Fire Ravages Popular Albufeira Hotel, Guests Evacuated in Early Morning Blaze
Albufeira, Portugal — A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Ocean View Hotel, one of Albufeira’s most iconic seaside resorts, prompting the evacuation of over 150 guests and causing significant damage to the property.
The blaze, which reportedly started around 3:40 a.m., quickly spread through the upper floors of the five-story hotel, engulfing parts of the roof and several ocean-facing suites. Firefighters arrived on the scene within 10 minutes, but strong coastal winds hampered early efforts to contain the fire. It took more than four hours and the efforts of 60 firefighters from across the Algarve to bring the flames under control.
According to local fire chief Rui Mendes, the fire likely originated in the hotel’s main laundry room, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
“We are fortunate there were no fatalities,” Mendes said in a press briefing. “Several guests suffered from smoke inhalation and were treated on-site. Two were transported to the hospital in Faro for precautionary reasons, but both are expected to make full recoveries.”
Guests described a chaotic scene as alarms rang out and hotel staff knocked on doors to wake those still asleep. Many were seen fleeing the building wrapped in blankets and pajamas, gathering in the parking lot under the glow of emergency vehicle lights.
“I heard shouting and the fire alarm. At first, I thought it was a drill,” said Julia Evans, a British tourist visiting with her family. “But when we saw smoke coming from the hallway, we grabbed what we could and ran. It was terrifying.”
Hotel staff are being widely praised for their swift response, which authorities say helped prevent more serious injuries. General manager Miguel Sousa told reporters that all emergency protocols were followed and that staff had conducted fire drills as recently as last month.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our team and for the guests who came here for a relaxing holiday,” Sousa said. “But we are grateful that everyone is safe. That is our top priority.”
Photos from the scene show blackened walls, shattered windows, and a collapsed section of the roof above the top-floor spa. Fire damage is believed to be extensive, particularly in the central and west wings of the building. Structural engineers were on site by midday to assess the integrity of the remaining structure.
The Ocean View Hotel, built in 1989 and recently renovated in 2021, is a staple of Albufeira’s tourism sector, known for its panoramic Atlantic views, rooftop bar, and close proximity to Praia dos Pescadores. The hotel had been operating at near-full capacity, with the summer season beginning in earnest.
The local tourism board issued a statement expressing concern and support: “We are working closely with authorities and the Ocean View team to provide resources to affected guests and ensure their safe relocation. This is a tragedy for one of our flagship properties, and we stand with them during this difficult time.”
Displaced guests have been relocated to nearby hotels in the area, and airlines are reportedly offering flexible rebooking options for those wishing to return home early.
Fire inspectors and police are expected to remain at the scene for several days. Investigators have not ruled out electrical failure, though foul play is not suspected at this time.
As of Thursday evening, smoke could still be seen drifting from the upper floors, and fire crews remained on standby to monitor hotspots. Cleanup is expected to take weeks, and early estimates suggest damages could exceed €5 million.
Despite the devastation, local officials emphasized Albufeira’s resilience.
“This is a blow to our community,” said Mayor Ana Pereira, “but Albufeira has faced hardships before and come through stronger. Our priority now is safety, support, and rebuilding.”
