Previously occupied by the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors, Albufeira is an ancient city in Portugal’s Algarve region. At its heart is the Centro district, which is clustered with whitewashed traditional buildings that are perched atop a cliff-flanked beach. Albufeira was once an important hub for the exportation of fish and nuts before flourishing as a tourist resort in the 1960s.
Things to do in Albufeira Centro
Spend an afternoon wandering through Baixa de Albufeira, the historic core of Albufeira Centro. Its winding streets are lined with whitewashed buildings and open out into traditional plazas where you can watch the world go by. Admire the centuries-old Porta de Sant’Ana and climb the Torre do Relógio for elevated views across the district.
Don’t miss the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia, which is based on a collection of ancient artefacts assembled by Father José Manuel Semedo de Azevedo. In addition to a Neolithic vase and artefacts from the Roman villa of Retorta, the museum exhibits Islamic architectural elements dating from Albufeira’s Moorish period.
Connected to Albufeira Centro by a tunnel is Praia do Peneco, a golden expanse of sand backed by sandstone cliffs. You can rent a beach umbrella and sun lounger for a day of leisure or let the kids loose in the inflatable water park. For elevated views across the beach and the surrounding coastline, ride the elevator that leads to the Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira.
Getting around Albufeira Centro
Albufeira Centro is around 40 minutes’ drive from Faro Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe and North America. Trains connect to the Albufeira-Ferreiras railway station, which is around 10 minutes by taxi from Albufeira Centro. Most of the area’s attractions can be accessed on foot.