Best Things to Do in Albufeira

A family holiday or hen party, whatever the occasion, Albufeira is the perfect destination for everyone. So, what are the best things to do in Albufeira?

Albufeira is known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, but it has so much more to offer and hidden gems waiting to be explored. It is the perfect destination for those who like to relax, adventure, and party, as it offers all three in one place.

• Best Things to Do in Albufeira with Family
• Adventure in Albufeira
• Nightlife in Albufeira
• Best Things to Do in Albufeira Oldtown
• Other Fun Things to Do in Albufeira

Best Things to Do in Albufeira with Family

Slide around the Waterparks

You and your family can choose from two waterparks on your trip to Albufeira. Waterparks are fun for all the family and are one of the best things to do in Albufeira.

Slide & Splash

You are guaranteed a jam-packed day full of fun and excitement at Slide & Splash. With 20 slides, you can decide what ones you want to do or do them all. Will you brave the Big Wave or sing your way down Disco River? Take a break from the adrenaline of the waterslides and see the Wild Splash Show, get up close to birds of prey, and learn a little about them. If slides aren’t your thing, why not relax, get a massage, and enjoy a fish spa? With an ice cream shop, restaurant and shop at Slide & Splash, you can spend the whole day without worrying about getting food.

Aquashow

Another great waterpark is Aquashow, roughly a 30-minute drive from Albufeira. Although Aquashow has fewer waterparks than Slide & Splash, it offers more shows. Choose to float down the Lazy River or give the waterparks newest slide Mammothblast a go. If the slides aren’t enough to satisfy your adrenaline buzz, why not try the amusement rides, Air Race and Top Swing? Once you have tired yourself from the adventures, see the fabulous shows Aquashow puts on every day. You will find one from Parrot, bird of prey, and reptile shows that interest you.

Spend a day at the Zoomarine

Zoomarine is a lovely place to spend the day with the family. With shows that keep both children and adults entertained. The Zoomarine offers many different shows throughout the day, including seal presentations, sea lion presentations, tropical bird presentations, and the impressive pirate-themed acrobatic show. Cool down at the waterpark and enjoy the Jurassic River, or go up in the air on the Giant Wheel to get a fantastic view of the park from above. Zoomarine also offers a dolphin experience that allows you and your family to swim and interact with dolphins with a trainer present. Whatever you decide to do at Zoomarine, you are guaranteed an unforgettable day out.

Discover the animals at Krazy World

Krazy World is an interactive zoo with something for the entire family. Go to the petting farm and get close to lamas, deer and goats. Krazy World also allows you and the family to interact with rabbits, tortoises and birds, to name a few, and if you are feeling brave, you can feed lemurs and crocodiles. Once you have seen all the animals in the zoo, you can do a round of mini golf, zip around the circuits on Krazy World’s pedal karts or go up in the air on the ziplines and high ropes in the park.

Practise your Golf Skills at Mini Golf

Albufeira Adventure MiniGolf is a fun way to spend some time on your trip to Albufeira. The 18-hole + 2 bonus holes on the course will bring out the competitive side of your family and friends. This MiniGolf course promises to challenge and entertain you with its unique design. A bar and restaurant are next to the golf course, where you can sit, relax, eat and drink while watching fellow minigolfers navigate the MiniGolf course.

Zoom around the Karting Track

Whether you need speed or not, Almancil Karting – Family Park has activities for everyone in the family. For any Formula 1 fan, Almancil Karting has an impressive circuit called Ayrton Senna Circuit, a replica of the F1 circuit Jacarepaguá in Brazil. There are also junior and baby circuits for the younger ones in the family. If karting isn’t for you, why not try the trampoline, ride the rodeo bulls or battle with your family and friends with a paintballing activity? Almancil Karting Family park also allows you to go on Buggies for 1 or 2 hours, however the driver will need a drivers license to take part.

Explore Albufeira on the Mini Train

Taking the mini train around Albufeira will surely be a hit with the children. For just €7, you can get an all-day ticket for the tourist train, which will take you to the best tourist spots Albufeira offers. You can take the two routes and hop on and off at your own pace, exploring the town’s beauties without all the walking.

Read our article Best Places for Families to Visit in Portugal to prepare for your next holiday.

Adventure in Albufeira

Kayak into the Benagil Caves

Kayaking into the Benagil Caves should be at the top of your list of the best things to do in Albufeira. With the Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience, spend two hours kayaking the Algarve coastline and enjoying the gorgeous views. You can choose from 1-person or 2-person kayaks. Your guide will bring you into the Benagil caves, where you will stop for a while to admire the cave’s beauty, and then you will continue to kayak the coast before returning to Benagil beach. You may do a lot of activities on your trip to Albufeira, but kayaking the Benagil caves is an experience you will not forget.

Jet Skiing & Flyboarding

If you want something fun and exciting, why not go jet skiing and flyboarding? Release your inner adrenaline junkie and take on the latest thrilling craze, flyboarding. This unique water sport allows you to fly out of the water and hover over the Atlantic Ocean. Or, feel like you are in a James Bond movie, jumping over ocean waves on a jet ski.

