Albufeira

Once a small fishing village, Albufeira (ahl-boo-FAY-ruh, /aɫ.bu.ˈfɐj.ɾɐ/) has developed to be a very touristy area. It's not a place to experience any level of authentic Portugal, as any local culture is overwhelmed by foreign-themed businesses.

The origins of Albufeira date back to the prehistoric period. Later it was settled by the Romans, who called it "Baltum". The name of Albufeira goes back to the time of the Moors "Al-Buhera", as the town in the 8th century was an important trading centre. There are hardly any remains from this period, only a plaque to commemorate the former Moorish castle on the upper town. Mid-13th century, Albufeira was recaptured by the Order of Knights of Santiago under Afonso III of the Moors. After that, it was for many centuries an insignificant fishing village. The huge Lisbon earthquake in 1755, devastated large parts of the country, and Albufeira was particularly affected. The subsequent tsunami flooded the lower part of the village. This destroyed any significant monuments.

In the last quarter of the 20th century, Albufeira's fortunes were revived. Its discovery as the main tourist destination of the Algarve marked a huge expansion from fishing village, to town, to city. Today, the hotels and resorts extend almost seamlessly along the beautiful Albufeira coastline. In the summer months up to 300,000 holidaymakers join the usual 22,000 residents.

There are local buses that run throughout town—ask your ho(s)tel for a timetable.

Taxis are available and can usually be found in the city centre.

• 🌍 Castelo de Paderne (Almoáda Castle). Moorish 12th-century castle. Free Entrance. 
• 🌍 Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira. A small local museum with archeological exhibits from prehistory to Roman and Muslim era. (updated Nov 2020)

More than 25 superb beaches, many of them recognised for their quality with the distinguished Blue Flag by FEE, entice holidaymakers to swim and walk. The long sandy beaches Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Tunel and Praia do Inatel stretching for miles in front of the old town offer a variety of water sports including parasailing, jet-skiing, and kayaking.Smaller sandy beaches sheltered by rocky bays with bizarre sandstone cliffs extend to both sides.

The marina was opened in 2003 in an artificial basin on the western edge of the city, with a capacity to moor nearly 500 boats.

Alufeira can offer many varieties of culture, entertainment and family fun.

• 🌍 Zoomarine, Guia (a few kilometers from Albufeira on the N125 direction west near Guia), ☏ +351 289 560 300. Based on the theme "The Life of the Oceans", Zoomarine occupies over 8 hectares. With a single ticket, the visitor has access to an area of leisure, entertainment and education. Just a few kilometers from Albufeira you can watch presentations with dolphins, seals and sea lions, with tropical birds and birds of prey. Here you find also an amazing aquarium with sharks, various habitats, Cinema4D, attractions, amusements and swimming pools, making your visit to Zoomarine even more unforgettable.
  Zoomarine is very popular with families with kids, therefore there are longer queues during the high season. (updated Sep 2016)

• 🌍 Mercado Municipal de Albufeira (near the bus station). Great place to get fish, fresh fruits and veggies, and dried figs from local producers and farmers. (updated Nov 2020)

• 🌍 Algarve Shopping. One of the largest of its kind in the Algarve is this commercial centre at Guia on the EN125. Over a hundred shops, a supermarket and numerous restaurants are spread over two floors. (updated Nov 2020)

• The narrow streets of the lower old town are filled with shops and street vendors that offer souvenirs and beach accessories. In the summer months, it is worth taking a stroll through the pedestrian zone with its pubs, bars and restaurants to drink into the special atmosphere of this bustling city.

There are many restaurants to choose from, with many of them offering traditional Portuguese fare as well as a wide variety of fresh seafood. Dishes involving different preparations of codfish are plentiful, and the Cataplana styled dishes are well known in this region. Shellfish such as prawns, lobster, and crab tend to be very expensive, while fish is much more affordable. For a break from seafood, try the chicken piri-piri (roasted chicken with a sort of spicey sauce).

Nightclubs, cafes and snack bars are abundant in the Old Town and on the Avenida Sa Caneiro, called The Strip, the best known nightlife destination in the entire Algarve, especially popular with tourists from UK and Ireland. If you are looking for drunk people, loud music and cheap drinks, this is where you have to head. Everything is a bit more expensive in the discos at night, so many holiday makers will drink in the bars and go to the disco after 01:00—they are open until 06:00 in the summer!

Holidaymakers have the choice of more than 500 different accommodations in Albufeira and the surrounding area. Many of these hotels and resorts stretch along the coast between Vilamoura and Albufeira on the beaches of Inatel, Praia da Oura, Santa Eulalia, Olhos de Água and Falésia. West of Albufeira, between the marina of Albufeira and the tourist centre of Armação de Pêra many more hotels and resorts sit on top of the cliffs, overlooking small rocky bays and the beautiful sandy beaches of São Rafael, Castelo and Galé. If you prefer to stay closer to the picturesque old town of Albufeira to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the narrow lanes or to experience the night life on the famous “Strip”, you will find many hotels and apartments along the ring road Av. dos Descobrimentos, encircling the city centre, offering beautiful panoramic views towards the marvellous bay of Albufeira.

Lagos, Silves, Lagoa, Tavira, Evora, Milfontes, Troia, Lisbon.