Things to do in Albufeira

With a heritage of explorers setting sail in the Age of Discovery, the Algarve coast is a sea-farers haven. These days, it’s the wildlife that draws people out to sea: dolphin-spotting excursions set off from Albufeira marina year-round. Venturing out on a 2-hour Dream Wave Algarve cruise is one of the best things to do in Albufeira – if you’re lucky, playful dolphins and porpoises in these waters might start leaping through the waves. The jet-powered Dreamer boat has a mini-bar on board, or choose a more intimate experience with the 12-person Insónia semi-rigid vessel; being lower to the water brings you an even closer view.

Head for nearby Quinta do Miradouro, a wine estate owned by veteran pop star Cliff Richard. Not one to sit back and let others have the fun, Sir Cliff is genuinely involved in producing the wine. It’s become something of a pilgrimage for fans of the veteran heart-throb, who is happy to pose for a photo whenever he’s around. You might think it’s one of the more novelty things to do in Albufeira, but a trip here feels like a very authentic Portuguese day out. Especially as tours are available of the beautiful vineyard and winery, which overlooks the coast.

Guia, 9km northeast of Albufeira, is all about the chargrilled chicken. It’s the birthplace of piri-piri after all, the hot-and-spicy flavour made famous by the Nando’s chicken chain at home. The chicken’s cheap, delicious, and simply one of the best things to fill your belly in Portugal. There’s a string of specialised restaurants to choose from in this small town. Homely family-run restaurant Ramires has an authentic feel to it; if you’re there for lunch head to the rooftop terrace for a beer with panoramic views while you’re chicken’s sizzlin’.

Even the most relaxed beach holidays need the occasional dose of adrenaline. Head to Parque Aventura at Estrada de Santa Eulália where the high ropes courses range from the easiest level of ‘Curious’ to the most challenging, ‘Fearless’. Leading you from tree to tree are challenges such as wobbly bridges, rope nets and giant zip lines. It’s not just for kids: there’s no upper age limit at this adventure in the forest. Paintball’s on offer too, in a 2,500-square-metre game field on the forest floor, filled with natural and artificial obstacles.