Until recently, you could see fishing boats on this beach, but they’re now moored at the marina to the west of town. Those boats gave this central stretch of sand its name -- “Fishermen’s Beach” -- although today it’s more like “Tourists’ Beach.” A big square with restaurants is right behind it, leading to the Old Town’s maze of narrow streets. It’s often the stage for open-air concerts and other events, and brings people to the beach even at night. Together with the main square (Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco) and The Strip, this is the liveliest place to be in Albufeira after the sun goes down in the summer. It’s also where the town welcomes the new year, with thousands of people getting together for a big fireworks show.
At high tide (mostly in winter), the beach is separated from Praia do Peneco to the west, but is part of a continuous 2km-long stretch of sand in the center of town. Even in August, it’s big enough for the big crowds of tourists, with space for sunshades and sunbeds and for sports activities, particularly footvolley. You’ll also see people on jet skis and parasailing, and sometimes there’s also an inflatable park for kids.
The fine sand can become scorching hot in the summer, but thankfully there are boardwalks. The water, on the other hand, is usually cold, even on the hotter days. But it’s clean, as indicated by the Blue Flag. It does get deep quite fast, so children and those who can’t swim shouldn’t go very far. Always respect the warnings and instructions of the lifeguards on duty in the summer.
Here, the sea may be calm in the morning but have strong waves by the afternoon. This unpredictability doesn’t make it a great beach for swimming. But it’s perfect for sunbathing, in a convenient location by so many places to eat and drink.
The beach is overlooked by white houses of the former fishing village, built on low golden cliffs. For this reason, some people refer to it simply as “Praia de Albufeira” (Albufeira Beach). For the best view, take the escalators by the square behind it and go to a viewpoint called Pau da Bandeira. The escalator and boardwalks make this a beach accessible to those with mobility issues.
Beach for: Couples, Groups of Friends, Sports
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes (in town)
How to Get to Praia dos Pescadores
If you’re in the heart of the Old Town, walk through the tunnel at the end of the pedestrian Rua 5 de Outubro and then to the left. If you’re in the upper/eastern part of the city, take the escalator down. To know how to get to and around Albufeira, see our transportation guide. If you’re driving, you’ll find limited parking in the center. There’s a car park on Rua Álvaro Bila, behind the viewpoint, a few feet from the escalator.
Beaches by Praia dos Pescadores
Walk to the right (when facing the sea) and you reach Praia do Peneco, Albufeira’s most photographed beach. To the left are the beaches of Inatel and Alemães. A short drive away, to the east, are the beaches of Aveiros and Oura (Albufeira’s “party beach”).
To locate these beaches, see the Albufeira beaches map.
Hotels by Praia dos Pescadores
Hotel California Urban Beach
For adults only, this boutique hotel offers a swimming pool with city views, elegantly-styled rooms, a restaurant, and an organic and vegan spa. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Praia dos Pescadores.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel California Urban Beach
Hotel Sol e Mar
If you want to wake up with sea views, this is where you should stay. It has two restaurants and two bars serving drinks and meals throughout the day.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Sol e Mar
Vila Algarvia Boutique & Suites
This is a good-value budget guesthouse in the Old Town, a short walk from the beach. Some of the classically-styled rooms face the sea and two of the town’s landmark churches.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Algarvia Boutique & Suites