Algarve Resorts - Albufeira
Monday, 16th November 2009
Albufeira is a lively resort just 25 miles from Faro airport. The beaches are a major attraction, long, sandy and utterly irresistible. The sea is calm, and warm, with crystal clear waters. There are several beautiful beaches to choose from. Among the best beaches are the Praia de Oura Beach, and the Falésia beach in next door Falésia town, which many visitors say is the best beach in Portugal. The beaches all have bars and cafe’s nearby. More adventurous visitors can seek out the smaller and more secluded coves.
Albufeira has developed over the years into a major tourist resort. The Old Town retains some of its Moorish origins, whereas “The Strip” is part of the new development has contains hundreds of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. Just along from the Strip is the area known as Montechoro, which has many hotels and apartment blocks for tourists. Evening strolls along the pedestrianised promenade are highly popular and relaxing after a hard day at the beach.
The choice of places to eat is enormous, with a wide range of good food available. Nightlife is extensive and hectic, but hassle free and mainly centred around “The Strip”, and the Old Town. Getting around is easy, with lots of cheap taxis, and a little tourist train which circles the town, running until the early hours in the summer. Albufeira is very popular with British visitors, with a welcome for couples, groups and families. The kids will adore the beaches.
While developed as a tourist resort, the old town still retains much of its Moorish origins, and is a lovely place simply to wander around.
In addition to the national festivals, Albufeira has many fairs and festivals of its own, including some large summer events:
July – A large handicrafts fair
August – The Fishermans Festival. Finishes with a fabulous firework show.
August – the Chicken festival, eat grilled chicken for 2 days!
August – 2 day Sardine festival on Olhos beach. Marvel at the number of ways sardines can be cooked and served.
The list goes on and on, with never a month without something happening.
There is a little tourist train which circles the town, and runs into the early hours during the peak summer period. Many holiday makers use this as an alternative to the taxis.
Albufeira is also a perfect location for visitors who fancy a round of golf, with several first class courses close by.
