What to do in Vale de Santa Maria

Activities, attractions and tours

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Top places to visit

1. Albufeira Old Town Square

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.
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Albufeira Old Town Square featuring a city and a sunset

2. Falesia Beach

Falésia Beach comprises a long stretch of golden sand at the foot of tall, colorful cliffs. It is part of a scenic strand running for about 4 miles (6 kilometers), between Vilamoura and Albufeira. Marvel at the dramatic hues of red and orange that stain the white cliff face bordering the beach.
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Falesia Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

3. Vilamoura Marina

With about hundreds of spaces for boats, Vilamoura Marina is a large and busy harbor in the center of the town. All types of yachts and cruisers adorn the picturesque marina, which is bordered by restaurants, bars and clubs. Watch people go by and soak up the lively atmosphere amid the town’s charming waterways.
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Vilamoura Marina which includes a bay or harbour

4. Faro Island Beach

Faro Island Beach is one of the area’s most picturesque and popular sandy stretches. Cafés, restaurants and watersports operators sit along the strand, which lines 3 miles (5 kilometers) of a narrow sand bar. Enjoy the unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Formosa River on the other.
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Faro Island Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Benagil Beach

Surrounded by blue-green waters and cliffs ranging in color from pale beige to gold, Benagil Beach is postcard material. Come here simply to sunbathe and swim, or take a boat trip to view the nearby caves, coastal cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
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Benagil Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sandy beach

6. Rocha Beach

The beautiful Rocha Beach, known as Praia da Rocha in Portuguese, is one of the most well-known on the Algarve. Luckily, thanks to its vast size and length, it has ample room to accommodate sunbathers. Follow the wooden walkway that hugs the length of the beach to find the perfect spot.
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Rocha Beach featuring a city, a coastal town and a sandy beach

7. Sao Rafael Beach

São Rafael Beach (Praia de São Rafael) is close enough to Albufeira for a daytrip yet far enough away that it escapes the bustle of the city. São Rafael Beach is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, some of which have been eroded over centuries into curious shapes. The beach sits in a sheltered bay and boasts safe, crystal-clear water and powdery sand that runs gently between your toes.
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Sao Rafael Beach featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and rugged coastline

What to do in Vale de Santa Maria

Popular places to visit

Albufeira Old Town Square featuring a city and a sunset

Albufeira Old Town Square

4/5(408 reviews)

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
Falesia Beach showing general coastal views, a sunset and a sandy beach

Falesia Beach

4.5/5(271 reviews)

Pine groves crown the scorched red-orange cliffs edging this long and wide beach, complete with comfortable amenities, watersports options and lifeguard patrols.

Falesia Beach
Albufeira Marina

Albufeira Marina

4/5(223 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Albufeira Marina and enjoy other activities such as golfing in Albufeira e Olhos de Água. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Albufeira Marina
Fisherman\'s Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

Peneco Beach

4.5/5(101 reviews)

The eastern side of Albufeira’s main city beach is famous for its fishing boats, seafood restaurants and live entertainment shows.

Peneco Beach
Santa Eulalia Beach

Santa Eulalia Beach

4.5/5(44 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Santa Eulalia Beach during your travels in Santa Eulália?

Santa Eulalia Beach
Arrifes Beach

Arrifes Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Arrifes Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Albufeira e Olhos de Água.

Arrifes Beach
Rocha Baixinha Beach

Rocha Baixinha Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Rocha Baixinha Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Albufeira e Olhos de Água.

Rocha Baixinha Beach
Praia dos Pescadores

Praia dos Pescadores

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Praia dos Pescadores during your trip to Albufeira e Olhos de Água? Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Praia dos Pescadores

The Strip

You can do some window-shopping at The Strip during your visit to Albufeira e Olhos de Água. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.

The Strip

Frequently asked questions

Is Vale de Santa Maria worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Vale de Santa Maria.
How do I spend a day in Vale de Santa Maria?
Start your adventures with a visit to the must-see sights in the area. Then, explore other parts of Vale de Santa Maria for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vale de Santa Maria?
From cheap activities for all kinds of travellers to popular attractions and tours, scroll up for a range of unmissable things to do in Vale de Santa Maria.
Is three days enough to stay in Vale de Santa Maria?
Three days is enough for a quick getaway to Vale de Santa Maria — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good idea of the local vibe. But if you want to really experience it all, stick around for at least seven to ten days to discover some hidden gems too.
What are some activities to do in Vale de Santa Maria with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Vale de Santa Maria with kids.

What to do in Vale de Santa Maria for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural highlights to thrilling adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Vale de Santa Maria for adults.
Are there free things to do in Vale de Santa Maria?
There are lots of free things to do in Vale de Santa Maria. Explore the parks or join in on free events and festivals. Vale de Santa Maria offers plenty of budget-friendly experiences that let you experience this area without breaking the bank.