Hotels near Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira gets dismissed as a package-tour cliche, but the older part above the cliffs - Albufeira Velha - is a tightly packed grid of whitewashed houses, Moorish-era arches, and tiled steps tumbling down to Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach). Largo Eng. Duarte Pacheco, the main square, is the heart of the old town nightlife and a useful free Wi-Fi spot. Praia dos Pescadores is the easiest in-town beach and the Tunel da Praia, a 90-metre lit pedestrian tunnel cut through the cliff, is the most photographed entrance.

For something quieter, walk 15 minutes west along the clifftop boardwalk to Praia do Peneco and Praia do Tunel - same sand, half the crowds. The Strip (Rua Candido dos Reis to Avenida Sa Carneiro) is the nightlife epicentre and gets rowdy from June to September; Old Town stays calmer but still has good rooftop bars like Sky Bar. Daily fish market mornings at Mercado de Albufeira (Rua da Igreja Nova) end by 1 pm.

Pro Tip: Stay in Albufeira Velha rather than on The Strip - you'll get the historic atmosphere, cheaper accommodation, and a quick walk to both the old town beach and the nightlife when you want it. A taxi between the two zones costs 5-7 EUR.