Car rental Albufeira - from 8€/day

Albufeira, located in the heart of the Algarve, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portugal's famed beach area. Albufeira is mostly known for its beautiful shoreline, but it also has an intriguing history and architecture for people who want to learn more. Even better, the town provides easy access to the remainder of the Algarve and everything that this area of the nation has to offer.

Albufeira One-Way Car Rentals

The following are the most common one-way rental choices for pick-up in Albufeira and drop-off in another city:

From Albufeira to Faro, prices start at € 18 per day.
From Albufeira to Porto, prices start at € 25 per day.
From Albufeira to Lisbon, prices start at € 27 per day.

Best vacation spots and activities

Beaches. Albufeira's beaches are distinguished by their golden sands and the Blue Flag designation that the majority of them hold. These include the center Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman's Beach), Tunnel Beach (called for the tunnel through which you must walk to get there), and the trendy Golden Beach. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, there are other possibilities to participate in watersports such as snorkeling.

Paderne Castle. The Algarve, like adjacent Andalusia in Spain, was under Islamic dominion for centuries throughout the Middle Ages (its name originates from the Arabic term al-arb, which means "the west"). Many historic structures and buildings from the era still stand as memorials, notably the Castle of Paderne, an outstanding fortress erected in the 12th century. It is well worth a visit and is about a 20-minute drive north of Albufeira.

Zoomarine. Zoomarine, a theme park, aquarium, and 4D cinema, is one of the Algarve's most popular attractions. The park features a diverse range of flora and animals, including sharks, dolphins, and seals, as well as pools, beaches, and water slides. The Zoomarine is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of Albufeira and can be reached in approximately 15 minutes.

Roads with tolls

Tolls are charged on several of Portugal's highways. For maps and costs, visit Portugal's official toll road website.

Day-trip Suggestions

Lagos. Lagos, Portugal, is a charming and ancient seaside town, not to be mistaken with the Nigerian megalopolis of the same name. It boasts just as magnificent beaches and a really distinctive ambiance, which is only enhanced by its well-preserved architecture. It is smaller and possibly more easygoing than Albufeira. Lagos is roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Albufeira and can be reached in about 45 minutes.

Faro. Although Faro is the largest city in the Algarve and home to the region's principal airport, it is rarely listed among the region's top attractions. It is less picturesque than Lagos, Albufeira, or Portimao since it is more industrial. Those who give the city a chance, however, will discover a startling array of attractions such as a well-preserved old town, the terrifyingly magnificent Bone Chapel, the Jewish Heritage Center, and Ria Formosa National Park. You could do worse than visiting Faro as a day trip or before dropping off your car at the airport. The city is 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Albufeira and can be reached in about 40 minutes.

Monchique. Monchique, a historic spa town in the region's hills, is located in the inland section of Algarve that most people do not visit. Some of the highest peaks of the Algarve are located just outside the town, and you’ll also find hiking trails, baths that have been enjoyed by the Romans, and some of the most charming hill stations in all of the country. Monchique is around 85 kilometers (53 miles) away and can be reached in slightly over an hour. Note: If you’re visiting during the warmest time of the year, make sure to check out Portugal’s wildfire forecast — unfortunately, Monchique has periodically suffered from wildfires in the surrounding eucalyptus forests over the last decade.