Albufeira in the Algarve region is full of excellent all-inclusive resorts – here are our picks
Nestled in the Portuguese coastal region of Algarve, known for its beautiful beaches and golf resorts, Albufeira is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Once a former fishing village, it is now a tourism hotspot with a bustling nightlife scene and a modern marina. Nevertheless, the resort has retained much of its distinctive charm, with local fisherman still using the high-spec marina for their daily toil, while candy coloured apartments give the town a quintessentially Portuguese look and feel.
Albufeira is well stocked with accommodation options, from budget guest houses all the way through to 5-star luxury resorts. Among them, you will find a large number of all-inclusive resorts that make for ideal bases from which to do as much or as little as you please. Below, we’ve picked out five of the best based on location, value for money and guest reviews.
3HB Guarana
Whereas many big hotels make do with a lick of paint and call it a refresh, the 3HB Guarana really has a modern feel to it, looking more like a trendy boutique hotel at times than a large holiday resort – it’s very impressive. Situated in Albufeira, 300 metres from Barranco das Belharucas Beach, 3HB Guarana is a four-star hotel offering room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, nightclub and a kids’ club – what more could you want? The rooms are well thought-out and contemporary, all featuring a wardrobe, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. The onsite spa and wellness centre, including an indoor pool, is great for adults, while there is cool touches like the line of old school pinball machines for younger (or older) guests. From €408.
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Clube Humbria
Nestled in the charming fishing village of Olhos d’Agua, Clube Humbria has recently benefited from a comprehensive refurb that has made it one of the most modern all-inclusive resorts in Albufeira. Popular with families, it is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and features separate outdoor pools for adults and children, a pool bar and a main bar, a children playground, a summer kids club, three buffet restaurants and an on-site convenience store. Sports facilities include a soccer court, a volleyball court, and a padel court, while the resort also offers day and night entertainment. Guest apartments are equipped with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fully equipped kitchenette and dining area. For those arriving by car, there private on-site parking. The centre of Albufeira is 2.5 miles away. From €209.
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Auramar Beach Resort
Just seconds from the nearest beach, Auramar Beach Resort enjoys a convenient location for visitors planning to spend lots of time on Albufeira’s sandy shores. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, plus a pretty terrace offering scenic views that’s ideal for relaxed pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps. There’s an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, and a lobby bar where you can enjoy exotic cocktails and other drinks. Guest rooms are bright and airy and have a balcony, satellite TV and a minibar. For families, there’s a kids’ club offering a range of fun activities. The main attractions of Albufeira, including its shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, are a few minutes’ walk away. Free parking is available on site too. From €436.
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Monica Isabel Beach Club
With access to its own private beach, this mid-range all-inclusive resort offers great value for those who enjoy a tranquil and secluded setting. Other notable amenities include two on-site restaurants, a beach kiosk, a sauna, volleyball and tennis courts, and a games room with darts and billiards facilities. Guest rooms have a private balcony – most offering ocean views – plus a kitchen and a four-seater dining area. Albufeira town centre is 1.2 miles from the resort while there’s an excellent golf course 3.7 miles away offering discounted rates for guests of the resort. From €96.
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Hotel Pinhal Do Sol
Located between the resort towns of Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo, Hotel Pinhal do Sol offers a serene environment for all-inclusive guests with plenty of amenities at their disposal. There’s an on-site buffet restaurant and separate bar featuring evening entertainment, two out-door swimming pools, a terrace, a garden, tennis courts and a secure, self-contained children’s playground where the kids an run wild while the adults relax. Guest rooms have a private bathroom with a shower, plus direct dial telephone and a safety deposit box. The nearest beach is 1.9 miles away and the hotel provides daily beach transfers each day. There’s free on-site parking and free WiFi in all public areas of the hotel. From €146.
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