This city in southern Portugal has long been defined by its coastline, a series of golden-sand beaches ringed by sandstone cliffs. In medieval times, the Moors named the town Al-Buhera, meaning Castle of the Sea. Several centuries later, Albufeira’s waters drew fishermen and, starting in the 1960s, travelers — lots of them. The city is now a major tourism hub, as much for its own sunny beaches as its easy access to the sea caves and coves of the surrounding Algarve region. It’s a place of private villas, lively restaurants, and nightclubs, but you can still see traces of its past in the old town’s steep cobblestone streets and whitewashed Moorish-style buildings.

Albufeira is around 20 miles from Faro International Airport (FAO) in Portugal. You can rent a car at the airport (recommended if you want to explore the region beyond the city) or hail a taxi for the drive into town, which takes less than an hour. A more affordable but more time-intensive route is to take a bus from the airport to the Faro train station and then board a train to Albufeira. If you’re coming from Lisbon, Albufeira is about 2.5 hours by car, or three-plus hours by train.

Whatever time of year you visit Albufeira, sunny days are almost guaranteed, thanks to the region’s mild Mediterranean climate. Average highs in spring and fall are in the upper 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s (July and August are the hottest months). In addition to your usual beach wear, pack a light jacket for evenings, which can get cool. Even winter is relatively tame, with temperatures rarely dipping below the 60s, and only a few days of rain each month.

Beaches

Against a backdrop of orange-red cliffs, you’ll find miles of soft sand and water as warm as a swimming pool. Albufeira’s two main beaches, Praia dos Pescadores near old town and Praia do Túnel to the west, may be bustling with families, jet skiers, and sunbathers, but they’re exceptionally clean and easy to access from town. Keep following the shoreline in either direction to find quieter beaches perfect for picnicking and snorkeling. Be sure to stop at Olheiros de Água Doce, where freshwater springs bubble up on the sand during low tide.

Sea Caves

Many of the area’s famous sea caves can only be accessed from the water. Unless you’re an experienced kayaker or paddleboarder, book a boat tour from any number of operators departing from the Albufeira marina. Trips take a few hours and usually include stops for swimming and dolphin spotting along the way. Have your camera ready for the Benagil cave, which has a domed ceiling with a large hole that allows sunlight to stream in.

Golfing

The Algarve region’s mild weather and natural beauty have made it an international golf destination. Situated along lagoons and on bluffs overlooking the Atlantic, Albufeira’s three sprawling golf resorts offer beginner-level fairways (and lessons) along with more challenging, award-winning courses.