Visit Albufeira...

About

The once former fishing village of Albufeira is now a popular holiday destination located on the southern Algarve region of Portugal. Known for its pastel coloured coastal apartments and waterfront promenade, Albufeira is often referred to by tourists as one of the liveliest resorts in the Algarve. The towns historic buildings, cobbled streets and the fishing boats that once bobbed along the coastline have since transformed into an energetic holiday destination, where restaurants line the streets and is an area that visitors come to for the vibrant nightlife.

The dramatic landscape in this area of the Algarve is peppered with rugged rock formations, interrupted by large sweeping sandy bays in between, making it popular amongst beach lovers. Suiting both families, couples and groups alike, Albufeira is a holiday destination with something for everyone. Leisure, activity, history and social life are all a part of the towns style of living.

Where To Stay

Depending on the type of holiday you prefer, there is plenty of variety in Albufeira when it comes to accommodation. One of the most popular hotels, as chosen by tourists, is the Design Beach Hotel. This adult only resort has a fabulous location, set with a pine wood, facing out to sea. With a great range of facilities including and outdoor pool, spa treatments and direct access to the beach, we can see why everyone wants to book a holiday here. If it’s luxury you are after, you might want to make the short trip outside the centre of Albufeira to the Pine Cliffs Hotel. This 5-star property nestled amongst the clifftops, where guests staying here can enjoy dining at a choice of eight restaurants, use of the seasonal water sports centre and the longest beach in Portugal, Praia Da Falésia. For a self-catering break in the heart of the town, you can’t go wrong with Albufeira apartment TO. With sea views and the buzzing nightlife on your doorstep, this is the perfect location to relax and unwind during your break in the Algarve.

Where To Eat

As you can imagine fish is a popular dish throughout Albufeira and a local delicacy is Cataplana, a fish stew that contains both local fish varieties and shellfish. The mild climate of the Algarve also makes it the perfect location for the production of local fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs, which you can expect to see on many restaurant menus throughout the town. A favourite restaurant with the locals is The Palacete, serving traditional Portugese cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. For one of the top restaurants in the world, head to Vila Joya (voted 22nd on a list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants back in 2014). Double Michelin Star-winning chef Dieter Koschina creates tantalizing dishes combining local ingredients with a northern European cooking style. Whereas, if you would prefer a more informal dining experience, Rusty’co Bar e Restorante is one of the most popular venues in Albufeira, dishing up classic burgers and mouthwatering desserts.

What To Do

Sitting on the coast, there are plenty of water related activities to enjoy including a range of boat trips exploring the rocky coastline, it’s hidden sea caves combined with a bit of dolphin spotting too. For all those wanting to try out some exhilarating watersports. Choose from kayaking, parasailing and jet ski experiences amongst others.

A visit to the Algarve Zoomarine Amusement Park is also not to be missed with a wonderful range of wildlife to see and learn about including, sea lions and tropical birds. For everyone wanting to gain an insight into Albufeira’s history during their holiday, a stroll through Old Town is well worth it.

At the centre is the Albufeira’s Old Town Square where you can get a feel for what it would have been like to live in this once sleepy fishing village.

When To Visit

The busiest time of year in Albufeira’s calendar is July & August, in line with the school summer holidays when you can expect temperatures to be hot, reaching highs of 30 degrees. Despite the mild winters, the sea temperature can be surpising chilly during the winter months.

On the plus side, if you do choose to book a break to Albufeira outside of the of the main holiday season you will be pleased to hear that the town never fully closes, with many restaurants and tourist attractions remaining open throughout the year. For warm temperatures, minus the summer crowds, a break during the spring and autumn is highly recommended.

Albufeira Old Town...

