Explore the best things to do in Albufeira in February with its quiet beaches, vibrant culture, and amazing gastronomy.
Not a lot of people travel Algarve in winter—it’s cold, you can’t swim on the beaches yet, and not many tourists are around!
But should this stop you from visiting Albufeira in February? Absolutely not!
Sure, we all love the summer heat. But Albufeira’s “off-season” also has its perks: cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and no scorching heat from the sun!
Trust me, Albufeira in February can still be as fun as it is in the peak seasons!
To prove this, I’ve listed the best things to do in Albufeira in February.
This post covers everything from ocean activities, land adventures, theme park visits, food excursions, and even parties! So I’m sure you’ll see that there’s nothing boring about Algarve in winter!
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Table of Contents
Overview: My Top Things to Do in Albufeira in February
- Explore Albufeira Old Town
- Go Dolphin Watching
- Discover the Algar Seco Caves
1. Explore Albufeira Old Town
The first stop you must make while staying in Albufeira is the historical Old Town—one of the best tourist attractions in Albufeira.
This charming area is usually packed with crowds during the peak summer season.
No tourist can resist visiting and splurging on cafes and local stalls, after all!
But since you’re visiting in February, you’ll enjoy much more privacy.
Walk through the cobblestone streets while surrounded by the rich Moorish and Portuguese influences.
Or, join a Tuk-tuk sightseeing tour to remove the guesswork and stress of planning out your Old Town itinerary.
Either way, make sure to bring cash with you—I’m sure plenty of local handcrafted items will catch your eye!
Oh, and good news—many of the best luxury hotels in the Algarve are located within walking distance. You won’t have a problem finding good accommodation in Albufeira.
2. Go Dolphin Watching
I know most people don’t think of going dolphin-watching in the middle of winter.
But trust me, this is a must-not-miss activity in Albufeira in February.
Most boats aren’t crowded, and you get off-season discounts!
If you don’t like breezy winds, just bring a slightly thicker jacket, and there’s literally nothing to hate about this activity.
I joined this 2.5-hour dolphin-watching tour last time I was in Albufeira for the winter.
It was certainly one of the best things to do in Albufeira for families.
We entered the iconic Benagil caves by boat (and even got the chance to walk for a bit inside them). And, of course, dolphins accompanied our journey from start to finish!
Every guide on board was friendly, funny, and just amazing to be with.
I think the only acceptable reason you may want to miss this activity is if you’re terrified of water!
3. Enjoy Praia da Falésia
Still wondering what to do in Albufeira in February?
Here’s my top tip: set aside at least one day to enjoy Praia da Falésia.
Sure, February may not be “beach weather” yet, but this beach isn’t just renowned for water activities!
In February, Albufeira’s weather is perfect for long walks, sunset chasing, and, of course, enjoying the views of stunning cliffs that aren’t like anything else in Algarve.
On certain days in February, the weather is even hot enough for you to sunbathe!
Is it a great photo spot? Absolutely! You won’t have a random stranger popping up in the background as you pose for your new IG post.
The best part? Entering the park is free, so you can spend more money on food or souvenirs in the area.
4. Attend Carnival Celebrations
Now, let me introduce the February (sometimes early March) highlight in Algarve—Loulé Carnival. Definitely one of the best things to do in Albufeira with kids!
It’s the oldest carnival in Portugal (over 100 years of history).
And if there’s one thing I can promise, these celebrations won’t disappoint. They usually last for at least 3 days.
You’ll see endless extravagant parades with vibrant costumes, live music, and an energetic atmosphere throughout this time!
There’s food and fun everywhere, so even if you spend the whole day attending the celebrations, you (and your loved ones) will never get bored!
Fun fact: A children’s Carnival is held before the main festival, too!
Make sure to book hotels in Albufeira, Algarve, early if you’re planning to join the Carnival celebrations. After all, calling this a big event is an understatement!
5. Visit Zoomarine Algarve
For families, one of the top Albufeira things to do in February is to visit Zoomarine.
It’s like a marine zoo and a theme park combined in one.
So, you can watch dolphins dancing on one end of the park and enjoy themed rides like roller coasters or attractions like 4D cinema on another side!
Can you swim in the Zoomarine Algarve?
Well, there are pools and waterslides available. Unfortunately, February might be too cold to pack swimsuits yet.
Don’t be too disappointed, though! There are still plenty of ways to enjoy your time in the park!
You can walk through the gardens, spotting birds and turtles in their natural habitat. Plus, you can attend educational talks as you take a few breaks from all the walking and excitement!
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6. Discover the Algar Seco Caves
The Algar Seco Caves are not your ordinary dark, narrow, and damp caves.
These caves feature bizarre and surreal rock formations that quite literally make them look like they’ve been sculpted by artists!
Jagged cliffs at the top, with graceful curves, sweeping arches, and mysterious grottoes. These cliffs are so intricate that it’s hard to believe they’re natural!
If you want to be your own explorer, you can stroll through these caves via the boardwalk from Carvoeiro to enjoy their cliff-top views (yes, they’re easy to access by land).
But, for the best enjoyment, I highly recommend booking this hiking tour.
It takes you through Benagil, Algar Seco, Marinha, and 7 Valleys without needing you to jump on a boat!
It’s perfect for exercising and avoiding breezy water splashes without missing out on the natural wonders of Algarve!
