Portimao Or Albufeira: Which Is Better In 2025
The Algarve region is dotted with picturesque seafront towns, so how do you decide between Portimao or Albufeira?
Located in the heart of the region and just a short distance apart, both offer everything you need for a perfect coastal getaway!
From beautiful beaches to lively nightlife and diverse accommodation options.
I stayed in Albufeira and visited Portimao on a day trip.
Staying in Albufeira worked perfectly for my trip, but which one should you pick?
Let’s compare them!
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Overview: Albufeira vs Portimao
So, should you stay in Albufeira or Portimao?
It depends on what kind of trip you’re seeking, but I don’t suggest staying in both cities.
Pick one, and if you have more time in the region consider adding a couple of nights in Faro or Lagos.
Albufeira is the best for…
- Beaches in the city center
- Great bus connections to the rest of the region
- Lively nightlife, especially clubbing options
Portimao is the best for…
- Beach resorts away from the center
- Large town where locals live and it is not too touristy
- Bus and train station in the city center
My Pick: Albufeira
I stayed in Albufeira when visiting the Algarve, and after visiting Portimao on a day trip I was reassured that I made the right decision.
Albufeira can be controversial, the nightlife might be a dealbreaker for some, but it is also very versatile and quite calm in the shoulder season.
I found Portimao kind of bland – could be because I was there in October, but it felt like visiting a local town where tourists had nothing to do.
Also, the beach resort area was too far from the actual city center.
But Portimao is still a popular place, so let’s see if it’s for you!
Getting There
Winner: Both
The distance between Portimao and Albufeira is about 40 km, and the closest airport is in Faro.
I found both cities equally easy to reach.
Getting To Albufeira
The best way to get to Albufeira is by driving or taking a bus from the Faro Airport.
You could also take a train from Lisbon, but Albufeira train station is about 6 km from the city center, and then you’ll have to figure out the transportation to the city on your own.
The closest airport is Faro Airport, about 45 km from Albufeira. From the airport, you can rent a car or take Aerobus line 56 to Albufeira.
You can also take a train or a bus from Lisbon, it takes about 4 hours.
Getting To Portimao
You can easily reach Portimao by driving, taking a bus, or train.
The closest airport is in Faro, about 70 km from Portimao. Once at the airport, you can rent a car or take Aerobus line 56 to Portimao.
You can also take a train or a bus from Lisbon, it takes about 4 hours.
Getting Around
Winner: Both
Both towns are walkable, but they also have a reliable and affordable public transport system.
Getting Around Albufeira
Albufeira also has a reliable and fairly frequent public transport system.
I took a bus in Albufeira from my accommodation to the bus station and it was comfortable, cheap, and quick.
The city center of Albufeira is walkable, so if you stay in the area you might not even need the bus.
Albufeira is quite hilly, so it takes longer to walk than it might seem on the map!
Getting Around Portimao
Portimao has several local bus lines running through the city.
The city center of Portimao is quite compact and walkable, but if you’re staying in the beach area, you’ll have to take bus 33 to the city center.
Accommodation
Winner: Albufeira
There is no shortage of diverse accommodation options in both cities, whether you’re visiting for a summer holiday or backpacking around the Algarve.
Also, both cities are among the best places to stay in Algarve without a car.
Where To Stay In Albufeira
Generally, the area around the Old Town is the best place to stay, but the city is quite compact.
If you’re not into loud nightlife, I would avoid Albufeira Strip – Av. Sá Carneiro.
Luxury On A Budget
Hotel Sol e Mar Albufeira is a hotel with the best location in the city. You’ll get to stay right on the beach in the heart of Albufeira Old Town – easy access to all the best parts of Albufeira.
Mid-Range Pick
I stayed in the Luna Solaqua Hotel and loved my stay there. Each room comes with a balcony, kitchen, and large comfortable beds, and you get access to an interior and exterior pool.
Budget Pick
Sun Lovers Hostel is the best hostel for backpackers and solo travelers coming to Albufeira.
It is situated in the city center, close to the beaches and the Old Town. It is clean, and beautifully decorated, with plenty of communal spaces to meet other travelers.
Where To Stay In Portimao
When staying in Portimao you can choose between staying on the beach or in the city center.
The city center is the better option if you’re visiting the Algarve without a car, and want to take day trips in the region.
However, if you’re just looking to spend a couple of days on the beach, consider the Praia da Rocha area.
Luxury On A Budget
Villa Mariazinha Charming Hotel is a small boutique hotel, providing impeccable service and beautifully decorated rooms, just a short walk from the beach.
Mid-Range Pick
Situated in the city center of Portimao, Aldeia de Portimão is the best mid-range option in the area. The hotel is in a historic house and it is beautifully decorated, with friendly owners.
Most Unique
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is one of the most beautiful hotels in the Algarve. This luxurious 5-star hotel is beautifully decorated and ideally situated right on the beach. You won’t even worry about going to the city!