Also known as “Albufeira’s Historic Centre” or “Albufeira’s Old Town Centre,” is a picturesque and charming area located in the coastal town of Albufeira, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. This historic district is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Key features and attractions of Albufeira Old Town include:

  1. Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach): This is one of the most famous beaches in Albufeira and is situated right in the heart of the old town. It’s a beautiful sandy beach where you can relax, swim, or enjoy various water sports.
  2. Cobbled Streets and Historic Architecture: The old town is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, white-washed buildings with colorful trim, and traditional Portuguese architecture. It’s a delightful area to wander around, with many charming squares and plazas.
  3. The Clock Tower: One of the landmarks in Albufeira Old Town is the Clock Tower (Torre do Relógio). It’s a historic tower that offers panoramic views of the town and the coastline.
  4. Igreja Matriz de Albufeira: This is the main church in the old town and is known for its beautiful azulejo (Portuguese ceramic tile) decoration. It’s worth a visit for its historical and architectural significance.
  5. Restaurants and Cafes: The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine, seafood, and international dishes. The streets often come alive at night with live music and entertainment.
  6. Local Markets: You can find local markets selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and crafts in the old town. These markets offer a taste of local life and are great for shopping for gifts or sampling local products.
  7. Nightlife: Albufeira Old Town is famous for its nightlife. There are numerous bars and clubs where you can enjoy live music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere well into the night.
  8. Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, the old town hosts various festivals and events celebrating Portuguese culture, including traditional music and dance performances.
  9. Beachfront Promenade: Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, which offers beautiful views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also find restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating along the promenade.

Albufeira Old Town is not only a popular tourist destination but also a great place to experience the authentic culture and charm of the Algarve region. It’s a place where history meets modern tourism, making it a delightful spot for travellers to explore and enjoy.

Albufeira Entertainment...

Matt’s Bar

Set on the Rua Victoria Matt’s Bar is more than just another loud bar catering to the tourist trade, this is one that offers a little bit more, during the day the vibe is always relaxed with friendly staff that remember your names and love a bit of banter; serving light food and great beers the fantastic outdoor area is a great place to spend the afternoon. Once night falls the atmosphere heats up and the party begins, the warm welcome remains but the heat of the night adds a little spice, turning this fantastic bar into the time of your life.

 

Restaurante Dom Carlos

Consistently rated as the top restaurant in Albufeira, Restaurants Dom Carlos is one not to miss, it may not have the bargain prices associated with many of the local restaurants but you get exactly what you pay for, and that is excellent food served in amazing surroundings. Keep costs down by opting for the Fixe Price 2 course menu or the amazing 4 course taster menu, which takes the very best of local seasonal food and turns it into an explosion of flavours and textures. Be sure to book to avoid disappointment – closed Monday and Tuesday.

 

Grania

Close to the Bullring this Italian restaurant is the place to get your fix of great quality pizza and pasta, perfect wood fired think crust pizza is topped with the very best ingredients elevating this humble dish to the greatest of heights. Try the simplest pizza of all with nothing more than mozzarella, fresh tomato and a handful of rocket for a taste sensation that sums up all that is great about the region, for the pasta lovers the lasagne is highly recommended, especially when enjoyed with one of the many great house wines that add to the appeal of this fantastic establishment.

 

Floyds Bar

With a feel that reminds you of home Floyd Bar is the place to go for all your must have bar experiences, big screens dominate, along with darts and pool and those all important quiz nights, all perfect for familiar fun and games. There are smoking areas and the abundance of ex pats all adds to the real feeling if being in the most British of bars, there is no doubting that this bar can become a little on the lively side but the crowd is always kept firmly under control by the friendly but capable staff.

 

Os Arcos

If you want to sample the very best Piri Piri Prawns in Albufeira then head to Os Arcos on Rue Alves Correia, the local wines and seafood are always a great choice particularly the sea bass when available; the house speciality of steak Os Arcos fills the heartiest of appetites and has a flavour that stands out amongst the fantastic menu. Be careful not to over indulge on your main course as the homemade sweets are out of this world and have to be sampled to be believed; the prices are amazingly affordable and the friendly staff will always try to find you a table, which is great news for those that are tempted in by the fantastic aroma that seeps out of this little gem.