7. Taste Traditional Portuguese Cuisine
Travel is only half the fun if you don’t explore your destination’s local cuisine.
So, next on the list of adventures is tasting traditional Portuguese dishes!
Since Albufeira is a marine town, you’re guaranteed to find fresh seafood, such as the cataplana.
Not a big fan of seafood? Well, Albufeira is still great for meat lovers, as well as beef or pork pestiscos de taberna (tapas), pastries, cheese, and wine!
The best way to explore the food culture is to book a slot for this Portuguese Tapas and Wine Restaurant Experience.
Think of this as a tour that exclusively teaches you about Portuguese cuisine.
There’ll be a guide, so you won’t just be eating at a restaurant, too shy to ask which dishes to order!
8. Hike Seven Hanging Valleys
Hiking is one of my favorite things to do in Albufeira in February. I can avoid sweltering heat and large crowds on crowded trails while spotting wildflowers every now and then!
And when it comes to hiking in Algarve trails, the Seven Hanging Valleys is by far one of the most popular trails in the city.
As the name suggests, this 5.7 km trail specifically features 7 different valleys that are all unique.
You’ll get to see Benagil Beach, Praia da Marinha, and other dramatic coastlines, each on their own is a tourist destination.
If you want to hike with others or with a guide, once again, this hiking tour will be your best shot at enjoying this activity.
The guide doesn’t rush the hike and gives plenty of time for pictures and rest, so it’s an ideal way to explore the Seven Hanging Valleys!
This hike is the best way to experience winter in Algarve! Just keep in mind that this is a moderate hike, with uneven paths and uphill sections, so make sure to prepare accordingly.
9. Stroll Along Albufeira Marina
Albufeira Marina is just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, but it has an entirely new and different charm!
It’s a beautiful, busy harbor with a giant parking lot for the locals’ boats.
Oh, but don’t imagine boring harbors where nothing is going on for the non-boaters.
Albufeira Marina is a vibrant, colorful mini-town designed to cater to tourists as well!
Buildings adjacent to the water are adorned with pastel colors, and bars, restaurants, and leisure centers are just a short walk away.
Wondering what to do in Albufeira at night? The Marina also has the best answers.
Its vibe in the morning may be very laid back, perfect for relaxing, but at night, the Marina also knows how to bring some fun!
It’s home to many lively pubs, clubs, and local shops around, so you’re bound to find plenty of things to do in Albufeira at night here.
My favorite beer stop at the Marina is the Irish Pub Jacks, with the Fat Cat’s Bar coming at a close second.
As one of the best places in Algarve, touring the Marina is really one of the best things to do in Albufeira in February.
10. Join a Winery and Wine Tasting Tour
Wine lovers— rejoice as Albufeira is known for its rich wine culture!
Its history of winemaking dates back to Roman times, so as you’d expect, you’re bound to taste and buy some of the most exquisite wines in Europe!
Most are family-owned wineries, so they have that cozy, welcoming atmosphere to be experienced.
To enjoy the local wine, we joined this winery tour, which included wine tasting paired with charcuterie and cheese tapas.
We saw the entire winemaking process, from harvest to bottle (not every winery shows this).
And before being dropped home, the driver showed us a mini quick tour of the city as well!
This tour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Albufeira in February.
11. Explore Local Markets
For cities so closely tied to nature like Albufeira, you can’t just miss visiting local markets when you visit.
This was one of my favorite things to do in Albufeira in March, but I’m sure February offers the exact same experience.
Colder months mean vegetables are in season. So, if you can cook in your Airbnb in Albufeira, make sure to take advantage of the fresh produce!
You’ll also find several fresh fruits like oranges and pears, which are perfect for keeping your vitamin levels in check as well.
In addition to fresh produce, you can, of course, buy local treats like pastéis de data and souvenirs to take home.
Markets are the busiest in the mornings, but I’d still recommend going as early as possible to snag the best, fresh goods available. By the way, cash is almost always preferred, so be prepared.
12. Take a Sunset Cruise
Sunset cruises are some of the best things to do in Algarve.
You’ll be surrounded by Algarve’s beautiful landscapes, caves, and beaches. And who doesn’t love being in the middle of the sea anyway?
I’ve been on about three sunset cruises in Albufeira.
Here’s my favorite: a sunset cruise with a beach BBQ experience. The tour lasts for 6 hours, and unlike most cruises, there is a lot of partying and live music.
You’ll be hopping on and off the boat (it seems like the fun never stops).
Everything was flawless—from the boat’s condition to the food choices in the BBQ and even the prices of the beverages!
Just make sure to dress warmly. Other than that, prepare to have fun until darkness hits.
With cooler weather and fewer crowds, this activity is really one of the most romantic things to do in Portugal in February.
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My Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Albufeira in February
I’ve heard countless people ask, “Is Albufeira worth visiting in winter?” before (I’m my friends’ Albufeira tourist information guide, LOL).
Truth be told, it’s shocking how many still don’t know the beauty and perks of enjoying the area in colder months!
See, I love Albufeira in winter. So much so that I can’t even count how many times I’ve taken day trips from Lagos to Albufeira when I was exploring things to do in Albufeira in March!
Whether it’s February, January, or March—don’t think twice about booking a trip to Albufeira just because it’s “off-season.”
Travel is about you, not anybody else!
So, even if there aren’t too many tourists exploring the city, you’ll still have a blast enjoying the activities for yourself!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
