Albufeira Old Town Square

Framed by bars, galleries and shops, this leafy plaza is a great starting point for exploring the treasures of Albufeira’s historic center. 

Albufeira Old Town Square (Jardim Público de Albufeira) is the beating heart of the atmospheric Albufeira Old Town. This tree-shaded public space offers superb dining, entertainment, people-watching and shopping experiences. Visit Albufeira Old Town Square at any time of the day to witness a true essence of this ancient fishing village.

The outdoor seating areas of the bars and restaurants are ideal locations to enjoy the square’s activity. Dine on meals of seafood that has been brought fresh from the marina and sip on a coffee, cold beer or glass of port. Watch as kids play games and friends meet to chat while sitting on a bench beneath the shade of a palm tree. Street performers and musicians provide entertainment throughout the day.

Browse the handful of shops, which sell everything from beach toys to branded T-shirts and postcards. Purchase a bottle of Portuguese liqueur, such as LicorBeirão and port, to take home as a souvenir. View art exhibitions at the Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros. This free gallery is housed in a former power station and celebrates the work of Albufeira-born artist José Ricardo Júdice Samora Barros.

Cobblestone streets with mosaic patterns lead in all directions from the square and then weave around the Old Town. Find independent boutiques selling clothes, jewelry and leather goods, among other items. Admire the buildings with tiled wall designs and wrought-iron balconies decorated with flowers. Bar-hop between the British-themed pubs, craft beer bars and live music venues, which stay open until the early hours.

Be sure to include visits to some of the city’s major landmarks. The Albufeira Igreja Matriz and Church of Sant’Ana are both a short walk away. To the south of the square is the Church of San Sebastian, which houses the Museum of Sacred Art.

Albufeira Old Town Square is about a 15-minute drive south from Albufeira’s train station. Public buses travel frequently from the station into the Old Town. A tourist train operates from June through September between Pau da Bandeira Viewpoint in the Old Town and the Areias de São João neighborhood, home to The Strip nightlife district.