Albufeira is one of the most famous tourist cities in Portugal in the district of Faro. Since the 1960s, when it became popular as a holiday destination with tourists from northern Europe, it has developed from a picturesque fishing village to a bustling holiday resort. Its history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as "Baltum". The Moors, who occupied the city in the 8th century, called it Al-Buhera, which means "The Castle on the Sea". Albufeira, which is just a forty-minute drive from the Algarve International Airport, Faro, can be divided into two main areas of interest: the old town of Albufeira and the new town of Albufeira.

The village of Vilamoura, recently voted the main golf destination in Europe, is just a 15 minute drive east of Albufeira, and there are also some good quality golf courses close to the center of Albufeira.