Jan
min : 9°C
max : 15°C
We love —
- Wandering through Albufeira’s Old Town, passing whitewashed streets and charming cafés on the beachfront.
- Cruising along the Algarve coast, past small grottos and spotting dolphins moving just beyond the boat.
- Renting a car to discover the best of the region, from the historic old towns to golden sandy beaches.
Customer reviews —
9/10
43 reviews
Explore Albufeira —
To experience the best of this region, with its whitewashed buildings, golden beaches, and Portuguese charm, we strongly recommend adding car hire to your stay, independently, or at the next stage of the booking process. We suggest the following itinerary, to best experience the local culture and landscapes.
Please note: the following itinerary is a suggestion, and the activities and visits are not included, except for the dreamer caves & dolphin watching excursion on day two.
DAY ONE:
- Arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) and collect your hire car before driving to Castelo Suites Hotel for check-in (approx. 40 mins drive)
- Spend the afternoon exploring Albufeira's Old Town, pausing for a drink at a seaside café on Fisherman's Beach
DAY TWO:
- Depart from Albufeira Marina for the dreamer caves & dolphin watching excursion (included)
- In the afternoon, enjoy free time on the beach or at Albufeira Marina
- In the evening, enjoy a sunset dinner at a cliffside restaurant with panoramic sea views
DAY THREE:
- Drive west to Lagos and Ponta da Piedade (55 mile round trip)
- Visit the Ponta da Piedade cliffs
- Explore the Old Town of Lagos and its fortress, with lunch at a local taverna by the marina
- Stop at Praia do Camilo or Meia Praia for a swim
DAY FOUR:
- Visit the medieval town of Silves, a former Moorish capital of the Algarve (60 mile round trip)
- Explore Silves Castle and its Gothic Cathedral
- Continue to the Monchique Mountains for a panoramic drive through eucalyptus forests
- Optional spa stop at Caldas de Monchique
DAY FIVE:
- Drive to Faro, the regional capital (50 mile round trip)
- Visit the Old Town, Arco da Vila, and Carmo Church with its Chapel of Bones
- In the afternoon, take a boat trip through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a paradise of islands and lagoons, for birdwatching and nature exploration
DAY SIX:
Day to spend at your leisure, with one or more of the following activities
- Relax at your hotel or on Albufeira's beaches (Praia dos Pescadores and Praia da Falésia)
- Visit the charming village of Carvoeiro or Alte
- Try a zine tasting experience at a local vineyard near Lagoa
- Take a sunset walk at Cabo de São Vicente, the 'end of the world'
DAY SEVEN:
- Return your hire car before your departure flight home
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Castelo Suites Hotel 4* —
Just for you:
- Complimentary parking
Just a short distance from the golden beaches of Albufeira, Castelo Suites Hotel 4* offers a refined retreat in the heart of the Algarve. Blending contemporary comfort with a relaxed atmosphere inspired by the concept of slow glamour, the hotel embraces local culture and sustainability while providing a stylish setting for a peaceful seaside escape.
Your room —
Enjoy a stay in a Standard Room.
Standard Room (22 m²)
The stylish Standard Room offers a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring Albufeira. Thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings and modern amenities, it features a private bathroom and a furnished balcony, perfect for relaxing in the fresh Algarve air.
Your dining choices
Just for you:
- 20% discount at the restaurant per room, per stay
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Begin each day with a generous breakfast, and return in the evening to savour a variety of local and international dishes thanks to your half board dining plan. Fresh flavours and regional influences create a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience throughout your stay.
Upgrade to half board
Choose to upgrade to half board at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Your time
Just for you:
- Complimentary shuttle service to Castelo Beach
- Dreamer caves and dolphin-watching excursion
Spend sun-soaked days unwinding by the outdoor swimming pool, where comfortable loungers invite you to relax with a refreshing drink. For moments of deeper relaxation, the hotel’s spa offers a selection of soothing massages and treatments, perfect for recharging after a day exploring the Algarve coast.
Your included excursions —
Dreamer caves and dolphin watching tour
Set out along the Algarve coast between Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro. Along the coastline, pass into quiet caves and along striking rock formations shaped by the sea. On the return, the route moves further out into open water, where the focus shifts to searching for dolphins in their natural habitat.
Your optional excursions —
4*4 Jeep Safari - Algarve expedition
Discover the magic of the Algarve countryside, its traditions, and exceptional landscapes with a full-day 4x4 tour accompanied by a guide-driver.
Dreamer Caves tour & dolphin watching
Embark on a cruise along the Algarve coast, sailing between Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro Beach. For 2 hours, navigate along an impressive coastline and be amazed by the caves and rock formations that line the shore, and try to spot wild dolphins.
Your journey to Algarve —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Transfers:
Transfers to and from the airport are included with offers with flights. When booking, you can choose car rental as an optional extra to replace your included transfers. You will only pay the difference between the two services.
Algarve —
The Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is a destination of striking contrasts where golden cliffs, secluded coves, and azure seas meet charming villages steeped in history. Albufeira, one of its most beloved towns, marries old-world charm with modern vibrancy, offering something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re exploring cobbled streets or basking on sunlit shores, Albufeira promises a memorable escape.
Must-sees:
- The Old Town of Albufeira: A labyrinth of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and vibrant squares that embody the Algarve’s rich history.
- Benagil Cave: An awe-inspiring natural sea cave that can only be accessed by boat or kayak.
- Ponta da Piedade: This dramatic coastline near Lagos features unique rock formations and breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
Culinary culture:
The Algarve’s cuisine is a reflection of its coastal identity and Moorish influences. Fresh seafood reigns supreme, with dishes like cataplana, a fragrant stew of clams, chorizo, and spices, taking centre stage. Sweet treats such as Dom Rodrigo and almond cake reflect the region’s love for almonds and figs. Local wines, particularly the crisp whites, are perfect companions to a leisurely meal overlooking the sea.
Dive deeper:
Venture beyond the beaches to uncover the Algarve’s hidden treasures. Explore the lesser-known Ria Formosa lagoon, a protected natural park home to flamingos and traditional fishing villages. History enthusiasts can visit Silves Castle, a beautifully preserved Moorish stronghold. For those seeking tranquillity, the Monchique Mountains offer serene landscapes and rejuvenating thermal spas.
Good to know:
The Algarve enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it ideal for year-round visits. Public transport is limited in some areas, so renting a car is recommended for exploring at your own pace. Don’t miss the chance to cycle one of the four major routes, which unveil the region’s stunning diversity.
