VERDICT: We gave 2 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
This guide forms part of our complete Portugal Travel Guide, featuring destination ideas, scenic road trips, practical travel advice and honest first-hand reviews from across the country.
Great View, Little Sleep: What We Learned Staying in Albufeira Old Town
Trying to describe this trip to Albufeira has been a tricky one. We absolutely loved the view from the apartment we rented (the Atlantic Ocean & little village) and the layout (large patio, kitchenette, living room, 2 bathrooms, washing machine). We enjoyed the fact that it was very close to not only the beach, but restaurants, stores and some attractions.
Luckily for us, we have enjoyed some type of excursion most days because unfortunately, in Old Town, there is extremely loud music & karaoke from 3pm till at least 3am, every. single. night. It was too loud even with the windows and patio doors closed tight, sounding like it was in the next room. We had hoped to have some quiet time during the day at least, but were not informed that there would be very loud construction in the suite below ours while we were there. Jackhammering even.
Albufeira itself is a mix of whitewashed buildings, cafés, restaurants, churches, market stalls, and even some Roman ruins. You’ll find museums and wonderful little cafés every few feet to have their national treat, pastel de nata, or even some very good gelato (we know, that’s Italian, but it was very good here).
Not getting any sleep was very exhausting, there were no refunds on this place, so we had to just deal with it. The other problem was that we were not told that parking would cost an exorbitant $20 (Canadian) a day and we’d already rented the car, so didn’t have a choice but to pay that. At one point we were even told it would cost $10 (Canadian) a day to rent the security safe… have you ever? Needless to say we did not.
We understand that there are different lifestyles, and that regular life goes on for locals, whether there are vacationers there or not, but not being told about the party scene and the intrusive construction was not cool or professional. As we were paying a fair amount to stay there, we should have had the choice to decide whether or not those things would ruin our holiday. (We won’t even get into the fact we had to stack two mattresses each to be somewhat comfortable… while we couldn’t sleep…)
Our host was 35 minutes late when we arrived and then sent someone else to let us in, which made us an hour past check in. We’d read on booking.com that other holidayers had mostly enjoyed their stay but they’d been greeted by the host who had given them all kinds of tips & suggestions. We weren’t told where the garbage was to go, let alone left bags for it, even opening the garage door was a nightmare. The cell phone we were to use to open the parking lot door didn’t always work, so a couple of times we had to wait for others to come & go to get in.
We grocery shopped, to manage our costs, so often ate in our apartment, which we’re quite happy to do. We’ll talk about grocery prices (& their varying taxes)in another post.
There was a pool and lounge chair area at the apartment but the water was freezing cold so we didn’t go in. We figured this would be the case as it was technically still winter in the Algarve. The weather was otherwise lovely so we didn’t care.
The disappointment in not being informed of the loudness in the middle of the night there & the possibility of construction were what really dragged down the rating… had we been given that info, we would not have chosen to stay here. We noticed in our wanderings that there are many places on the ocean we could have stayed that were quieter. Being so exhausted has taken the shine off the stay, big time.
It just goes to show that sometimes you can read all the reviews and do the research but still only find the info they want you to have.
Key Takeaways Before Booking Accommodation in Albufeira
1. Old Town Can Be Extremely Loud
Albufeira Old Town has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially around the main square and beach streets. Music, karaoke, and bars can run from mid-afternoon until 3am or later — every night.
2. Check the Exact Location of Your Apartment
Even within Old Town, noise levels vary dramatically. Properties close to the main entertainment streets can feel like the party is inside your room. Our vacation apartment address was: Rua Alves Correia 115, Old Town, Albufeira.
3. Ask About Construction Nearby
Major renovations and building work are common in the Algarve. Always ask hosts if there is current or planned construction in the building or neighbouring properties.
4. Confirm Parking Costs in Advance
Parking in Old Town is limited and often paid. Some apartment complexes charge daily garage fees that can quickly add up during longer stays.
5. Clarify What’s Included
Items that travellers often assume are included — such as safes, garbage bags, or basic supplies — may come with additional fees or not be provided.
6. Read Reviews Carefully — But Ask Questions Too
Even good reviews don’t always reveal noise levels or disruptions. Message the host directly about nightlife noise, check-in procedures, and amenities before booking.
7. Consider Quieter Alternatives Nearby
Areas like São Rafael, Olhos de Água, or the Albufeira Marina area can offer ocean views and easy access to Old Town without the constant late-night noise.
Useful Visitor Information:
- Ultimate Guide to Algarve Beaches
- Castro Marim Medieval Castle
- Cost of Living Expenses
- Benagil Cave by Boat Adventure
- Two Very Different Parts of Albufeira
- Best things to do in and around Albufeira
Plan your next trip:
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
