Eating out in the Algarve is great value for money and portions are usually mammoth. As with most Algarve resorts, Albufeira is famous for its seafood dishes, made with the 'catch of the day' from the well-stocked waters of the Atlantic, and washed down with a refreshing glass of Vinho Verde.

The centre is also where the countless restaurants can be found, where one of the specialities is "Piri-piri-chicken", which is chicken in different forms with a strong African pepper sauce, from colonial times. Other specialities include grilled sardines, fish of the day and almond cake. Restaurants, bars and shops selling all the basic essentials can also be found linked to the hotel resorts in the area. On the outskirts of the town (a few minutes drive away) is a large shopping centre that has absolutely everything.

Local specialities: sardinhas assadas (charcoal-grilled sardines); pasteis de bacalhau (cod fish-cakes); chicken piri piri (grilled chicken with chilli and olive oil sauce); cataplana de mariscos (seafood stew); egg desserts.