Fantastic Albufeira apartments for a relaxed holiday by the sea

Dive into family fun at the Cerro Mar Atlântico. Situated just a 10-minute walk from Praia Pescadores beach and with three on-site pools, this accommodation allows your group to splash, swim and snorkel to their heart’s content. If the water inspires them to discover more about life under the waves, the Zoomarine sea life centre is 15 minutes away by car.

Take in the views from your Albufeira beach apartment’s balcony or sun terrace – the ideal spot for winding down after an activity-packed day. Inside, earthy tones and wooden furniture create a calming ambience, while decorative tiles give a nod to traditional Portuguese décor. You don’t need to go far to seek out further relaxation. Stroll to the on-site Al-Hamma spa for a wellness menu that includes chocolate-themed Thalasso body treatment or blissful head massage.

Heading out for the evening? Try the Monte Verde restaurant, located in the hotel’s peaceful gardens, to discover dishes like Arroz de Marisco, packed with locally caught seafood.

Perched on 168 acres of tree-covered clifftop, the Pine Cliffs Village & Golf Suites is a verdant haven in Albufeira. Dotted among the greenery you’ll find villas, townhouses and terraces featuring beautifully contemporary open-plan spaces where you can relax, cook and dine together. Outdoor areas with private pools and barbecues offer blissful privacy.

The on-site golf course, offering sweeping views over the Atlantic, is one excellent reason to choose this luxurious Albufeira accommodation. Its Serenity Spa, named as one of Europe’s best wellness facilities, is another. Send little ones off on their own adventure at the Porto Pirata kids’ club – a huge children’s ‘village’ complete with everything from a bouncy castle to mini-golf tournaments.

Extend the indulgence with a high-end dining experience at the nearby Al Quimia restaurant. Seasonal, local and sustainable produce is used to make gourmet dishes inspired by the regions of Portugal and its extensive coastline, like tempting scarlet prawn with spider crab.

With direct access to the Praia da Balaia Leste, Alfagar Aparthotel is all about the location. When the water recedes, you can stroll eastwards through rocky passages to six more sandy coves along the coastline. You’re also just a few kilometres from the unusual Olheiros de Água Doce, a beach dotted with natural freshwater springs that bubble up through the sand at low tide.

These peaceful Albufeira apartments have sea or garden views – step out on your balcony to take a closer look. Their clean white décor is accented with fresh green or earthy ochre, creating a calm and contemporary feel. When you’re not cooking at home, the hotel’s own café offers a taste of Portugal with a selection of petiscos, a cousin of Spain’s better-known tapas.

A heated pool and slide-filled water park offer opportunities to swim and splash, while the gym, tennis courts and football facilities will get your blood pumping. Hire bikes to head off along the coastline or book an excursion to one of the Algarve’s characterful villages.

Take the scenic route from the door of your apartment straight to Santa Eulália beach at Alfagar Village. Stroll together through the 11 hectares of clifftop gardens to the warm sands and spend an afternoon snorkelling and sunbathing. Worked up an appetite? Head to Giovanni’s restaurant for authentic Italian pizza then retire to The Tavern Bar for a good old British lager over a game of pool.

Self-catering apartments at Albufeira’s Alfagar Village are spacious and filled with natural light thanks to huge windows that overlook the sea or the abundant gardens. A palette of whites, blues and greens create a soothing ambience, while seascape prints on the walls remind you that the tides aren’t far away.

There’s plenty of opportunities to relax – find a new title in the hotel library, bring the kids to the playground or take some time for yourself in the steam room. If you want to explore Albufeira town, there’s a free regular shuttle. For a family day out, the Roman ruins of Cerro da Villa are just a 20-minute drive away.

NAU Salgados Vila das Lagoas is the ultimate destination for a lavish break thanks to panoramic views of Albufeira’s coast and a luxurious spa. Unwind as you drift between the sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, contrast showers and hydromassage pool. The treatment list here includes everything from refreshing sea salt body wraps to mother-daughter massages.

Dine at the L14 restaurant for Portuguese favourites with Latin influence – think spicy oysters and prawn arepas. Afterwards, ascend to the rooftop bar for live music. If you want to head out into the town, Sao Domingos serves up local flavours on the seafront.

Back in your two or three-bedroom Albufeira beach apartment, you have a fully equipped kitchen for whipping up a home-cooked meal if you prefer. Dark wood, light leather furnishings and tiled floors lend a cool, tranquil feel to your space. Just outside your door, you’ll find a generously sized terrace or balcony, and a little way beyond that, the lapping waves of the Praia dos Salgados.

Make family memories at Alfagar Alto da Colina. In your one or two-bedroom apartment, there’s plenty of room to unwind and share a meal cooked up in your kitchen – you’ll find the basics for breakfast or lunch in the on-site mini-market. Balconies overlook the sea, so you can spend warm nights sitting outside, watching the sunset with a book or board game.

There are more views at The Palm Restaurant, where you can try flavours from around the world while looking out at one of the resort’s outdoor pools. At this splash-friendly Albufeira apartments complex, there are five pools in total, plus a waterpark with lots of colourful slides providing plenty of holiday photo opportunities.

If you want to feel the sand between your toes, take the winding path down to Santa Eulalia Beach – the resort has direct access. Just next door is Balaia Golf Course, where you can practise your putting with spectacular views of the Atlantic.

Take a moment of zen at Santa Eulália Hotel Apartamento & SPA. With a Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath, you can ease into holiday mode before unwinding further with a rhythmic massage, facial, reflexology session or beauty treatment.

Plush fabrics and a palette of silver grey, pale blue and plum bring a luxe feel to your accommodation. Each studio apartment and suite has a kitchenette with everything you need to prep your own meals. This Albufeira apartment resort is also home to a medley of restaurants, giving you a taste of local and international cuisines. When night falls, your central location means you’re mere moments away from Albufeira’s liveliest nightlife.

Life in this part of town centres around the golden sands of Oura Beach. The 900-metre beach stretch offers plenty of space to relax, though you could also slip beneath the waves with a snorkel or head out on a dolphin cruise.

A palette of crisp white and bold blue welcomes you in your one, two or three-bedroom apartment at 3HB Golden Beach. The colours are reminiscent of the Atlantic’s breaking waves, which are always in sight thanks to sea-view balconies. Prepare food in your kitchenette and slip outside to enjoy it together in the sun.

For more of those golden rays, lounge in the hotel’s solarium, which overlooks the pool and the coastline. Staying active on your Albufeira beach apartment break? Head to the gym, or exercise your mind in the games room. You’ll find retro video games to please little ones and the young at heart, too.

The sand is just steps away; snorkel in the coves by day and try your hand at karaoke at one of the many lively bars on the Oura Beach strip by night. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle with a trip to Albufeira’s Old Town, a 10-minute drive away.