For a peaceful stay near your favorite vacation spots, visit Caliços, just north of Albufeira. You’ll have easy access to the area’s bountiful beaches, Albufeira’s historic center and the Albufeira Old Town Square. Enjoy the region’s former fishing villages, ample watersports and cobblestone streets lined with family-run restaurants and colorful homes.
Start in Albuferia Old Town, where a pretty castle stood until its destruction by an earthquake and tidal wave in 1755. Today, visitors can explore the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia to see Roman and medieval artifacts from before the natural disaster.
Move along to the Igreja Matriz church, built on the site of the original castle gate in the late 1700s. Climb to the top of the iconic clock tower for incredible Albufeira and ocean views. Relax with a quick meal and people-watching in Albufeira Old Town Square then walk along the Rua da Igreja Velha to admire local architecture and narrow streets.
Be sure to plan for a couple of beach days. With so much choice in the region, you won’t have to visit the same beach twice. Start with the two beaches next to Old Town, Praia do Túnel (Tunnel Beach) and Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach). If you’d prefer a quieter ambiance, look for Meia Praia near Lagos. This huge beach is never overcrowded and is a favorite for its calm, clear, swimmable water. Watersports rentals are available at most beaches, including kayaking, boating, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing.
From Caliços, consider cultural visits to Loulé, a traditional market town, and Silves, the Algarve’s ancient Moorish capital.
Get around easily on foot, as much of Albufeira is pedestrianized. You could also travel around by taxis, the local Giro bus system and the tourist train, which runs round-trip from Areias de São João. Caliços is a top Algarve setting for a peaceful getaway, while still close to Albufeira’s top attractions.
