Modern and bustling at one end, traditional and relaxed at the other, with a magnificent sandy bay between the two, Albufeira is the Algarve’s most popular holiday destination.
But more than a holiday resort, Albufeira is a year-round town with a life of its own and with a wide appeal. Just forty minutes from Faro airport and centrally located for all the Algarve has to offer, its surrounding area is liberally strewn with foreign owned holiday properties and is home to a well established expatriate community.
At its eastern end are the areas of Montechoro and Areias de São João, the latter focused upon the famous ‘Strip’, where an array of restaurants, music bars and clubs attract a thronging nightlife scene during the height of summer. The beach here is Praia da Oura, a beautiful stretch of golden sands with a wide choice of apartment condominiums and hotels close by. From here, a succession of stunning beaches extend towards picturesque Olhos d’Agua and miles beyond to Vilamoura.
To the west, climbing to a hill, is Albufeira Old Town, once a fishing village and still retaining elements of its traditional character. From a tree lined central square, a maze of old cobbled streets lined with little shops, cafes and restaurants lead down to the broad sands of Fisherman’s Beach.
Past the Old Town and furthest west is Albufeira’s newest offering, a modern yacht marina flanked by striking candy coloured apartment blocks and stylish cafes and restaurants along its relaxed waterside.
Between here and Armação de Pêra, the next resort town to the west, are a string of beautiful sandy cove beaches. Numerous developments have sprung up along this stretch of coast in recent years notably around Gal, offering attractive modern apartments, linked houses and private villas. With the Salgados Golf Course, the modern Algarve Shopping complex plus the acclaimed ZooMarine amusement park all within easy reach, Albufeira and its surrounds remains ever popular for visitors and residents alike