Albufeira holidays

Albufeira isn’t just about sun, sea and sand though, and there’s a surprisingly traditional side to the resort. The city’s old town, with its winding narrow lanes, whitewashed chapels and a tree-lined square dotted with cafés and restaurants, contrasts well with the tourist-centric coastline.

Likewise, if you’re keen to spend some of your time on cultural and historical excursions, Albufeira has its fair share of attractions. It’s home to a handful of museums and art galleries, as well as nearby sites like the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila.

The resort is also famous for its nightlife and The Strip is Albufeira's party district (especially popular with young travellers). Located east of the old town, The Strip, officially called Avenida Sá Carneiro, is crammed with neon-lit cocktail bars, themed karaoke clubs and late-night discos to satisfy all tastes in music.

It does get very hot and very busy during July and August, with average temperatures between 25C and 33C. Expect peak-season hotel rates.

Autumn and spring are both equally delightful times to visit. Not only is the weather good, with temperatures around the late teens and early 20s, there are also comparatively cheaper holiday deals to be snapped up.

Summer visitors can forgo the umbrella, but come late autumn and winter, there's a fair chance of rain (usually between November and March), when temperatures start to drop to around 15C.

In December, you expect temperatures around 10C or lower. Hotel rates also drop with the temperatures and late autumn or early spring can be particularly reasonable, both weather and price-wise.

Located 4km (2.5 miles) west of the old town, Marina de Albufeira is a relatively recent addition and a great place to spend an hour or two before or after a boat trip. It has a buzzy cafe scene and a handful of gift shops, as well as waterfront bars and seafood restaurants overlooking the boats.

It's also Albufeira's main departure point for sightseeing cruises, pirate boat trips and dolphin-watching excursions.

Museu de Arte Sacra

While Albufeira is not particularly known for its art scene, the Museu de Arte Sacra is well worth leaving your sun lounger for. Housed in 18th-century Chapel of San Sebastian, it features a colourful display of azulejo tiles, as well as a huge, ornately decorated wooden altar.

It also displays a number of sacred art pieces that were recovered from the chapels demolished after the 1755 earthquake.

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia

If ancient history is more your bag, head to the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia, a tiny archaeological museum in the old town.

Although small, the museum features artefacts ranging from prehistoric times through to the 16th century, including a Neolithic vase and remnants excavated from the ruins of a 12th-century castle in Paderne.

Galeria Côrte-Real

Housed in a traditional Portuguese quinta (country manor) just outside Boliqueime, a village north of Albufeira, this small but elegant art gallery packs a punch when it comes to contemporary art. Set in beautiful gardens, the house features works from a variety of international artists, including Brits such as Jane Skingley and Bill Bate.

After pottering around its many rooms, kick back in the charming courtyard and enjoy the peaceful ambience.

Castelo de Paderne

Like much of Portugal, the Algarve is not short of Moorish heritage and architecture, which largely dates back to the 8th century, when the Moors first conquered Lagos.

Head to the hills, a scenic 13km (eight miles) drive from Albufeira, to explore the hilltop ruins of the 12th-century Castelo de Paderne. Built by the Berbers, Paderne is believed to be one of the seven castles on the Portuguese flag.