Albufeira is a very popular tourist town in the middle of the Algarve coast, south of Portugal. With its sandy beaches, dolphin safaris, a beautifully maintained part of the town known as the Old Town, together with a thriving night life, it attracts many visitors and lovers of sun, fun and relaxation. It’s name like many other names starting with “Al-“ is of Arabic origin, “Al- buhera”, meaning castle by the sea. because Albufeira once had a Roman castle. The chapel and clock tower (Torre do Relógio) was built on the remains of the old castle gate and church and it still chimes the hour. The church itself displays some local art and is worth visiting.
Albufeira was a little fishing village, like many towns on the coast, and over the years with its undoubtfully beautiful beaches (like Praia do Túnel, Praia dos Pescadore, Praia da Oura, Praia da Santa Eulália) has developed into an increasingly large resort town.
The Praia do Tunel (Tunnel Beach) can be accessed via a man made tunnel through a cliff, hence the name, or via a lift going down to the beach. Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s beach) is at the end of a pedestrian street and has escalators leading down from the cliffs.
Alburfeira has a lovely Marina area with many cafés, restaurants and shops, as well many sport activities to be enjoyed, like the speed boat, dolphin safaris, the Algarve Coast and Caves tour, etc. The Marina is only a few years old so its quite modern surrounded by its famous colourful buildings.
Another attracting location in Albufeira is the so called - The Strip, a busy narrow street full of bars and restaurants on both sides that takes you to the beach (Praia Da Oura), that on summer nights becomes a magical world of music, colours, mouth watering smells and the happy buzz of tourists and locals alike enjoying themselves. It is definitely the place to be in, if you are looking for an adventurous and long night.
