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Historic center · Albufeira, Faro
Cidade Velha de Albufeira
Old quarter of white houses and narrow streets on the cliff, which descends to Praia dos Pescadores, where fishing boats still sit on the sand. A tunnel links the town to the beach.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cidade Velha de Albufeira
Albufeira has Roman and Muslim origins, and the name comes from the Arabic al-buhera, related to a lagoon. For centuries it was a fishing village, and tourism grew from the 1960s onward.
The cidade velha occupies the top of the cliff, with white houses, cobbled streets, the Igreja Matriz and Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, full of restaurants and bars.
A tunnel carved into the rock connects the centre to Praia dos Pescadores, broad and light-sanded, where colorful fishing boats still often remain beached at the eastern end.
Public elevators and stairways link the upper part to the beach, and a cliffside promenade offers views over the sea.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours; half a day with the beach.
Best time
In the morning, when the beach is calmer. At night the cidade velha becomes lively, especially in the European summer.
How to get there
The cidade velha is in the centre of Albufeira, about 6 km from Albufeira-Ferreiras station, with buses.
Tip
Use the tunnel to reach the beach. The restaurants on the largo are pricier; in the side streets there are simpler options.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cidade Velha de Albufeira
How to get from the old town to Praia dos Pescadores?
Via a tunnel carved into the rock, by the steps or by the public elevators.
Does Praia dos Pescadores still have fishing boats?
Yes, they usually stay at the eastern end of the sand.
Where does the name Albufeira come from?
From the Arabic al-buhera, related to a lagoon.