The Council 

Albufeira currently has a resident population of 48,807 people, representing an increase of 9.2% compared to the most recent Census (2021), when the municipality had close to 45,000 inhabitants. The largest share of the population is of working age (between 15 and 64 years), accounting for 66.5% of the total. The second largest group is the population aged 65 and over (19.1%), exceeding the proportion of young people under 15 years of age (14.3%).

The municipality covers a total area of 140.22 km², divided into four civil parishes (Albufeira and Olhos de Água, Ferreiras, Guia and Paderne), each with its own distinct characteristics and a rich historical and natural heritage. Together with the neighbouring municipalities of Loulé and Silves, Albufeira is part of the Algarvensis Geopark, recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark.

The local economy is strongly driven by tourism. In 2024, Albufeira recorded over 7.7 million overnight stays, a figure surpassed only by the city of Lisbon. These numbers clearly highlight the impact of a sector that employs thousands of people in the municipality. By the end of last year, 24.7% of employed residents worked in the accommodation sector, in addition to many other jobs across a wide range of tourism-related activities.

Population: 48,807 (2024)
Population density: 347 inhabitants per km²
Area: 140.22 km²
Source: INE