Albufeira

Located on the panoramic stretch of coastline along the Algarve, Albufeira is only a 40 minute drive from Faro airport. A well established tourist resort since the 1970s, you will find some of the most exquisite villas along its coastline offering quality accommodation and stunning sea views,

A renowned family destination, Albufeira boasts warm hospitality, an excellent selection of local and European foods, a wide choice of facilities and the promise of some hot sun from March to October.

The town itself is modern with some excellent shopping. The town square of Largo Duarte Pacheco is the focal point for tourists and great base to sit at one of the many sidewalk cafes. With cultural influences from the Phoenicians, Arabs and Greeks, the town name stems from the old Arab name of “Al-Buhera” meaning Castle Of The Sea. You will love the beautiful scenic walks around the old fishing Harbour, the recently built Marina area and several of the golden sandy beaches surrounding the town.

Out & About in Albufeira

The beaches of Albufeira are without a doubt its main attraction. With so many to choose from, the most popular are Praia D’Oura, Praia São Rafael, Praia de Galé and Praia dos Aveiros, all Blue Flag beaches of soft golden sand. Water sports are huge in Albufeira from the much loved banana boat to jet skis, water skiing, diving, fishing, paragliding and surfing. Every resort has a variety of boat trips from whale & dolphin watching to pleasure trips around the coastline. The nightlife is buzzing in Albufeira with a huge selection of nightclubs, casinos and bars.

Albufeira Travel Highlights:

Zoomarine is a fun day out for all the family with dolphin, polar bears, sharks and seals all putting on a fantastic show. The Aquarium is home to some colorful and unusual subaquatic and tropical fish. Albufeira is also rich in culture and offers many iconic places to visit. Igreja de Santana, Church of São Sebastiã and Travessa da Igreja Velha are examples of ancient architecture. Built in Moorish style, their whitewashed domes create a wonderful silhouette against the clear blue sky, a sight synonymous across the landscape of the Algarve. The old Harbour, once nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 is now a charming area to explore and experience local cuisine, excellent wine, and many beautiful craft shops.

Golf

Albufeira is well known as an excellent golf destination with many villas having direct access to or located near many of the courses. The following three are renowned in this area. Salgados, with part of its course stretching down to the sea, its lakes and rugged landscape offers a challenge to the most skilled golfer. Pine Cliffs, built on the cliff top and amongst a forest setting in the grounds of the Sheraton Hotel, this course offers stunning of the beach and ocean below. Balaia offers many interesting challenges between its lakes, water features and forest areas. All have excellent restaurant and bar facilities.

Local Cuisine

The local cuisine is wonderful and heavily influenced by its historical roots offering many spicy dishes, stews, freshly cooked local produce and of course lots of fresh seafood. Some of the local specialties are Ameijoas na Cataplana, a local dish of steamed clams, Arroz de Marisco, a tasty risotto of rice and mixed seafood, Caldeirada, a fish stew and many delicious Sardine, Lobster and Crab dishes. In keeping with local tradition, a carafe of wine or sangria is usually brought to the table while you are browsing the menu.