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General Description of Albufeira
Albufeira was a thriving seaport for many centuries until it was hit by 2 earthquakes and then a civil war causing it to languish as a sleepy fishing village until the 1960s. Since then, however, it has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve, and is now an extensive resort divided into boroughs and incorporating several smaller resorts on the outskirts. The old town centre has retained much of its charm, with a main square surrounded by cobbled streets with fishermen's houses and a tunnel leading to the beach. Modern districts of hotels and apartments rise up in the surrounding low hills; most of these areas are well planned, unlike many other resorts in the Algarve.
Market/Suitability
All types, all markets and all ages. Being fairly central to the Algarve, Albufeira is also good for touring. Nearest golf course is 5 mls to the west.
Location/Contact
Location: Midway along the south coast, 190 mls south of Lisbon, 19 mls east of Portimao, 25 mls west of Faro and the airport.
Position: Set among low-lying hills and facing a succession of beaches, which are divided by cliffs.
Postcode: 8200
Accommodation
Mainly mid-range self-catering establishments with a good selection of 3- and 4-star hotels.
Beach
A total of 7 beaches, Fisherman's Beach in Albufeira and Praia da Oura being the main ones. Both are central to the resort, wide, cliff-backed and sandy but with rocks in places; both also have a lifeguard. The other beaches (Olhos d'Agua, Santa Eulalia, Sao Rafael, Castelo and Maria Luisa) to the east and west of Albufeira are smaller, have fewer facilities and fairly steep access.
Shopping
Wide selection of traditional oil paintings in the main square. Filigree jewellery, ceramics and handicrafts. Numerous supermarkets. Daily market of local produce and tourist gifts. Fortnightly gypsy market.
Entertainment
Daytime: little of historic interest, although there are several churches in the old part of town. Most of the holiday complexes have their own sports facilities. An abundance of water sports at the beaches. Coastal footpath with fine views. Large marine park in Guia (5 mls) with dolphins, walruses, sea lions, swimming pools and fair rides for children; the park operates a bus service bookable from most receptions. Bullring with weekly show in summer.
Nightlife: an abundance of bars, many British owned, and several nightclubs. Vilamoura casino 9 mls distant.
Eating Out
Dozens of restaurants serving anything from hamburgers to filet mignon.
Public Transport
The bus station, about ¼ ml from the main square, serves the whole Algarve with a regular, efficient service until early evening. Taxis can be booked from most receptions and there is a rank near the square. Car hire is plentiful and can be booked at receptions.
Local Excursions
Half day: tour along coast to Spain, taking in Portuguese fishing villages. Full day: jeep safari of remote hilly areas; extended coastal tour; Lisbon for shopping and historic monuments (long day).
Serving Airports
Faro International (FAO)
Flight time from the UK: 2 hrs 45 mins
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 ALBUFEIRA, ALGARVE | | › 4* Brisa Sol | | › 4* Montechoro | | BAVENO, ITALY | | BENALMADENA, COSTA DEL SOL | | BENIDORM, COSTA BLANCA | | CALPE, COSTA BLANCA | | COSTA TEGUISE, LANZAROTE | | DUBLIN, IRELAND | | FUENGIROLA, COSTA DEL SOL | | FUNCHAL, MADEIRA | | FURNAS, AZORES | | HAMMAMET, TUNISIA | | KILLARNEY, SOUTH WEST IRELAND | | LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS | | LIMASSOL, CYPRUS | | LLORET, COSTA BRAVA | | LOS GIGANTES, TENERIFE | | MACHICO, MADEIRA | | MAGALLUF, MAJORCA | | MARIA ALM, SALZBURGERLAND, AUSTRIA | | PAPHOS, CYPRUS | | PLATJA D'ARO | | PLAYA BLANCA, LANZAROTE | | PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS, TENERIFE | | PORT EL KANTAOUI, TUNISIA | | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC | | PRAIA DA ROCHA. ALGARVE | | PUERTO DE LA CRUZ, TENERIFE | | PUERTO RICO, GRAN CANARIA | | QAWRA, MALTA | | RIVA DEL GARDA, ITALY | | SALINA BAY, MALTA | | SCHLADMING, AUSTRIA | | SEEFELD, AUSTRIA | | SELVA, ITALY | | SOLL, AUSTRIA | | SOUSSE, TUNISIA | | STRESA, ITALY | | TAVIRA, ALGARVE | | TORREMOLINOS,COSTA DEL SOL |
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