Praia dos Pescadores – the #1 guide

Praia dos Pescadores is one of the most iconic beaches in Albufeira, buzzing with life and just steps from the historic old town. Once a working beach where fishermen brought in their daily catch, it’s now a vibrant destination filled with golden sand, calm water, and plenty to do. Whether you’re into sunbathing, people-watching, or trying local seafood at a beachfront restaurant, this beach delivers. Read on to find out how to make the most of your visit to Praia dos Pescadores.

In this article you will find:

• What makes Praia dos Pescadores unique
• Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
• Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
• Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
• Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby

Why visit Praia dos Pescadores

• Right in the heart of Albufeira – just steps from the old town, this beach is one of the easiest to reach, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife just minutes away.
• Lively and social vibe – perfect for people-watching, beach games, and meeting fellow travelers. There is always something happening on or around the sand.
• Great facilities for a full beach day – from sunbeds and lifeguards to water sports and beachfront cafes, you’ve got everything you need to spend the whole day here.
• Ideal for families and groups – wide sandy space, calm water in summer, and fun extras like an inflatable water park make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Stunning viewpoints nearby – catch panoramic views from Pau da Bandeira or ride the cliffside escalator for a fun and easy descent to the beach.

Are you looking forward to visit Albufeira? The short video below shows you what you can expect from Praia dos Pescadores.

 

What to expect at the beach

Praia dos Pescadores is a big beach, stretching for about 225 metres in length. During low tide, it is more than 100 metres wide. It is part of one huge stretch of sand in front of Albufeira, which also encompasses Praia do Túnel, Praia do Inatel and Praia dos Alemães.

The protruding cliff in the middle of the beach separates Praia dos Pescadores from Praia do Túnel, with Praia dos Pescadores in the east (on the left side when looking at the sea) and Praia do Túnel in the west (on the right side when looking at the sea).

From above you can clearly see the size of the beach.

The sand on the beach is fine and gold-coloured. It is soft on some parts, and harder on some other parts. You will encounter many shells on this beach. Some of these shells are broken, which can hurt your feet. It is a good idea to walk with shoes or flip flops on the beach.

There are wooden walking trails on parts of the beach, which makes it easier to walk across the beach. It can be quite painful to walk barefoot on the scorching hot sand.

The water is clear and clean. The temperature of the water can be a bit cold, but it gets warmer in the summer. The waves on this beach can be strong at times though, so be careful with children in the water.

All the beaches of Albufeira have rock formations protecting the beaches. You will find signs advising you not to stay close to the rocks. Due to potential rockfall, it can be dangerous to sit just below the rocks.

As Praia dos Pescadores is a city beach, some parts are usually very crowded. Especially in the summer, the beach of full of people. If you prefer privacy on the beach, it is best to go to another beach.

Behind the beach you can see the whitewashed houses of the old town of Albufeira. It is a very pretty sight.

Water sports

A variety of water sports are available on this beach, including jet ski and parasailing. In the summer, there is also an inflatable water park. Kids love to play here.

Viewpoint

On the cliffs on the eastern side, there is a nice viewpoint, called Pau da Bandeira.

From this viewpoint you have a magnificent view over the old town of Albufeira and Praia dos Pescadores.

Escalator

From the viewpoint of Pau da Bandeira, you can descend via a modern escalator. The escalator takes you directly from the cliffs above to the beach. It is interesting to see an escalator outside, because usually they can only be found inside a building.

The square

The big square behind the beach is home to many open air concerts and other types of entertainment. The square is surrounded by many bars and restaurants. There is also a boulevard. It is a very lively area, especially in the evening. From the beach, you can easily walk to the square and then to the centre of Albufeira. You can skate, cycle or hoverboard here. It is also possible to rent a Segway, so you will see some of them driving around. Every New Years Eve, this square is home to a big show. Thousands of people come here to enjoy the entertainment and celebrate New Years Eve.

