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Travel in Albufeira Portugal
Albufeira is quite simply Portugal's version of Spain's
Benidorm, a town dedicated to supplying the downmarket British
punter with everything he might want, from eggs and bacon for
breakfast to big-screen football with fish and chips for dinner.
Pile 'em high, sell 'em low, Albufeira is a place to play hard
at the right price and live the lifestyle the foreign way.
It is a mere three-hour flight from the UK, with over 14 flights
a day to the main airport in Faro. Add to this that it boasts
almost all-year sun, has great beaches and low prices, then you
can understand why just over a million and a half UK visitors
made the journey there last year. Over 14 flights a day to Faro.
Albufeira was a busy trading port in ancient times and declined
into a poor fishing town in the 18th century, after being
swamped by tidal waves and burnt out by civil war. However,
since the early1960s the town has prospered, thanks to a tourist
boom. Albufeira is undoubtedly Portugal's most popular
resort,spreading from the old town both east and west along the
coast, its sandy coves and golden beaches drawing an assorted
crowd from retired couples to young teens, and families with
young children.
Everyone finds something to enjoy in this sprawling, low-rise
holiday town, which retains its old world charm with narrow
passageways behind the new hip and happening "Strip". The Strip,
to the east of town, runs from the Montechoro Hotel down to the
Praia da Oura, lined with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars
that operate from breakfast time to the small hours. All along
the stretch of beach below the central square, craggy fishermen
mend their nets unperturbed by the topless sunbathers lazying
around them.
While the chief attraction of Albufeira is its several
enchanting beaches, most protected by ochre-tinted cliffs, there
are some interesting sightseeing possibilities too, like the new
Virtual Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and a
museum showcasing Ming ceramics. Those who travel inland will
find a tranquil green countryside to explore, prevalent with
almond, fig, orange and pine trees, where little villages stand
timelessly in the sun.
Activities to do in Albufeira:
Sun and sea bathing on the golden beaches and in the warm, clear
water is enough for most holiday makers, with around an
astonishing twenty three beaches (some with Blue Flag status) in
the area along a 19-mile (30km) stretch of coastline. All sorts
of watersports are on offer at the main beaches, from sailing
and windsurfing to jet-skiing. Golfers can attempt the neat
nine-hole Pine Cliffs course about three miles (5km) east of
Albufeira at the Sheraton Algarve.
For children, fun times can be found at Zoo Marine in Guia, just
a few miles away, with water slides, swimming pools, dolphin
shows and an aquarium. Exploring the intriguing old town centre
on foot is a pleasant way to pass a day.
Look out for interesting local landmarks like the Clock Tower at
Rua Bernardino de Sousa, and the 18th-century Parish Church on
the Rua da Igreja Nova built on the site of an earlier one that
collapsed in the earthquake of 1755. One of the few buildings
that survived that quake is the Old Inn on Rua Henrique Calado.
Also fascinating is the Xorino Cave, which served as shelter for
fugitive Moors during the Christian conquest of the town in
olden times.
After a hot day in the sun most holiday makers
enjoy sipping a drink at one of the many outdoor cafes, watching
the world go by, before moving to one of the lively bars that
surround the town square or line The Strip. Bars keep bopping
until three or four in the morning, but those who want to dance
the night away can keep going until sunrise at one of the
nightclubs or discos in the town.
Albufeira can keep most shoppers reaching for their wallets with
a tantalising array of goodies. The town's main shopping plaza
is the Modelo Centre in Rua de Municipio, north of the centre.
Not far away is the lively Algarve Shopping Complex in Guia,
where brand name shoes and clothes are on offer in a high street
mall type complex, along with restaurants, an English-language
cinema and bowling alley.
Those seeking genuine local souvenirs should look out for mats
made from rush or corn husks in the villages of Almeijoafras and
Monte Novo, woven baskets, wood carvings and some glazed
terracotta ceramics. These are to be found in numerous
independent shops in the town centre as well as local markets
For eating out, Albufeira simply has lots to offer, the
Portuguese love their fish and all fish is caught locally. There
are lots of seafood restaurants clustered down by Fisherman's
Beach. If it's other food you are looking for, Albufeira has it
in abundance.
Travel by Taxis
Taxis in Albufeira are a useful way to travel around the towns
and visit nearby sights and attractions. The taxi meters starts
at a basic fare, but additional charges are usually made for
luggage, night time driving and travel on public holidays in
Albufeira
Driving Tips
Citizens of EU member countries require a national driving
licence to drive cars in Portugal. Citizens from non-EU member
countries need an International Driving Permit, as well as their
national driving licence You must be at least 18 years old to
drive a car in Portugal and have a valid driving licence and car
insurance.
It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seat
belts and children under 12 years old are not allowed to travel
in front seats. In Portugal, cars drive on the right-hand side
of the road. Give way to traffic coming from the right at
junctions and roundabouts
There is an extensive network of major routes that connect
Albufeira to the nation's main cities. Beware of what appear to
be shortcuts on maps - these often turn out to be unpaved roads
or mountain passes.
Portuguese fuel stations supply most internationally known
brands of unleaded petrol and diesel. It is an offence not to
carry some form of identification, such as passport or driving
licence.
Travel by Car Hire/Rental
Driving in the centre of large towns and popular resorts is best
avoided if possible, as many of the streets and narrow, with
one-way traffic. Cars parked alongside the pavements can also
making driving conditions difficult.
However, a car in Albufiera provides a useful way to travel
around and a current map of Albufeira's roads is very useful.
There are many winding roads around that offer some truly
spectacular views.
About the author:
For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire
at Car
Hire Albufeira Portugal.
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