Budget Pick
There are fewer hostels in Portimao than in Albufeira.
Alameda Hostel is the best backpacker hostel in Portimao. The hostel is quite basic, but it is centrally located with friendly staff.
Beaches
Winner: Albufeira
The Algarve region has fantastic sandy beaches, and Portimao and Albufeira are no exception.
Beaches In Albufeira
Albufeira is a coastal town and there are beaches within walking distance from every point in the city.
- Praia dos Pescadores – the main beach in the Old Town
- Praia da Oura – beach close to the party area, a place to go to beach bars
- Praia dos Alemães – the long sandy beach of the New Town
Beaches In Portimao
The city of Portimao is not exactly a coastal town. Instead, it is very close to the beach, about 3 km from Praia da Rocha.
- Praia da Rocha – the main beach in Portimao, about 3 km from the city center
- Praia da Angrinha – a smaller sandy beach, across the river from Portimao
- Praia dos Três Castelos – sandy beach on the western end of Praia da Rocha
Sightseeing
Winner: Both
Neither Albufeira nor Portimao have many tourist attractions per se. The beaches are the main selling point.
However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be bored as there are many activities and things to do in both.
Also, both towns have many restaurants with local specialties and vegan-friendly options!
Things To Do In Albufeira
Albufeira is worth visiting for more than just the nightlife. It is a small coastal town, with narrow streets lined with typical Algarve white houses.
The main tourist area is the Old Town, with several beaches within walking distance.
- Stroll the streets of Baixa de Albufeira
- Watch the sunset from Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira
- Go on a kayak tour from Albufeira
- Visit Saint Anna Church
Things To Do In Portimao
Portimao is a large town where locals live, and the tourist area is the coastal area 3 km from the city center.
You can easily see all the top reasons to visit Portimao in an hour or two.
- Walk along the Ribeirinha
- See Igreja do Colégio and Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the unique architecture and tiled houses
- Cross the river to Ferragudo
Day Trips
Winner: Both
Both cities are kind of in the middle of the Algarve, making them a perfect base for exploring the whole region.
You don’t even need to rent a car, as they are well connected by public transport!
One important difference between the cities is that Portimao has a bus and train station in the city center, while the train station in Albufeira is about 6km from the city center.
So, here are some of the best Algarve day trips, from the West to the East:
- Sagres – popular surfing destination and the westernmost spot of the Algarve
- Lagos – my favorite town in the Algarve, with a charming Old Town and stunning beaches
- Ferragudo – charming fishing village across from Portimao that looks like it belongs in the Cyclades
- Silves – a hilltop town in the continental Algarve and the historic capital of the Algarve
- Benagil Cave – the most famous sea cave in the Algarve, and you can visit Benagil Cave on a tour from both cities
- 7 Hanging Valleys Hike – a popular hike along the coastline, especially if you’re visiting in the low season and you can’t swim
- Ria Formosa – nature park close to Faro, popular for bird-watching and kayaking
- Tavira – the most beautiful town on the East Coast, situated on the Gilão River delta
Nightlife
Winner: Albufeira
No place in the Algarve can compete with Albufeira when it comes to nightlife.
Albufeira is the nightlife hub of the Algarve, it is loud, it is tacky, and it can be too much for some travelers.
However, I wouldn’t dismiss Albufeira just because you’re not into nightlife.
This wild nightlife is concentrated in two areas – the Albufeira Strip and to some extent the Old Town.
You’ll have to intentionally go to the Strip because it is outside of the Old Town. The rest of the city is quite calm, so you might not even see any of this if you don’t want to.
FAQ:
The prices in Portimao and Albufeira are similar. You might find cheaper accommodation in Portimao and more local food spots, as it is a bigger city with more locals living there. Most establishments in Albufeira are geared towards tourists, so they tend to be slightly more expensive than regular Portuguese prices.
Albufeira is a better choice for backpackers. Both cities have good public transport connections to the region, but Albufeira is more lively with more backpacker hostels.
Final Thoughts: Albufeira or Portimao
Albufeira and Portimao are both popular resort destinations in the Algarve, but you don’t need to visit both of them if you only have a week in Portugal.
I think Albufeira is the better option for most travelers, with beaches in the city center, a lively atmosphere, and diverse accommodation options.
Albufeira is easily the most popular resort town in the region, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches.
Portimao is a large town, and the beach resorts are about 3km from the city center.
If you’re not staying in Portimao you might as well skip it completely as it doesn’t offer anything unique compared to other coastal towns.
However, if you’re like me and prefer a blend of local experience and Portugal backpacker vibe, I’d skip both towns and go straight to Lagos!
If you compare Lagos and Albufeira, Lagos is lively, with stunning beaches, but has less of the “resorty” vibe of Albufeira.
