One of the most popular places to holiday with kids in Europe is the glorious Algarve in Portugal. Home to absolutely stunning beaches, breathtaking views and plenty of family friendly activities to keep you busy. Albufeira is one of my favourite places to base ourselves when we're exploring the Algarve as a family. It's less than half an hours drive from Faro airport and is a bustling seaside resort town which somehow manages to retain its Portuguese charm. There are loads of things to do with kids in Albufeira, here are my favourites.
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Spend a day at the Beaches in Albufeira
The main beach in Albufeira is Praia dos Pescadores. It’s easily walkable from all over town making it a very popular location for families. Praia dos Pescadores is both wide and deep with soft, golden sand and bars and restaurants bordering its length. The sea is clean and clear making it the perfect place for swimming although the waves can be quite strong so keep a close eye on your kids. The beach has an interesting rock formation at the bottom of the steps, it’s roped off but very pretty to look at and keep kids away from the cliffs as rock falls are not unheard of. I recommend bringing water shoes or flipflops to this beach as parts of the sand can feel rocky under foot.
In the summer there is an inflatable park on Praia dos Pescadores which is a brilliant place to keep the kids entertained. They can also try watersports and a great beach bar and restaurant you can relax at whilst the kids play in the sand. The beach has all the facilities you’ll need while your there including sunbeds to hire, toilets, showers and lifeguards during the season.
Which beach is best for kids in Albufeira
For me Praia da Falesia is the best beach in the Algarve to visit with kids. It’s just a fifteen minute drive from central Albufeira and well worth the trip out of town. The coastline bordering the beach is made up of towering orange rock formations and the sand is golden and consistently soft.
It’s a good place for letting the kids have a swim or paddle as the West end of the beach is very calm and shallow with a soft seabed. Falesia Beach is almost 6 km long so you’re sure to find plenty of space even in peak season. Plus there are many beach bars and restaurants along the sand.
A quieter option
If your family prefers quiet and rugged beaches to the busier ones in town, head to Praia dos Aveiros. This is a much smaller beach and nestled into a sheltered cove making it a good choice for a windy day. Whilst there are not heaps of family friendly facilities on this beach, there’s a lovely little restaurant for lunch, snacks and drinks. Plus lifeguards in the season, toilets, showers and sunbeds to rent for your day. There’s a reasonably sized car park about 300m from the beach. You’ll need to follow trail and steps next to the Auramar Hotel to access the beach.
Free things to do in Albufeira with kids
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a family holiday to Albufeira, the architecture and natural landscape provides plenty of entertainment. If you pack your own towels and picnic, a day on one of Albufeiras beaches can be completely free but there are plenty of other free things to do in Albufeira.
Wander Albufeira old town
The ultra charming mosaic covered walls and cobbled streets of Albufeira make for the perfect place to explore. Whilst the busy strip area of Albufeira is all about the party, Old Town retains its traditional Portuguese charm. It’s my favourite place for people watching and window shopping. Let the kids take the lead down the narrow allies, they’ll love being in charge and it’s practically impossible to get lost. Albufeira Old Town also has some fantastic restaurants if you’re after dinner.
Albufeira hiking
The Algarve is a fantastic place for those who like to hike. Some trails are a real challenge but there are also plenty of kid friendly hikes to try. My favourite is the Clifftop trail from Falesia Beach to Vilamoura, you’ll take in some fabulous rock formations and pine tree lined paths. Plus you can always pop down the beach steps if the kids fancy a quick paddle.
Albufeira marina
Albufeira Marina is fantastic place to spend an hour or two just soaking it all in. You’ll find this modern marina just to the West of Old Town. Kids will love seeing the glamorous boats moored up beneath the colourful buildings. This is another lovely place for dinner although some of the restaurants are pretty pricey.
Go village hopping
The best way to explore the Algarve is by car. Whilst you could easily spend your whole holiday just in Albufeira there’s is also heaps to do out of town. This area is home to some of the prettiest towns in Europe.
Estoi is probably one of the most famous, home to the stunning Palace of Estoi built in the 1840’s and is just over half an hours drive from Albufeira. We also loved tiny Burgau, an authentic Portuguese fishing village. Home to whitewashed buildings, a gorgeous stretch of sand and fabulous beach restaurant. Sagres is another popular option and around an hour and a half drive from Albufeira. Located on the South West point of Portugal the village is so remote it feels like you’ve stepped into a different world. Kids will love the ancient fort which was built in the 15th century.
Visit the beautiful churches
Albufeira is home to several stunning churches, traditional by design with invitingly cool interiors. Igreja Matriz de Albufeira is a neo classical parish church which was built in the 18th century. Or the Igreja de Sao Sebastiao which is home to some amazing religious art.
Great value things to do with kids in Albufeira
Adventure Park Albufeira
Adventure park Albufeira is a brilliant outdoor play ground that both kids and adults will love. It’s home to several levels of high ropes course strung from the shady treetops. Kids will love the massive zipline and bouncy rope nets. There’s also a paintball field full of natural and artificial obstacles.
