Hugging the coast of Portugal’s southern Algarve region, Albufeira pairs neon and noise with pretty remnants of the past: pleasant squares, 18th-century churches, the ancient remains of a Moorish castle, and tiled pedestrian lanes winding through the white-washed old town. The city's span of beaches brings the drama and pulls in visitors, with golden sand, rugged cliffs, and the bright teals and blues of the Atlantic. Along with Algarve coastal hot spots, these are some of the best beaches in Europe. Water sports of all stripes could easily fill multiple days. Other visitor pastimes? Feasting on just-hauled-in seafood (stewed cataplana is a local speciality) and partying till dawn.