Albufiera is primarily a resort town; however not everyone who visits enjoys sitting on the beach day in and day out. For those who have had their fill of the sun and sand, a few Albufeira museums are worth a look.

Archaeological Museum

Albufeira and the Algarve have had quite an interesting history with Roman rule, followed by the Muslims and others. Housed in the Albufeira city hall lies the small but informative Archaeological Museum. The museum has 4 different exhibition sites with examples of pre-historic, Roman and Islamic influence. It is open every day of the week except Mondays and national holidays.

Samora Barros Gallery

Housed in a white building which once served as a local power plant is the Samora Barros Art Gallery. Samora Barros was an artist from Albufeira and admired by locals. His most treasured works of art and paintings are on display.

Loule Castle

Just a short bus ride from Albufiera lies the Castle at Loule. The entrance fee is less that 1 euro and provides some stunning views of the coast from the top of the castle walls. For those who would like to learn some local Algarve history this makes an excellent day trip.

Maritime Museum of Faro

Featuring beautiful oil paintings of fisherman and maritime scenes as well as scale models of steam boats and galleons, this local museum is packed full of wonderful bits of local history. Faro is just a short bus ride from Albufeira with times available all day.

Here's a quick guide to some of the museums you'll find in Albufeira.

Museum of Archeology

A must see in Albufeira is the Museum of Archeology. Here you'll discover the history of this Algarve locality. Each room will show you the different stages in history. In the interior of the museum you'll find rooms with pre-historic, Roman, Muslim, medieval and modern age artifacts. There are archeological remains found in the Roman city of Morgado de Lameira. The history of Albufeira dates back to Pre-Islamic times. It was a typical walled city that was presided over by a castle on the highest part of the mountain. In the 13th century, Alfonso III conquered this town, and Albufeira was annexed to the Kingdom of Portugal. Today you can still see traces of this period in city's narrow streets, the aroma of jazmin, cobblestone roads and its castle and city walls.

Albufeira Archeological Museum

If you want to do a cultural route of the different periods of Albufeira's history, you can visit the Albufeira Archeological Museum where you can see objects of interest dating back to prehistoric times, to the Romans, Arabs and modern times. You will also find testimony to the past in the historic district of this municipality, as well as in the outskirts of town. Such proof lies in the castle, the Sineira Tower, the Misericordia Chapel, the Santa Ana Tower, the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Orada, the Paderne Castle and the Hermitry of Nuestra Señora de la Cruz. Distance between Albufeira and Algeciras is 168 miles or 270.31 km.