Excursions

Albufeira

One of the great features of the Algarve is that it offers such a variety of pace and experiences. As you've probably figured out by now, we love the small-town feel of Lagos. Occasionally we jump in the car & head to Albufeira to change the pace a little bit.

Albufeira is about an hour east of Lagos on the main highway built up on a spectacular crescent-shaped seaside cliff. This picturesque town of white-washed buildings offers a great beach and the hustle and bustle of a busy tourist town, with loads of hotel resorts, restaurants and bars. It's a great spot to meet tourists from all over the world. If you like action and nightlife, Albufeira is for you!

We like to go there in the afternoon or evening to dine and just see "what's going on", because there is always something happening in Albufeira. Fisherman's beach "Praia dos Pescadores" at the heart of the town is a famous landmark, as it is surrounded by high cliffs and is shared by both fishermen and sunbathers.

Just up from the beach is a maze of pedestrian streets that are filled with clothing stores, shoe stores, restaurants, bars and many British-style pubs. As you wander around and get lost in the web of activity you may come across musicians entertaining guests at an outdoor patio, often somebody playing guitar or mandolin.

Our favourite lookout is at the top of Fisherman's beach, where we enjoy watching the surfers or checking out the activity on the beach or gazing out at this gleaming white cliff- side town. Just to the left of the lookout is a great seaside cafe offering a variety of drinks and desserts and of course a spectacular view.

: From Lagos, drive east on the A22 4-lane motorway and take Exit 9 Lisboa/Albufeira N395.Follow this series of signs that are different but lead you to the heart of Albufeira: 395 Albufeira/ICI; Guia/Albufeira N395; Lisboa Ourique. Albufeira is a large town, with many options to drive into town from the highway. Our preferred route: The main road from the highway leads you down a hill to a set of lights. Turn left at these lights onto the boulevard which takes you to the east side of town. You will come to a roundabout hosting a giant Swatch watch. Take your first right at the Swatch and follow this road which continues to veer to the right to the large white Camara Municipal building (City Hall). Turn left and follow this narrow road down the hill to a second roundabout.

To Fisherman's beach lookout: Take your second exit from this 2nd roundabout, go up the hill and you're there.

To the interior of Albufeira: Take your first exit from this 2nd roundabout and make your way into town.

Driving time from Lagos: 60 min.

: Parking is a challenge at the best of times in Albufeira. It's easier to park on the road side at the outskirts of town and walk down into town, which only takes about 10 minutes or so.

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