Albufeira is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve, thanks to its expansive golden sands and central location. Choosing where to stay in Albufeira and getting the right accommodation for your needs can be tricky as you won’t necessarily want to stay in the party zone or too far from the beach.
I’ve selected some of the best Albufeira accommodation in terms of location, facilities, service and value for money at different price points to make life easier for you.
One very important tip: Book early to avoid disapointment!
Wondering what to do in Albufeira? Read this article to find out
Areas to aim for:
- The Old Town, for culture, charm, plenty of restaurants and easy access to the beach
- Albufeira Marina with its candy-coloured buildings and easy access for boat trips and the fishing harbour
- Praia de São Rafael for easy access to a wide sandy beach in a natural setting, often overlooked by tourists
- Praia da Falesia is a little further out of the city and good for a relaxing stay for families and couples
- Olhos de Água, a quieter fishing village with a small beach and plenty of restaurants
Areas you may want to avoid:
- Areias de São João (or, ‘The Strip’) for the party animals
- Montechoro, close to The Strip and growing in popularity with the youngsters
5 star Albufeira hotels
There is quite a choice of 5 star hotels in Albufeira but beware, none are particularly close to the centre of the town. They have wonderful seaside locations but if you want to explore Albufeira’s sights and attractions then transport is necessary.
Pine Cliffs
One of the best hotels in Albufeira is Pine Cliffs Hotel. It’s a luxury resort with an amazing cliff-top location above one of the Algarve’s best beaches, Praia da Falésia. First class facilities include 8 restaurants and a seasonal water sports centre and rooms come with an ocean or resort view.
It’s 7 km from the centre of Albufeira but there’s free car parking or you can take a cab into town if you want to go sightseeing or shopping. Choose a spectacular room or suite with ocean view.
If you’d prefer the freedom and spaciousness of an apartment, Pine Cliffs Residence offers luxury self-catering accommodation.
São Rafael Atlantico
Sao Rafael Atlantico is the closest 5-star hotel to Albufeira but is still a 10-minute drive away. Next to a nature reserve, it has everything you’d expect from a top hotel including private access to the beautiful São Rafael Beach and 2 heated pools.
The brightly-decorated rooms come with either ocean or garden views. See more photos and choose your room.
Luxury villas in Albufeira
If you’re looking for a luxury villa, Vila Balaia has a small cluster of self-contained villas set within landscaped gardens around an outdoor heated pool. It’s close to the huge Falesia beach and free private parking is available onsite. It’s just over 3 km to Albufeira Old Town. Check for dates.
Alternatively, you can search Plum Guide for independently-run villas in different parts of Albufeira.
4 star hotels in Albufeira
Hotels in Old town Albufeira
One of the best hotels in Albufeira Old Town and right on the beach is Hotel Sol e Mar Albufeira – Adults Only. Bedrooms have private balconies with sea views and you can dine in the very good onsite restaurant.
There’s no parking facility but a car isn’t necessary if you just want to spend time in Albufeira. Book your room overlooking the beach.
Rocamar Exclusive Hotel & Spa – Adults Only is just above Praia dos Peneco and in the heart of the old town but slightly removed from the most crowded spots. You can relax in the pool and enjoy sea views from the restaurant. Check out the rooms and book one with a sea view.
Praia da Falesia
To avoid the noise of bars and experience a luxurious 4 star hotel, Falésia Hotel – Adults Only is ideal. It’s 7 km from Albufeira and the hotel is surrounded by large gardens and has indoor and outdoor pools plus a hot tub.
Rooms come with private balconies and, for the golfers, the world renowned Pine Cliffs Golf Course is close by. Falesia beach is a 10 minute walk and there are free shuttle buses if you don’t want to walk. Check out the photos and book your stay.
3 star Albufeira hotels
Overlooking Abufeira marina is the Cerro Da Marina Hotel. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, each room comes with a balcony and overlooks the garden or the pool. Free private parking is available at the hotel and they also have apartments. See available accommodation options for your dates
A 5-minute drive away, near Olhos d’Agua, is Velamar Boutique Hotel. Rooms are elegantly furnished and some come with either views over the tranquil fishing village or the Atlantic Ocean. There’s an outdoor pool and the hotel offers free car parking. See photos.
More Albufeira accommodation for larger groups can be found at the excellent Plum Guide.
Apartments and villas
Sea Spritz is a villa that sleeps up to 8 people with a lovely private balcony that overlooks the beach. Everything is modern and the kitchen has everything you need although there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Take a look at the photos.
Apartamentos Rossio Mar has clean and simply designed apartments within two buildings (one with an outdoor pool) very close to the Praia do Peneco’s elevator. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.Check your dates.
In the centre of Albufeira is Garden Hill Relax & Old Town by OCvillas offering 1 or 2-bedroomed apartments, some with sea or garden views. Kitchens come fully equipped and accommodation is spotless. Book your apartment now.
About 3 km outside of Albufeira is Sao Rafael Holidays, providing luxury villas, apartments and a guesthouse. Kitchenettes are well-equipped and the outdoor pool is the perfect place to relax after a long day. Choose your perfect accommodation.
Nothing quite fitting the bill for your ideal Albufeira accommodation? Search Booking.com for other great options.
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We are enjoying your blog ! We just may book our flights prior to our accommodations – and wonder if we should book Fri – Fri , or Sat – Sat or Sun- Sun – which is more common ?