Ourabay

📍 Central location in Areias de São João, close to bars, restaurants and the Strip
🏊 Large outdoor pool area with separate children’s pool and plenty of sunbathing space
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 One-bedroom apartments sleeping up to 5 – great for families and groups
🥐 Flexible stays with Self Catering or Bed & Breakfast options
🏖️ Walkable distance to Forte São João and Praia da Oura beaches
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 60 | Floors: 5 | Lifts: 3

Board options: Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering

Child age: up to 12 years (for pricing purposes)

Ourabay sits in the Areias de São João neighbourhood of Albufeira – a sweet spot if you want to dip into the nightlife but still be near the beach. Step outside and you’re within about 100m of everyday essentials, cafés and low-key bars, with Albufeira’s famous Strip a stroll away for late nights and neon.

Two of the area’s headline beaches are within easy reach: Forte São João with its long sweep of sand, and lively Praia da Oura backed by beach bars and watersports. When you’re craving cobbles and character, the whitewashed Old Town and its pretty square are around 1.7km away, easily reached by foot or a short taxi ride.

• Nearest shops, bars & restaurants: approx. 100m
• Forte São João Beach: approx. 1.2km
• Praia da Oura (Oura Beach): approx. 1.3km
• Albufeira Old Town: approx. 1.7km

Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 hour 30 minutes (Faro – FAO)

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal

Self-catering is the star here, but you do have a handful of convenient on-site options when you don’t fancy cooking.

Bars and snacks at Ourabay include:
• Gaudi Snack Bar for light bites and casual meals
• Pool Bar (usually open 28 Mar–30 Sep, around 09:00–18:30, depending on occupancy)
• Lobby Bar, where breakfast for B&B guests is typically served
• Lounge Bar (typically open 08:00–00:00; smart-casual, beachwear not recommended)

Expect a mix of local and international drinks, with availability, opening hours and any dress code varying by season. Reservations or supplements may apply depending on your board basis, and facilities can change from year to year, so treat these details as a useful guide rather than a guarantee.

The focal point at Ourabay is its spacious outdoor pool terrace – a sociable spot for lazy Algarve days.

Pool scene
• One main outdoor freshwater pool with surrounding sun terrace
• Separate outdoor children’s pool so younger guests can splash safely
• Sunbeds and parasols around both pool areas
• Baby-changing facilities nearby
• Inflatables permitted (always subject to lifeguard guidance and conditions)
• Pools typically open 01 Apr–31 Oct (weather and hotel management permitting)

There’s no direct beach, but you’re within walking distance of some of Albufeira’s best stretches of sand. Forte São João and Praia da Oura both offer wide, golden sandy bays, with plenty of sunbeds, beach cafés and options for watersports or coastal boat trips.

Ourabay keeps things simple, focusing on the essentials you need for a comfortable base between beach days, pool time and nights out.

Relaxation and wellbeing
• Beauty treatments available (typically for guests aged 16+; extra charge)

Other handy facilities
• 24-hour reception
• Luggage storage – great for late departures
• Equipment hire including motorised scooters (extra charge)
• Selection of English-language newspapers (subject to availability)

There’s no full gym or organised sports programme; most guests use Ourabay as a launchpad for Albufeira’s golf courses, waterparks, boat trips and nightlife.

Apartments and studios at Ourabay are unfussy but spacious and functional, with tiled floors, simple décor and the all-important kitchenette for easy meals. Daily cleaning and air conditioning come as standard, so you can focus on getting out and about.

Studio
Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 3
Compact open-plan studios ideal for solo travellers or couples, with the option of a third bed.
Room features include:
• Twin beds or similar sleeping arrangements
• Balcony
• Flat screen TV
• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Kitchenette with 4 cooking rings, microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle
• Hairdryer
• Daily cleaning service
• Safety deposit box (local charge)

Studio with City View
Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 3
As per standard Studios but positioned to make the most of city or resort views from the balcony – a nice perk if you enjoy people-watching and skyline sunsets.

One Bedroom Apartment
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 5
Great for families or friends who appreciate extra space. A separate bedroom and living area mean you can keep different sleep schedules without stepping on each other’s toes.
Layout & facilities:
• Separate twin bedroom
• Living area with double sofa bed and foldaway bed for a fifth guest (configuration can vary)
• Balcony
• Flat screen TV
• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Kitchenette with 4 cooking rings, microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle
• Hairdryer
• Daily cleaning service
• Safety deposit box (local charge)

One Bedroom Apartment with City View
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 5
Same set-up and facilities as the standard One Bedroom Apartment, in a location that looks out over the town or surrounding area for a more open outlook from your balcony.

