Things to do in Vale de Santa Maria

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Vale de Santa Maria Attractions

If you're ready to explore Vale de Santa Maria, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly expert show you some of the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {263 fun activities in Vale de Santa Maria fun activities in Vale de Santa Maria} are also worth browsing through.

Vale de Santa Maria must see attractions

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 showing a sunset and a city

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, a beach and a sunset

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 harbor

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 which includes general coastal views and a beach

5. 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 showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

6. 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 which includes general coastal views, rocky coastline and a beach

7. Alvor Beach

Spacious, sandy Alvor Beach is a good choice for those seeking a quieter alternative to nearby Praia da Rocha. Find a peaceful spot somewhere along the lengthy stretch of golden sand and take advantage of the beach’s many facilities.
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Alvor Beach showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people

Recommended things to do in Vale de Santa Maria

Number of things to do
263
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Faro Airport (FAO): Shared One-Way Albufeira Bus Transfer: $13
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Vale de Santa Maria

Things to Do in Vale de Santa Maria with Kids

There's fun for the whole family no matter where you go in Vale de Santa Maria. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that will make your escape unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Vale de Santa Maria? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Vale de Santa Maria

Albufeira Old Town Square showing a sunset and a city

Albufeira Old Town Square

4.5/5(110 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 featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sunset

Falesia Beach

4.5/5(77 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
Beautiful pastel coloured buildings in front of the marina.

Albufeira Marina

4/5(33 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 check out its top-notch restaurants.

Albufeira Marina
Fisherman\'s Beach featuring a sunset, a coastal town and a sandy beach

Peneco Beach

4.5/5(12 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(3 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Santa Eulalia Beach during your travels in Santa Eulália?

Santa Eulalia Beach
Gorgeous beach!

Arrifes Beach

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

Arrifes Beach
Today I walked. And walked. And walked. Until I could walk no more. Then I sat down and watched the surfers catch a wave. I listened to music. Whatever I did - i was fully present. I was there. Nowhere else. Coz all we ever have and all we will ever have is this present moment. Everything else is an illusion. Everything has passed. The rest will follow. But right now: this is all I have. #alifefullofserendipity #serendipitytess #travel #traveling #travelblog #travelling #travel #photo #photooftheday #ocean #algarve #travelphotography

Rocha Baixinha Beach

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

Rocha Baixinha Beach
Sunset

Praia dos Pescadores

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

Praia dos Pescadores

The Strip

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at The Strip during your stay in Albufeira e Olhos de Água. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.

The Strip

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Vale de Santa Maria

Albufeira which includes a sandy beach and landscape views as well as an individual male

Albufeira

Gale Beach featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Gale

Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach

Caliços

Frequently asked questions

Is Vale de Santa Maria worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are many great things to do in Vale de Santa Maria. Be sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Vale de Santa Maria?
Begin your day with a visit to the must-see attractions in the area. Then, check out different parts of Vale de Santa Maria for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vale de Santa Maria?
Plan your perfect getaway by browsing our list of cheap adventures, family-friendly activities and other awesome 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 short getaway in Vale de Santa Maria — you'll hit the main attractions and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you want to really experience it all, stay for at least a week to check out the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Vale de Santa Maria with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all of your group, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Vale de Santa Maria with kids.

What to do in Vale de Santa Maria for adults?
From regional food and cultural attractions to outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are many fun things to do in Vale de Santa Maria for adults.
Are there free things to do in Vale de Santa Maria?
With loads of free things to do in Vale de Santa Maria, you can discover the area without putting a hole in your wallet. Catch free shows and events or stroll through the local markets.

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