across its beaches, bars, and water sports.

The town is famous for its nightlife strip on Rua Cândido dos Reis, dubbed one of Portugal's most lively after-dark scenes.