Some people think of Albufeira as a place for stag parties and hen-dos. While it's true that the charming Portuguese city is a magnet for the party crowd, it's also a destination that's fit for families.
There are many things here to keep adults and kids entertained. From the stunning sandy beaches to family-friendly accommodations and mouthwatering restaurants, here are some reasons why Albufeira continues to attract families.
The Great Beaches
Among Albufeira's biggest draws are its breathtaking beaches, surrounded by rugged orange cliffs and boasting crystal-clear waters. Many beaches appeal to families with kids, with shallow waters and powdery white sands for them to play around.
Praia de São Rafael is one of Albufeira's loveliest beaches. It has all the facilities for a relaxing beach holiday, including water sports rental facilities. You'll find sun loungers with umbrellas for hire, perfect for relaxing as you watch your kids play in the water. The beach is wheelchair accessible and popular among local families with kids. But there are also quieter areas to avoid the crowd and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Another beach popular with families in Albufeira is the Praia da Falésia, a long beach extending from Olhos d’Água towards Vilamoura. The gorgeous views of this beach are guaranteed to delight you and your kids. Aside from enjoying water activities like surfing and parasailing, you can take long, scenic walks or relax and work on your tan. There's also a trail towards the cliffs where adventurous families can explore on a hike or bicycle.
The Excellent Weather
Albufeira's excellent weather is one of the many reasons it has become a favourite holiday spot for families. Boasting an incredible Mediterranean climate and cloudless skies from April to September, it has become a hotspot for visitors seeking sun, sea, and sand.
Summer is from June to August when Albufeira experiences high temperatures day and night. It's the best time for families to soak up the sun on one of its glorious beaches. During summer, the city experiences long daylight hours and dry weather, safe enough for kids to swim in the waters. However, since it's the peak season, you can expect Albufeira's beaches to be full of tourists.
The shoulder season is the best time for families to visit Albufeira. These are the best times to discover the city's top attractions and explore the rest of the Algarve region. The daylight hours are still long, but the temperatures are slightly colder, so you'll feel more comfortable exploring outdoors, especially for families with little kids.
The Family-Friendly Accommodation
As a popular destination for a family holiday, Albufeira has no shortage of family-friendly accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. These accommodations have facilities and amenities to cater to all kinds of families, including those with kids. The Old Town and its neighbouring beaches are some of the best places to stay in Albufeira for families. It's only a few metres from the city centre, giving you access to family-friendly beaches. You will also discover plenty of other stunning rental properties across Portugal, great for those looking to explore more of the country.
The Historic Centre of Albufeira is another excellent base for families. It's brimming with shops, restaurants, and other commercial activities. Here, you'll find different accommodation options, including those that cater to families. When staying in this area, you'll be close to Peneco and Fisherman's Beach, two of the most famous beaches in the Algarve.
One of the best accommodation options for families heading to Albufeira is a resort with direct access to the beach. It's also a good idea to book those with child-friendly amenities like a kid's club, so your kids won't get bored if you don't feel like going out to explore. You will also find family-focused resorts with swimming pools, waterslides, and play areas.
There are Plenty of Things to Do
Another reason Albufeira attracts families is because of the numerous family-friendly activities and attractions it offers. While you will probably choose to spend most days at the beach, swimming and playing in its calm waters, there are many other places to take your adventurous little ones.
Your kids will have a great time riding Albufeira's mini tourist train. It's a fantastic way to explore the town and discover many beautiful places in the Old Town. Albufeira is also home to some of the best water parks in the Algarve. In Slide & Splash, your kids will have a blast trying heart-racing rides like the Black Hole, The Big Wave, and Kamikaze.
Another fun attraction to take your kids to in Albufeira is the SandCity FIESA, home to some incredible and massive sand sculptures. It's about a 30-min drive from the centre of Albufeira. Here, you'll find remarkable sculptures made of sand, from famous movie characters to iconic landmarks.
Taking a pirate boat cruise to explore the Algarve coast is another fun activity for the family. Your kids will surely enjoy sailing on a pirate boat as you discover the unique charm of the Algarve coast. The authentic pirate boat will cruise past golden sand beaches, passing along dramatic rock formations. Most of these sailing trips depart from the Albufeira Marina.
For the more adventurous families, book a private 4x4 vehicle for an off-road safari in Albufeira. You'll drive through beautiful villages and venture into tranquil forests. Another option is a dune buggy adventure, guaranteed to give everyone an adrenaline rush as you ride through the rugged terrains of Albufeira.
The Mouth-watering Restaurants
If you're a family of foodies, you'll absolutely enjoy a holiday in Albufeira. The coastal city has a bustling food scene, serving cuisines suitable to all tastes, even the pickiest kids. Many restaurants in town are very welcoming of children, and some have a menu dedicated to the kids.
Set on the powdery sands of Evaristo Beach, Evaristo Restaurant is one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Albufeira. The stunning ocean views will make your dining experience even more enjoyable. While there's no official menu, the restaurant specialises in fish and seafood. It's also an ideal place for adults to enjoy delectable local wines while admiring the stunning rock formations in the surrounding.
