Welcome to Albufeira, nestled in the Algarve, Portugal’s southern gem.
As May paints the town with warmth, Albufeira beckons with various experiences. Having explored its streets and shores, I can keep raving about this place’s unique magic for ages.
My guide will help you discover the best things to do in Albufeira in May as you travel Algarve, from beachside strolls to cultural immersions and thrilling adventures.
Whether seeking relaxation or excitement, Albufeira offers warmth, wonder, and endless possibilities. Join me in May on a journey to uncover its vibrant spirit.
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Table of Contents
Best things to do in Albufeira in May
- Tour the city and beaches
- Visit Zoomarine Algarve
- Go on a sunset cruise
- Explore via tuk-tuk
- Book a mindfulness experience
1. Hit the Beaches
Albufeira boasts some of the best beaches in Portugal and even Europe.
Its long shores of white sands, clear blue-green waters, and rocky golden cliffs are a delight.
Praia dos Pescadores, which faces the town, is the most popular beach, while Praia de São Rafael is the most precious.
It is less known and walled by the scenic views of Reserva Natural Caminho da Baleeira—a great spot for hiking in the Algarve.
After a fantastic night out, you may head to Praia da Oura beach, just down the road from “The Strip.”
Here, savor one of the free things to do in Albufeira—rest and soak in the mild early morning sunlight as you lie on the soft white sand and hear the gentle waves.
Resorts offer more water sports rentals by May.
Among the things to do around Albufeira, I enjoyed hanging out with friends at seaside cafes like the Castelo Beach Club while admiring the beautiful beaches.
2. Visit Albufeira Old Town
Travel is a delightful way to learn about culture and history.
A must for your things to do in Albufeira in May is a visit to Albufeira Old Town.
The Old Town is an ancient fishing village with a central plaza with cobblestones and mosaic-patterned ground extending to winding narrow streets.
You’ll cherish the simple pleasure of walking its hilly streets, lined with whitewashed or tiled-wall houses and establishments with Portuguese traces.
The Old Town is also the home of Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros and Museo Arqueologico, which exhibit Albufeira’s significant arts and historical artifacts.
A city sightseeing and beach tour showcases more hidden gems in the Old Town, such as the Clock Tower, built in the 18th century, and the Church of São Sebastião, which has an altar of 17th—and 18th-century statues and a baroque main doorway.
Book a city sightseeing and beach tour
3. Enjoy Water Activities
Tagged as the liveliest in the Algarve, Albufeira starts to attract water enthusiasts in May.
Visitors can access unlimited water sports, but the most popular is stand-up paddleboarding or SUP, which involves standing up on the board while paddling.
SUP at Praia da Coelha is an exciting adventure to explore the caves and toothed cliffs of the charming Praia da Coelha beach.
Boat tours to watch dolphins and enjoy the sunset are in-demand water activities in Albufeira, as are things to do in Vilamoura.
Some of the beaches in Algarve, particularly the Arrifes Beach, are rocky but ideal for snorkeling, another must-have for your things to do in Albufeira in May.
If you’re up for speed and adrenaline, jetski rentals are also available.
Book a stand-up paddleboard tour
4. Explore Zoomarine Algarve
One of the top tourist attractions in Albufeira is the Zoomarine Algarve, a family-themed park with spectacular aquamarine shows, rides, and water park adventures.
The whole family can witness the richness of marine life at the Zoomarine Aquarium or race through an exhilarating water slide, Quetzal.
But among the best things to see in Albufeira and Zoomarine is the demo of the dolphins’ agility and their special bond with their trainers.
Cherish these beautiful moments with the kids as you participate in the Dolphin Emotions Experience.
Most of the activities are extremely enjoyable but designed to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
Definitely, a one-of-a-kind family destination to experience at the onset of spring or as early as your things to do in Albufeira in April.
5. Experience Albufeira’s Nightlife
What to do in Albufeira at night?
If your group wants a level-up party until sunrise, “The Strip” is where to dance the night away.
An avenue of clubs and bars commonly frequented by Northern European tourists, it’s the center of Albufeira’s nightlife.
The parties are even livelier during the peak months of July and August when international DJs come over.
May is less intense but still raving with sounds and all-night fun.