Our tips

Want to experience Praia dos Pescadores like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:

• Catch golden hour from the Pau da Bandeira viewpoint. Most tourists head here midday, but locals know the real magic happens at sunset. Arrive 30 minutes before for golden light, fewer people, and panoramic views over the beach and rooftops.
• Want space on the beach? Head east, toward Inatel. Walk 5 minutes east and the crowds thin dramatically. This section of sand is still part of the same beach but often has fewer umbrellas and more tranquility.
• Stay late for live music at the square. From May to October, the plaza behind the beach comes alive with concerts, performances, and DJs. Grab a drink at a local kiosk and soak in the energy like a local.
• Spot dolphins without a tour. On calm days, especially in the morning, scan the horizon from the eastern cliffs. Locals have seen dolphins just offshore, no boat required.
• Arrive by 8:30 a.m. for front-row sunbeds without a reservation. The best sunbeds (with shade and sea views) are usually taken by 9:00 a.m., so get there early for your pick, or reserve the day before if possible.

Origin of the name

Literally, Praia dos Pescadores is translated as fishermen’s beach. Back in the days, the fishing activities were related to this beach. You could see many fishing boats here. In ancient times, the fishing boats were pulled from the water to the sand by oxes and in the 20th century by a tractor. You could see fishermen repairing nets on the beach. Or you could see them bringing baskets full of fish to the fishing auction, which was situated close to the beach. Such activities do not exist anymore on this beach, since the new marina was built west of the town. The fishing boats have all moved to the marina of Albufeira. Nowdays, you will only see tourists and sun worshippers on Praia dos Pescadores.

As the fishing activities are no longer on the beach, many locals tend to call this beach simply Praia de Albufeira.

Best restaurants near the beach

There are many good restaurants and bars near the beach. Watch out for the tourists traps. If you are not sure if it is a good restaurant, check out reviews online. Our favourite restaurants nearby are:

• Cabana Fresca. This Portuguese restaurant offers fresh fish and seafood. The food is great and the staff is friendly.
• Ricardo’s Pizzeria. This is one of the best pizzerias in the old town of Albufeira. They have fabulous pizzas and a great rooftop terrace with sea view.
• Spice Lounge. This is one of the best Indian restaurants in town. Very tasty food and excellent service. If you like spicy food, this is the place to be.

Best hotels near the beach

Looking for a great place to stay near Praia dos Pescadores? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:

• Inn the Beach Apartments. This three bedroom apartment is perfect for families. Highly rated.
• Old Town Apartment. This is a clean apartment with excellent value for money. Only a couple of minutes walking from the beach.
• Sea View Apartment Old Town Center. This modern apartment has two balconies and provides great views over the sea.

Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.

 

How to get there & parking

Depending on where you are in Albufeira, you can access this beach by escalator from the upper city, through a man-made tunnel from the old town (and then turn left) or just walking from downtown Albufeira. The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. To get to Praia dos Pescadores, you can enter in your GPS the following address: Rua Bairro dos Pescadores Albufeira. You can park your car in a car park near Avenida 25 de Abril within the old town, or in the car park on top of the cliffs, near the escalator.

Top excursions nearby

Make your trip truly unforgettable by booking one of the top-rated excursions in the area. Whether you dream of cruising along the Algarve’s stunning coastline, exploring the famous Benagil cave, or spotting dolphins at sea, these handpicked experiences are the best of the best. Don’t miss out. Secure your spot now, before they sell out! Check out our top recommendations below.

 

Beach facilities

As Praia dos Pescadores is a city beach, you will find everything you will ever need around here. The beach is also accessible by wheelchair.

Facilities in Praia dos Pescadores:

• Restaurant: yes
• Bar/club: yes
• Toilet: yes
• Shower: yes
• Water sports: yes
• Sunbeds: yes
• Parking: yes, at the top of the cliffs at Bairro dos Pescadores or a car park along Avenida 25 de Abril, in the old town
• Lifeguards: yes
• Blue Flag beach: yes