One Bedroom Duplex Apartment
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 4 (plus 1 infant in some units – see room description when booking)
Duplex apartments are spread over two floors, ideal for sharing with friends or for families who like a bit more privacy and bathroom space.
Key details:
• Two levels connected by internal stairs
• Bedroom upstairs with twin beds
• Second balcony on the upper floor
• Living area downstairs with double sofa bed and foldaway bed for an additional guest (layout may vary)
• Two bathrooms – typically one with bath and shower attachment, and another with shower
• Balcony or terrace
• Flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and air conditioning
• Kitchenette with 4 cooking rings, microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle
• Hairdryer
• Daily cleaning service
• Safety deposit box (local charge)

One Bedroom Duplex Apartment with City View
Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 4 (plus 1 infant in some units – see room description when booking)
As above, with the added bonus of city views from one or both balconies – a good choice if you enjoy a more open aspect and watching the lights of Albufeira in the evening.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

Ourabay is deliberately low-key on the activity front, making it best suited to guests who want a flexible base rather than a full resort programme. Typical ways guests use the hotel include:

🎯 Relaxing by the main pool or children’s pool
🌊 Heading out for beach days at Forte São João or Praia da Oura
⛳ Playing golf at nearby Algarve courses
🚤 Joining coastal boat trips to see caves and dolphins
🎢 Visiting regional waterparks and family attractions

Any seasonal entertainment is usually low-key and can change from year to year, so we recommend checking the latest programme on arrival if this is important to you.

🛎️ 24-hour reception
🧳 Luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures
🧴 On-site beauty treatments (16+, extra charge)
🦽 Motorised scooter and some equipment hire (extra charge)
📰 Access to English-language newspapers (subject to availability)
📶 Wi-Fi throughout the property

The transfer drop-off and pick-up point is approximately 70m from the main hotel reception. You can reach reception via a slope and staircase or by using the lift provided from the drop-off level.

Good to know before you book Ourabay
• Group bookings of 3 rooms or more, or 8+ passengers, are usually on request and may be subject to different terms – ideal to confirm with our team before committing.
• Check-in is generally from 16:00; check-out typically by late morning (exact time confirmed locally).
• A refundable cash deposit of €300 per apartment or studio is payable on arrival; this is returned at check-out, subject to room checks and hotel policy.
• This is an apartment-style property, so décor is simple and facilities are focused on space and practicality rather than luxury extras.

Destination essentials – Albufeira, Algarve
• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: usually the same as UK (GMT)
• Average direct flight time from UK: around 3–4 hours
• Over 25 beaches in the Albufeira area, many Blue Flag
• Family favourites nearby include waterparks, go-karting, aquariums and boat trips
• Nightlife ranges from neon-lit Strip bars to more relaxed Old Town terraces

Information is based on previous seasons and supplier details. Operational times, facilities and services are subject to change without notice and may vary by season or occupancy. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Portugal advice.

Ourabay Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and current offers on Ourabay, Albufeira. Secure your Portugal holiday with low deposits and full ATOL protection when you book with Travelisto.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of hotel is Ourabay?
Ourabay is a 4-star, apartment-style property in Albufeira’s Areias de São João district. Rather than a large full-service resort, it offers simple self-catering studios and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, a generous outdoor pool area and a couple of on-site bars – ideal as a central base for exploring the Algarve and enjoying Albufeira’s beaches and nightlife.

2. How far is Ourabay from the beach and Albufeira Old Town?
Ourabay is set slightly inland but still within easy reach of the coast. It’s approximately 1.2km to Forte São João Beach and about 1.3km to Praia da Oura, both walkable or a short taxi ride away. Albufeira’s atmospheric Old Town, with its cobbled lanes and restaurant-packed square, is around 1.7km from the hotel.

3. Is Ourabay suitable for families?
Yes. Ourabay’s one-bedroom apartments can sleep up to five guests, and there’s a separate children’s pool alongside the main outdoor pool, making it a popular option for families and small groups wanting space and flexibility. The kitchenette in each unit is handy for preparing snacks or simple meals for younger travellers.

4. What facilities are in the rooms at Ourabay?
All apartments and studios at Ourabay include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, balcony or terrace, and a private bathroom with a bath and shower attachment. Kitchenettes come equipped with four cooking rings, microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle. A hairdryer and daily cleaning service are included, while use of the in-room safety deposit box carries a local charge.

5. Is there a deposit at Ourabay and how is it paid?
Yes. On arrival, Ourabay normally requires a refundable deposit of €300 per apartment or studio. This is payable in cash on check-in and returned at the end of your stay subject to room checks and hotel policies. This helps cover any potential damage or additional cleaning.

6. Does Ourabay offer All Inclusive?
No – Ourabay focuses on Self Catering and Bed and Breakfast. Breakfast is typically served in the lobby bar, while the Gaudi Snack Bar and pool bar provide convenient options for drinks and light meals during the day. With shops, supermarkets and restaurants close by, it’s easy to keep things flexible and dine out in Albufeira whenever you like.

7. Are there any mobility considerations at Ourabay?
The coach transfer drop-off and pick-up point is around 70m from the main hotel reception. To reach reception, guests use a combination of a slope and stairs or the lift provided from the drop-off level. Motorised scooters can usually be hired via reception for an extra charge, but if you have specific mobility needs it’s best to discuss these with us before booking so we can advise in more detail.