Just got back

Well expected it to be quiet but my god it was a ghost town, 10pm on the strips couldn't see anyone in the street, even matts bar had 5 people in.

We did go old town one afternoon but thought in terms of bars/restaurants the new town was better.

Im 28 and guessing by algarve addick your are abit older :)

Thanks for posting your recommendations Ben. They are appreciated by all the regulars, myself included.

It does be quite, especially for the first 8 to 12 weeks each year and this is glaringly obvious after dark. It's fair to assume you did do some research on what area's of Albufeira are a bit busier in low season, especially since you decided to provide feedback.

I find that the biggest number of tourists in Albufeira for the quiet months are retired folk. There are some young families too.  There are stag / hen parties at the weekends. There are groups of friends just on a short break for a laugh. It's exactly the same in Spain & Italy.

The older folk plan on longer holidays, often 10 weeks long, because they get great value and avoid the worst of the UK winter. That does mean that streets around the square are a little busier in the afternoon as people take advantage of the warmth. However, 5pm and the square is almost empty.

However, that where knowing Albufeira comes in handy. There are some places that I like to frequent at night time in winter. As Algarveaddick mentioned, each to their own. There are thousands of people (young through to old) that live in and around Albufeira all year round and that means that there is always somewhere to go and enjoy myself, food, entertainment and just for drinks.

Many would share the same sentiments that I share - those being that Albufeira is not a winter sun destination if what you have in mind is warm weather like Eqypt or Lanzatote. Such destinations try to maintain a party atmosphere all year round. Albufeira is taking a well earned rest before gently winding up again for the next high season.

I don't care as long as there is Vinho on sale, busy or not, its what you make of it. Must say though for people who are first time visitors who don't that many places close in winter months  & don't know where to go must find it a bit soul destroying, sad really as many won't come back. 

ben_leeds wrote: Im 28 and guessing by algarve addick your are abit older :)

 Just returned myself      The weather, if Andrew is reading, really was Glorious !   Sat on the balcony every morning in the sun with cereal and sunglasses. In the direct sun I recorded 32.4 degrees  Picnic's on the beach everyday !  Had a car hired so drove 5 minutes to loads of beaches, Castelo, rabbit beach, Sao Rafael, Laurenco, all beautiful coves with high cliffs and just on the doorstep !!  The nights required a jacket and Albufeira itself was quiet with only some of the main bars open, Rock Cafe, Sir Harry's, both had live music and were busy enough, steps bar had Martin jonathan singing. I like this time of year, it is so relaxed and anytime away from the British Winter is good enough for me. I know where I would prefer to be in February !!! 

Just got back yesterday after 11 nights and have to agree with Jayjan had a lively night in the Rockline every night barring one. Fair mix of age groups.
 As others have said quite a few older folk about who have been there for a few months. Always find the Rockline a good night for Karoake even though I don`t sing but wife and daughter do. Found Rui in Filipes to be a bit more chatty and the "bald eagle" in Coyote seems to have killed the place completely on a night, seems to be only him and someone sat behind the karoake desk now.