See Amazing Views by Parasail

Get the best view of the Algarve coastline while flying through the sky on a parasail. Choose to go solo or have someone by your side as you glide through the air above the crystal blue ocean. Parasailing usually lasts about 10 minutes, enough time to soak in the beautiful scenery.

Snorkelling

Another different experience to add to your list of the best things to do in Albufeira is snorkelling. Discover Albufeira’s marine life up close while getting expert insights from your professional guide. If the idea of scuba diving scares you, but you would love to explore the underwater world, then snorkelling is perfect.

Nightlife in Albufeira

Along with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities, Albufeira has unbelievable nightlife. The Strip is the epitome of Party Central. Walking down The Strip is like looking at Las Vegas with its neon lights, loud music and energetic buzz. You are guaranteed a fun night at the Strip with many bars and clubs. Many bars will try to entice you by offering free shots or special cocktail deals. Be prepared to sing and dance into the early hours as bars in Albufeira don’t close until 2 or 3 a.m., and the nightclubs stay open until 6.

Also read: Things to do in Portugal in your 20’s.

Best Things to Do in Albufeira Oldtown

The Oldtown is a must-visit on your list of best things to do in Albufeira. The quaint fishing village offers exquisite alfresco dining and fabulous shops where you can buy anything from fabulous clothing to little tokens. Go to the old town in the evening and eat at one of the many beachfront restaurants to watch the sunset as you dine.

During the day, explore the narrow cobblestone streets and relax on one of the two beaches, Praia dos Pescadores or Praia do Peneco. If you love history, the old town has a small museum called the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, which holds artefacts from the Roman, Islamic, prehistoric, and modern eras.

Marina de Albufeira is to the west of the Old Town. It is surrounded by colourful buildings that brighten the marina and uplift the atmosphere. There are many lovely restaurants and bars along the marina, where you can relax with a coffee or a cocktail. Some bars have live music that lights up the marina and entertains you while sitting in the glorious sun.

There are many shops to browse around in, and there is an arcade for the children to keep them amused. Suppose you decide to do any boat excursions. In that case, you will likely leave Marina de Albufeira, so you could spend your day exploring what the marina offers before your chosen activity.

Other Fun Things to Do in Albufeira

We already have an extensive list of things to do in Albufeira, but more options are still available. Here are a few fun and unique things you can do in Albufeira that you may not have thought of.

Take a TukTuk Ride around Albufeira

Whether you need to get to a specific destination, want to see Albufeira without walking or just can’t tackle the big hill to get back to your hotel, a TukTuk is the way to go. You will have a laugh zooming through the streets of Albufeira on the back of a TukTuk. The novelty of the TukTuk makes this a unique experience for those who are more used to taxis and cars.

Go on a Catamaran

If you don’t get seasick, a boat trip should be among Albufeira’s best things to do. You get to admire the caves and coastlines on board a catamaran as you cruise the ocean. Going on a catamaran is a fun and exciting way to spend a few hours. You get the opportunity to jump in and swim in the sea, and when you are finished swimming, you can relax on board and sunbathe while taking in the stunning views.

If cruises are fun and you want to experience something different, you can also go dolphin-watching. Albufeira offers cruises around the coastline, during which you will see dolphins as they swim and play in their natural habitat. This unique experience will be a highlight of your trip to Albufeira.

Dance at a Boat Party

See the beautiful coastline and caves of Albufeira while partying on a boat. A boat party is a fun way to spend an evening, allowing you to jump off a boat and swim for a while. Sing and dance the evening away, and watch the stunning sunset on the coastline as you sail the sea. It is recommended to bring warm clothes for when the sunsets as the sea breeze can get quite chilly.

Relax and Eat on the Beach

Albufeira has several beaches. Praia da Oura offers visitors a tranquil escape with its soft white sand and clear blue waters. Spend the day relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea. Many water activities are readily available for beachgoers, from banana boats to paddle boats. Praia da Oura has various restaurants above the beach, which offer gorgeous views of the beach at any time of day. A few days at Praia da Oura is one of the best things to do in Albufeira.

Jeep Safari

A half-day Jeep Safari is a cool activity to do while on your trip to Albufeira. Get out of the busy towns and explore the mountains on wheels. With swim stops and food tasting included on safari, it is truly a unique experience you won’t forget. A guide will bring you along and cover the landscape’s highlights as you drive through the mountains and see parts of the Algarve that you would have never seen before.

Have fun at Scad Dive Costa Amusement Park

The 50-meter FreeFall at Scad Dive Costa Amusement Park is sure to give you a rush of adrenaline. This activity is perfect for those who like adventure and want to do something unique. If the heights frighten you, don’t worry; there are many other activities for you and the family to enjoy. With trampolines, a bouncy castle, water boats, and more, you won’t get bored at Scad Dive Costa Amusement Park, located close to the Strip in Albufeira.

Hopefully, this list of the best things to do in Albufeira will help you make the most of your trip to Portugal. Why not give this article on Portugal a read to get more inspiration for your trip: Top 11 Things to Do in Portugal