Albufeira, located in the heart of the Algarve and only 40 minutes from Faro airport, has been the most popular holiday resort in southern Portugal since the 1970s. Originally a fortified Roman town and for centuries a typical Algarvian fishing village awash with simple white houses and the aroma of grilled sardines, this picturesque location is now a thriving tourist town offering activity and entertainment day and night, and surrounded by a slew of beautiful beaches.
The central area’s tiny alleyways have been carefully kept and connected to the major square, Largo Duarte Pacheco. Near here is a tunnel that leads to the town’s main beach, the tourist information centre, and a wonderful spot to hang out and observe the town’s everyday activities. Albufeira expands outside from the centre into a plethora of tourist projects and hotels, and vibrant new structures surround the freshly constructed marina.
Among the town’s cultural attractions is the Manueline gateway of the Church of San Sebastio and the archway in the Travessa da Igreja Velha, both of which bear witness to the town’s Moorish past. The street’s name, ‘old church,’ refers to what was formerly a mosque but was later converted into a Christian church and destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The clock tower in Rua Bernardino de Sousa is a local gem, and on festival days, its filigree iron bell support is lit. Another noteworthy tower is the Matriz Church’s nineteenth-century bell tower. It complements the neoclassical white church below, which features a priceless painting by local painter Samora Barros over the main altar. The municipal art gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions, while the local museum features a collection of old Ming pottery.
Without a doubt, the area’s beaches are the biggest appeal, with their golden sand, breathtaking colours and curves of the cliffs, and consistently pleasant weather. Aquatic activities and boat cruises are extremely popular here, and Zoomarine, located just 10 kilometres away, is a marine park where visitors may learn about nature through interaction with dolphins. Olhos de Agua and Falesia are the closest beaches with enough tourist infrastructure and, as a result, are frequently the most congested, notwithstanding their beauty. Praia da Galé and So Rafael is located a few kilometres further along the coast, but provide a more private experience while still providing required amenities and the added bonus of some spectacular rock formations.
Places to visit in Albufeira
Igreja Matriz de Albufeira – The parish church (Igreja Matriz) in Albufeira is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the Algarve. Built-in the late 18th century it stands on the site of an earlier church which was converted from a pre-existing mosque
Church of São Sebastião – The aesthetically pleasing, whitewashed church of São Sebastião (Saint Sebastian) on Praça Miguel Bombarda is thought to date back to the early 18th century, having been rebuilt on the site of a 16th-century church.
Zoomarine Algarve – Promoting conservation, environmental education and FUN! Zoomarine combines an important message with hands-on shows and a huge water park.
Parderne’s castle – Built from sandstone and earth the castle sits on a promontory overlooking the Quarteira River around 10 kilometres inland from Albufeira.
Aqualand – One of Europe’s largest outdoor water parks and features a range of chutes and slides suitable for all ages.
Albufeira Archaeological Museum – Located in Albufeira’s old town, just behind the beach, is this archaeological museum. The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Albufeira is housed in, what was until the late 1980s, the town hall.
Museu de Cerro da Vila – The Cerro de Vila museum is located near the Quarteira suburb of Vilamoura, on the Algarve coastline. Some pretty interesting Roman archaeological excavations are to be found here.
