Search Holidays
Albufeira Holiday Resorts
Albufeira was originally a bustling trading port in ancient times, which had devolved into a poor fishing village by the eighteenth century, due to a civil war and destructive tidal waves. But since the 1960s the tide has turned again and this central Algarve resort is once more awash with prosperity, thanks to a tourist boom making Algarve holidays more popular than ever. Of the many Portugal resorts, Albufeira, is one of the most popular and has been described as a stretch of 'holiday-land suburbia', spreading from the old town both east and west along the coast, its sandy coves and golden beaches drawing an assorted crowd from retired couples to wild teens, and plenty of families with young children. Satellite resort developments provide every imaginable type and grade of accommodation. Everyone finds something to enjoy in this sprawling, low-rise holiday Mecca, which retains its old world charm in narrow alleyways behind the new hip and happening "Strip". The Strip, to the east of town, runs from the Mttechoro Hotel down to the Praia da Oura, lined with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars that keep pumping from breakfast time to the small hours. On the long stretch of beach below the central square, accessed through a tunnel, craggy fishermen mend their nets unperturbed by the languishing topless sunbathers around them. While the chief attraction of Albufeira is its 23 or so enchanting beaches, most protected by ochre-tinted cliffs, there are some interesting sightseeing possibilities too, like the new Virtual Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and a small museum showcasing Ming ceramics. Those who venture inland will find a tranquil green countryside to explore, redolent with almond, fig, orange and pine trees, where little villages stand timelessly in the sun.
Albufeira is a shopping haven with a varying array of enticing goods to tempt visitors to reach for their purses, with full shopping malls and seafront kiosks catering the every whim. The town's main shopping plaza is the Modelo Centre in Rua de Municipio, north of downtown. Not far away is the lively Algarve Shopping Complex in Guia, where brand name shoes and clothes are on offer in a high street mall type complex, along with restaurants, an English-language cinema and bowling alley. Those seeking genuine local souvenirs should look out for mats made from rush or cornhusks in the villages of Almeijoafras and Monte Novo, woven baskets, woodcarvings and some glazed terracotta ceramics. These are to be found in numerous independent shops in the town centre as well as local markets in Portugal resorts.
The seafood in Portugal is excellent and the speciality in most restaurants in Albufeira. The catch of the day is guaranteed to be fresh in this traditional fishing town, particularly in the eateries clustered at Fisherman's Beach, below the main town square. Specialities to seek out are sardines, flounder and bass, lobster and prawns. A true local dish is Caldeirada, a stew made up of several types of fish, cooked up with potatoes, peppers and parsley. Steamed clams, cuttlefish cooked in their ink and octopus salad are other indigenous culinary adventures. The local wine is a worthy accompaniment. Some of the recommended restaurants in Albufeira are La Ruina, Tres Coroas and The Beach Basket. Be sure to give them a try on your Albufeira holiday.
A tranquil nightlife can be experienced from one of the many pavement cafes while watching the world go by on a balmy night in Albufeira, followed by a trip to the lively bars in the town square or the chic bars on The Strip. Bars keep hopping until three or four in the morning, but those who want to dance the night away can keep going until sunrise at one of the nightclubs or discotheques that are ten a penny in the town. Most popular and energetic club is Kiss at Montechoro, with Libertos as a close runner up.
The sun kissed white sand beaches and crystalline waters draw visitors to this Algarve resort and Albufeira has twenty-three beaches available along the nineteen miles of coastline. Water sports of all sorts are on offer at the main beaches, from sailing and windsurfing to jet skiing. Golfers can try out the neat nine-hole Pine Cliffs course about three miles (5km) east of Albufeira at the Sheraton Algarve. Those with children will spend fun times at Zoo Marine in Guia, just a few miles away, with water slides, swimming pools, dolphin shows and an aquarium. Just wandering around the intriguing old town centre is a pleasant way to pass a day. Look out for interesting local landmarks like the Clock Tower at Rua Bernardino de Sousa, and the 18th-century Parish Church on the Rua da Igreja Nova built on the site of an earlier one that collapsed in the earthquake of 1755. One of the few buildings that survived that quake is the Old Inn on Rua Henrique Calado. Also fascinating is the Xorino Cave, which served as shelter for fugitive Moors during the Christian conquest of the town in ancient times. There is also an archaeological museum in Albufeira and several art galleries.
A downside to Albufeira is that is becoming increasingly popular for young singles and can become a bit rowdy on an evening.
Use the search function above to find Albufeira holiday deals and book today with Holidays Direct.
