Activities not to be missed in Albufeira
Paragliding over the Algarve coast, discovering Portugal's deep sea or taking a boat trip to the Benagil caves are some of the activities in Albufeira (Algarve) that you can't miss. As it is not easy to decide between so many options, below you will find a selection of activities in Albufeira that will help you decide what to do in Albufeira during your holiday.
In recent years, the Algarve has become one of the best beach holiday destinations for those looking to spend their holidays by the sea and in the sun. This southern region of Portugal, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, is characterised by charming seaside villages on the shores of the beach, such as Faro, Lagos and Albufeira.
But without a doubt, the most visited fishing village in the Algarve is Albufeira, as there are a lot of activities to do: amazing beaches, atmosphere in the streets, an important marina... Relax, nature, party... Everything is possible in Albufeira! Are you coming?
1. Paragliding over Albufeira
If you're not afraid of heights and are looking for an adrenaline rush during your holiday, a paragliding flight over Albufeira can be a great way to see the city. From your paraglider you can get a bird's eye view of the stunning beaches of Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Coelha and Praia do Túnel, skirt the impressive cliffs and see historical monuments such as the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila. A 20-25 minute tandem flight that will leave you speechless and eager to explore more of the city. So once you land, get ready because there are still plenty of things to do in Albufeira!
If you want to continue discovering the coast of Portugal from the heights, don't miss this article about the best places to paraglide in the Algarve.
2. Get to know Albufeira on a quad bike tour
Are you more down to earth? Then hop on a KAWASAKI Brute Force 300 quad, put on your helmet and goggles and get ready to start your engines. During 90 minutes you will cross mountain trails that will lead you to discover incredible landscapes of Albufeira such as the Paderne Castle, a 12th century fortification, or the village of Paderne, one of the oldest typical villages of the Algarve. This quad tour will allow you to discover Albufeira at full speed.
3. Parasailing in Albufeira Marina
Between Praia Praia dos Arrifes and Praia dos Pescadores, two of Albufeira's best beaches, is the Albufeira Marina: one of the city's nerve centres due to its wide range of hotels, shops, restaurants and sporting activities. One of the most fun activities not to be missed in this part of town is a parasailing flight. With the help of a paraglider attached to a boat, you will fly over the harbour and beaches of Albufeira at a height of 80 metres while the boat picks up speed - a short but very intense flight!
4. Boat trip to the caves of Benagil and dolphin spotting
Did you know that dolphins can be sighted in Portugal? A few years ago, bottlenose dolphins were only known to be present in the Sado Estuary (Lisbon). However, it is now possible to see bottlenose and common dolphins in the south, between the beaches of Portimão and Albufeira, where you will find some of the Algarve's must-see sites such as the Benagil caves and the beaches of Carvoeiro. A boat trip from the Port of Albufeira to Carvoeiro and Benagil can be a great opportunity to see these beautiful landscapes while enjoying the breathtaking spectacle of dolphins swimming in their natural habitat.
5. Diving trip by boat
6. Rent a jet ski
If you are a lover of speed and the sea, driving a jet ski is an experience you will love. At the Albufeira Marina you can rent a Yamaha WaveRunner jet ski and ride along the beaches of Albufeira at speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour. A completely different way of getting to know the coast where the combination of adrenaline, sun and the touch of the water on your skin is simply incredible.
7. Kayak excursion to the Benagil Caves
As mentioned above, the Benagil caves are one of the things you can't miss in Albufeira. If you are an active and adventurous person, visiting the Benagil caves by kayak can be a great plan for which you don't need to be a great athlete or previous experience. Moreover, once you get to the Benagil caves by kayak, you can stop to get to know the interior and observe the main attraction of this cave, the hole in the vault. A very complete kayak tour in which you will also visit Praia da Marinha.
8. Learn to surf at Praia da Galé
The Algarve is one of the best places in Europe for surfing due to its consistent and strong waves all year round. So why not learn how to surf in Albufeira? In this 2 hour surf lesson at Praia da Galé you will learn the basic theory of surfing and put it into practice on the best waves in the Algarve.
As you can see, Albufeira is the Algarve city where there is always something to do, from outdoor activities to shopping, not forgetting a swim at the beach or a restaurant to taste the Portuguese gastronomy. If you're still hungry for more, we recommend you check out this guided paddle surfing tour from Praia do Castelo to Praia do Ninho das Andorinhas in Albufeira or this Fly Boarding session from Armação de Pêra beach.