The well-known clubs along The Strip are Club Heaven, Club Vida, and Liberto’s “Lounge Club.”
If you want an easy-going night out, the Old Town has fantastic venues that highlight sports matches, karaoke nights, live music, and special events.
6. Discover Albufeira Marina
Located in the heart of the Algarve, Albufeira Marina is one of the best-maintained marinas and the best place to stay in the Algarve.
The bay features 480 moorings for recreational vessels, luxury hotels, and apartments, including a pretty Airbnb in Albufeira.
The waterfront is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, one of the beautiful Albufeira sights at night.
Every corner is worth a picture shot, but the most IG-liked are the docked yachts and the row of candy-colored apartments.
The marina also offers a range of boat excursions, such as speed boat rentals, yacht charters, sunset cruises, and fishing trips.
A three-hour yacht sunset cruise that departs from this lovely location will tour you to the fantastic coastlines of the Algarve.
7. Go Shopping
Shopping is one of the fun things to do in Albufeira, especially in the Old Town.
Along the shopping streets, you can find a wide range of souvenirs, leather goods, and traditional foods from the Algarve.
The square is home to modern boutiques selling branded clothes and shoes.
The streets of Rua 5 de Outubro and Av. da Liberdade are the right spots for jewelry and watches.
Major shopping malls include The Centro Comercial Modelo Albufeira, located in the northern part of the city, and the Algarve Shopping Mall, accessible by cab or bus from Albufeira.
You can also shop at the vibrant Albufeira Weekly Market on Rua das Escolas every first and third Tuesday of each month.
There, you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, textiles, and other items at much lower prices.
Can’t get enough shopping? Try the day tour of the Algarve’s eastern finest from Albufeira, which includes a visit to the most famous market in the Algarve, the market of Olhão.
Book a day tour of Algarve Eastern’s Finest
8. Take a Day Trip
The spring month of May is the best time to visit Albufeira for a day trip.
On a day trip, some of the best places to visit from Albufeira are the nearby towns of Lagos, Faro, and Silves, where you can explore the most impressive resorts and rich cultural traces in the Algarve.
These places are accessible through Albufeira’s local bus service, so commuting can be an exciting journey to consider if you prefer a less-planned DIY trip.
Other options for getting around Albufeira are the tourist train, which resembles a classic steam-powered train, and taxis.
Car rental is ideal if you plan to include things to do in Sagres or things to do in Monchique on your day trip.
For another exciting day trip, hop on the guided tour of Albufeira by tuk-tuk!
9. Relax and Unwind
Albufeira can be the busiest city. But in May, it can also be a place where visitors can come for a slow-down treat.
During this month, the large beaches have less crowds and less noise, and the mild sunshine feels great on the skin.
You can join a sunrise mindfulness experience boat trip for a healthier vacation.
Nonetheless, most 3 to 5-star beachfront hotels and resorts offer gyms, indoor pools, and numerous spa treatments to pamper yourself.
Check them out from the best hotels in Albufeira.
From steam baths to beauty therapy, you can have the most relaxing me-time in Albufeira.
Book a sunrise mindfulness experience
10. Explore Albufeira’s Caves
The breathtaking caves and rock formations are typically located between the Lagos and Albufeira coasts and are usually accessible only through kayak and boat trips.
You’ll never regret a 3-hour caves and coastline boat trip to explore them and the stunning beaches in Algarve.
From Albufeira or your things to do in Portimao, visitors often choose a tour that includes the famous Benagil Cave—a magnificent dome-shaped cave in Lagoa’s town with a large hole in the ceiling.
Another cave that I want you to visit is the Xorino Cave, a natural underground and historically rich cave in Albufeira.
Book a caves and coastline boat trip
My Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Albufeira in May
Is Albufeira worth visiting?
Albufeira is known for extreme parties and crowded attractions, but there is more to what meets the eye, and tourists discover it during the shoulder season, like May.
The sea waters are evident despite the crowds, and some beaches remain undisturbed.
The boat trips that extend to the famous attractions in the Algarve and the Old Town’s narrow streets are memorable.
But I admire the well-maintained Albufeira Marina and the educational Zoomarine the most. They were built not only for leisure but with much concern for nature.
Start planning your things to do in Albufeira in May and find out what makes it the most visited in the Algarve!
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! 🌍🚀
