Cheap Holidays in Albufeira

Cheap holidays to Albufeira are all about the beaches

Affordable and just on the horizon, Albufeira is a mere two hours and 45 minutes flight away.

That’s just enough time to practice a couple of your favourite Portuguese phrases before you find yourself landing in this sunny, pocket-friendly destination.

Albufeira is known around town as the gateway to the Algarve. As far as resorts go, it encompasses this popular Portuguese region in one tidy – albeit absolutely stunning – sun-kissed package. And with two unique halves, a jaw-droppingly huge array of beaches and dining options, cheap holidays here are all but a given.

Cheap things to do around Albufeira

There are an incredible 25 beaches to choose from, from the Praia dos Pescadores at the base of Albufeira’s old town, to the rust-coloured shores of Praia de Sao Rafael and its clear, glassy water.

Watersports and boat trips centred on dolphin and whale-watching are especially popular activities, and won’t tip the scales.

Albufeira is sliced in two, and both halves offer a little something for budget-friendly holidays. The old town is right along the waterfront and is largely pedestrianised so it’s quite literally made for strolling, with street performers around to keep you entertained and store fronts for window shopping.

What’s known as ‘The Strip’ is the more modernised half of Albufeira, packed with bars whose beers and cocktails are on the cheap.

How to get a great holiday deal

Cheap deals to Albufeira are in their prime any time up to eight weeks before you’re set to jet.

Around these parts, going Self Catering is the best way to save your pennies, so that you can scale back on morning and midday meals and go for the gold at night. There are hundreds and hundreds of restaurants in Albufeira, many of which are casual spots with price tags in supremely affordable territory.

If you aren’t entirely sold on Albufeira just yet and want to keep your cheap holiday options open, have a look at similarly sunny Algarve destinations like Armacao De Pera, with its cobbled streets, ancient fort and activities including a waterpark and casino.

For a cosmopolitan destination with lots of nightlife and restaurants, try Portimao, or with even more to do, grab a cheap deal in the former capital of Lagos, which couples beaches with shopping, bars and nearby scenic spots.

But if, at the end of the day, you decide Albufeira is in fact the wind behind your sails, check out our travel guide for more information. In the meantime, here are our top five hotels for cheap holidays in this Portuguese paradise.

Cerro Mar Colina Atlantico

The apartments at Cerro Mar Colina Atlantico each come with their own kitchen, primed so that you can whip up your own cuisine based on your own budget. Albufeira town centre is just a three-minute walk away, but there’s occasional live music here and a buffet restaurant at a neighbouring hotel, too, for last minute meals. You’ve got three pools on offer as well, though the beach is only a six-minute walk off.

Casa Mitchell Apartments

The Casa Mitchell Apartments keep things nice and simple with traditional Portuguese tiles and corn blue accents as far as the eye can see. The apartments are family-run and less than a five-minute walk from the beach. Within the complex is a little pool lined with sunloungers, while in your room you’ve got a kitchenette for creating your own Portuguese masterpieces.

Pateo Village

The Pateo Village oozes tradition with whitewashed villas capped with terracotta roofs. The rooms are clad in simple decor and feature their own kitchenettes with all the essentials. Outside, you’ve got two pools and a poolside snack hut, while inside is yet another pool that’s heated in the winter. There’s a sports court available here too for tennis, football and basketball, plus a playground, but the ultimate playground is a 15-minute walk away at the beach.