Albufeira Waterparks
Albufeira is close to several brilliant waterparks. Aquashow in Quarteria just half an hours drive from Albufeira has animal shows, high adrenaline slides and several dedicated kids areas. There’s also Aqualand in Alcantarilha, 20 minutes drive from Albufeira. This one is great for younger kids and has a lovely lazy river and plenty of shallow areas for paddling. Finally there’s Slide and Splash which is also half an hours drive from town. Again this park has bird and reptile shows, a brilliant toddler area and a big wave area. Most of these water parks only open fro around Easter until October so be sure to check before you go.
Jeep safaris
Off road buggy tours are popular all over the Algarve and are guaranteed to delight little adrenaline junkies. You’ll follow specially selected trails over land chasing some amazing views. Kids will need to be seven or over to take part in this activity. Adult drivers will need to bring their drivers license. This off road buggy tour will take you up to the lovely Paderne Castle and lasts around an hour and a half. Be sure to wear old clothes and even something to cover your mouth – it can be very dusty.
Adventure mini golf Albufeira
I love a good game of mini golf, it just feels like a very “holidayish” activity. Adventure Mini Golf in Albufeira is an extensive course with a great bar and restaurant to help you celebrate your win.
Fiesa sand sculpture festival
A trip to the Fiesa Sand Sculpture festival at Sandcity is well worth the 30 minute drive from Albufeira. Kids will absolutely love the 120 incredibly intricate sand sculptures on display, many of which will depict their favourite fictional characters. There’s also a brilliant playground and plenty of shaded areas for a lunch break.
Krazy World
This amusement park in Algos, 20 minutes from Albufeira has a little bit of everything. Home to a petting zoo, swimming pools, reptile house, natural outdoor playground, mini golf and pedal carts. It’s a great value place to spend a full day. Make sure to check the Krazy World website for up to date opening times.
Hop on the Land Train
Exploring on foot is not always the most fun when you’re with kids. Land trains are a great way to forego the moans about tired legs. The Albufeira tourist train stops at 4 strategic stops whilst making a full loop of Albufeira. It takes around 40 minutes in total and there are normally 2 trains doing the route so you’ll never be waiting too long. It’s only a few euros to ride the train and kids under 6 are free.
Sail the seas on a pirate ship
For something completely unique in Albufeira how about a pirate ship cruise. These tours last a few hours and stop at some gorgeous hidden beaches. They leave from Albufeira marina and offer some gorgeous fews of the coast from the sea.
Things to do with kids in Albufeira when it’s raining
Whilst it doesn’t happen all that often, it does occasionally rain in the Algarve. It’s always good to have some indoor activities on hand for if you need them.
Bowling
Hotshot Bowling Arcade is located near Albufeira Marina. It has 7 lanes and plenty of arcade stle amusements. This bowling alley is closed on Wednesdays.
Go Karting
Kids 15 and over can try out Go Karting at Algarve Karting. All the carts are electric and really get up some speed wizzing round the 400 metre track. The course is indoor so no worries about a slippy track.
Albufeira Archeological Museum
Located in the Old Town, the Albufeira Archeological Museum offers a fascinating look into the Algarves past. Exhibits cover Prehistory, The Roman Period, the Islamic Period and the Modern Age. It’s not huge so you wont need to spend hours exploring, it’s the perfect place to see out a quick shower. The museum is closed on Mondays and kids under 14 are free.
Albufeira tours with kids
There are heaps of family friendly Albufeira Tours you’ll want to book during your stay. Many of them involved hopping on a boat at the marina and sailing out to sea. One of the most popular is to the fascinating Benagil cave formations just along the Algarve coast where you’ll often see dolphins along the way. Book it on Get Your Guide.
Where to stay in Albufeira, Portugal
The Algarve is full of family friendly hotels, many of them are All Inclusive. In fact one of the best things to do with kids in Albufeira is simply to hang around your hotels pool.
We love the immense Pine Cliffs Residence looked in Falesia Beach which is a gorgeous 5 start resort style hotel. Home to a spa, tennis courts, golf course and 2 beautiful pools with direct access to the beach.
Another great option at Falesia beach is the AP Adriana. A great value all inclusive family friendly hotel. It has heaps of entertainment options for all ages, several pools and modern family sized rooms. Read about our stay at the AP Adriana Beach Resort to discover more.
For the ultimate luxury escape try the Salgados Dunas resort in neighbouring Guia which has nine pools, stunning gardens and beautiful suites.
If you fancy staying a bit further from Albufeira but still close to the beach, great restaurants and things to do have a look at my list of family hotels in Vilamoura.
How to get to Albufeira from Faro
If you’re flying into The Algarve, you’re likely to land at Faro airport. It’s pretty straight forward to get into Albufeira from there. If you’re hiring a car you’ll want the N-125 heading West. Then you’ll pick up the A22, again going West. You’ll exit the motorway and pick up the N395 all the way in to Albufeira. The drive should take just over half an hour.
Airport transfer Faro to Albufeira
You could also book a private transfer which tends to be my favourite option if I know I’ll be tired after a flight. Especially when traveling with kids! We use Holiday Taxis which have never let us down. The one way transfer should cost under £50.
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