Albufeira is famed for its beaches, for the countless shades and tones of its rocks and cliffs. This is a place where people live to the rhythm of the great holiday destinations, sunbathing during the day and at sunset, flocking to enjoy the restaurants, bars and discotheques that enliven the nighttime hours. Just a few miles inland and everything changes. The green of the countryside is dotted with almond, fig, orange and pine trees and decorated chimneys stand out against the ochre of tiled roofs. Bucolic villages invite you to experience a way of life rooted in the tranquillity of nature, to add another dimension to your holidays.
Progress has turned Albufeira into a city with tourism and leisure as its vocation. But streets in the old Cerro da Vila area still retain the picturesque appeal of whitewashed houses and steeply climbing narrow streets. There is a Moorish arch on Travessa da Igreja velha, where there stood first a mosque and later the town's first church.On the beach, the bright colours of the fishing boats contrast with the blue of the sea. Oblivious to the holidaymakers sunbathing nearby, the fishermen continue with the task of readying their nets, much as they have done for thousands of years.
The coast of Albufeira is an invitation for water sports: sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving. The golf courses almost reach the sea; so, when you want to make a birdie you cannot forget that the golden soft sand waits for your tiresome body, eagering for the sun warmth.
Albufeira boasts beaches where the sand is fine and the sea a turquoise blue, sheltered by cliffs which are canvasses painted with a whimsical palette of natural hues. It is for its beaches that Albufeira is internationally renowned, because each of them is different... and they are all equally enchanting.
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The Albufeira coastline of the Algarve in southern Portugal is among the most picturesque in Europe, where brightly colored fishing boats manned by local fisherman make day trips from the region's many cliff-sheltered beaches. Hidden alcoves and swimming areas abound among the sandy-colored cliffs; just don't get caught when the tide comes in. Castelo beach features some of the most dramatic rock formations in Albufeira, and the cove provides a natural haven from the wind and swirling sand which can ruin other, more exposed, Portuguese beaches. |
Nearest Airport: Faro International Airport
Recommended Resorts:
Grand Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
Praia de Santa Eulália
Albufeira, Algarve
Portugal
www.ghotw.com
Sheraton Algarve Hotel
Praia da Falesia, Apartado
P.O. Box 644
Albufeira 8200, Algarve
Portugal