Albufeira is one of the primary tourist resorts of the region. Facilities include golf courses, a marina, apartment blocks, innumerable hotels, bars, and restaurants. This is the usual set up for the yearly flood of tourists. The name of the city is from the Arabic word “Albuheira” which means “lagoon” in Arabic and “reservoir” in Portuguese.

First and foremost, Albufeira is famous for its beaches as well as for the countless tones and shades of its cliffs and rocks. This is a spot where people thrive because it is an excellent holiday destination. It is the best spot for sunbathing and is an area where bars, discos, and restaurants abound. The green countryside is also dotted with almonds, pines, and orange trees. Houses here are decorated with chimneys that seem to stand out against the ochre of tiled roofs.

History of Albufeira

In history, Albufeira was a thriving seaport. It had its own castle but it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Blissfully, most of the older sections of the town were not destroyed. In fact, they are now carefully maintained.

During the Roman times, Albufeira was known as the “Baltum”. Afterwards, the Moors changed it to “Al-Buhera”. During the time of the Moors and the 8th century, the town became a significant trading port.

In the years 1755 and 1532, the town was struck by earthquakes, wherein 277 people perished when the roof of a church collapsed. In the War of the Miguels, the town was set ablaze and was besieged. Thus, this shattered town consequently suffered poverty for a very long time. With the growth of tourism, it is now beginning to experience recovery.

Its Economy

Commerce and tourism are the major industries of Albufeira. Many tourists arrive at the Faro Airport, which is a four-minute drive to Albufeira. Once the sun sets, the shops, bars, and restaurants located in the center of Albufeira begin to come to life. You will find here a wide range of cuisines and themes, mostly from Irish pubs to Portuguese fare. Its beautiful beaches line its shores and are within short distances from each other. Albufeira used to be an old fishing village but with the influx of tourists, this trade is slowly fading. Most of its residents now work in hotels, clubs, restaurants, and shops frequented by tourists.

Magnificent Beaches of Albufeira

Albufeira has a magnificent coastline with many beaches where the sand is fine and the water is crystal clear and warm. The landscapes, bounded by cliffs, are like paintings on canvasses with fanciful hues. The Gale is an expanse of sand which stretches between cliffs. The area is operational with a large variety of tourist facilities.

In the route to Albufeira, there are also two small beaches that are beautiful and quiet but not so crowded. Aside from this, the Baleeira is a broad crescent of sand opposite Albufeira.

Town Attractions

Albufeira has become a popular tourist resort for several reasons. The major quality of the town is drawing thousands of tourists during the summer months, especially since it is in close proximity to the attractive sandy shores.

Many beaches can be easily reached from the streets, and are just a few minutes to the town square. The major beaches are the Praia de Falesia, Praia de Sao Rafael, Praia de Maria Luisa, de Olhos d’Agua, Praia de Gale, Praia de Castelo, and Praia de Balaia. These beaches offer tourists the delights of sand, sun, and sea during the hot summers.

Several of these beaches also offer boat rides for hire as well as boat rides with water sports facilities. In the middle of the town, there are several historical places of interest, and many artifacts for art lovers can be viewed in their art galleries and museums. There are also some areas in town that keep much of the Portuguese culture and traditional architecture. This is very evident in their little cafes and narrow streets.

Albufeira is also home to a large selection of accommodations, from campsites to hotels where hundreds of people can enjoy live music at night. The town also boasts of a variety of bars, restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife.

Cultural sights in Albufeira include the Manueline doorway of the Church of Sao Sebastiao as well as the doorway in the Travessa de Igreja Velha. The old church, which was named after the street, is also a cultural sight to behold in Albufeira. It was built during colonial times but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. It was a mosque but was recently transformed into a Christian church.

The 19th century bell tower of Matriz church is 28 meters high and it harmonizes with the neoclassical white church whose center boasts of valuable pieces. This was made by the local painter, Samora Barros, and is positioned above the church’s major altar. Another tower to take note of is the clock tower on Rua Bernardinode Sousa. It is considered as one of the local treasures and its filigree iron bell supports are illuminated during festivities and town celebrations. The local municipal art gallery also contains different exhibits and a large collection of medieval Ming ceramics.

The Nightlife

The nightlife on the strip, situated close to the Montechoro section of Albufeira, is principally famous during the summer months. It is an attraction for all ages, but it especially caters to the younger generation. Famous bars would include Matt’s Bar, Erin’s Isle, La Bamba, Garage Reno’s Mustang, Café Del Mar, and Linekers. There is also a very popular nightclub, Kiss Kadoc, situated about seven miles away between Albufeira and Vilamoura close to the town of Boliqueime.

A myriad of bars and restaurants come to life as Albufeira’s nightlife gears up. Local specialties include the cataplana, steamed shellfish in metal cooking trays and caldeirada, a stew of freshly caught fish.

Albufeira nearby Attractions

Other places of interest close to Albufeira are Boliqueime, Armacao de Pera, Guia, and Paderne with its ruined castle suspended on an isolated hill several distances from the village. This ruined castle was conquered by the army of King Alfonso III under the command of Dom Paulo Peres Correia from Moor occupation in the year 1248.