"The central old town still has a very traditional feel with narrow streets and hundreds of white houses straggling out into the surrounding hillsides. The eastern side of the town is more bustling with many new hotels shops, and plenty of family restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine. In addition to the town's own large golden beach, there are more intimate beaches close by, such as those at Sao Rafael and Castelo."
The area of Sao Joao and Albufeira is ideal for young people and families looking for lazy days by the sea and a buzzing nightlife. Situated about 40 kilometres west of Faro, Albufeira is one of Portugal's most popular resorts, boasting seven beautiful beaches. The old town still has a very traditional feel with narrow streets and white washed houses, whilst the eastern side of the town is bustling with new hotels, shops, and plenty of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Albufeira has slowly developed into a superbly-facilitated tourist resort without losing its traditional, Portuguese charm. In addition to the town's own large golden beaches, there are more intimate beaches close by, such as those at Sao Rafael and Castelo. And after a day in the sun, the nightlife is fantastic with lots of lively bars and discos.
Ramble through cobbled streets and rows of white-washed houses towards the attractive main square. There are several cafes and restaurants here with outdoor seating available for a spot of al fresco dining - nothing is more relaxing than supping on a glass of cold, Portuguese wine while watching the world wander by. You'll spot plenty of commercial fishermen returning home after a hard day at sea in their brightly painted boats. Though the charm of Albufeira is obvious, it also has plenty of modern conveniences. Shopping, entertainment and eating out are all available in high quantity and quality.
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Recommended Albufeira hotels and apartments
Albufeira hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Albufeira include Albergaria Cerro Da Marina, Aparthotel Brisa Sol, Balaia Atlantico Aparthotel, Balaia Sol Apartments, Casa Amendoeira, Casa Areias, Casa Do Monte Novo, Casa Do Vale, Casa Gabi, Casa Matibora, Casa Mishref, Casa Norberto, Casa Pedro, Cerro Mar Colina, Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort Hotel And Spa, Hotel Alisios, Hotel Baia Grande, Hotel Cerro Mar Colina And Apartments, Hotel Do Cerro, Hotel Real Bellavista, Palm Villa, Perola Do Algarve, Quinta Da Bellavista Apartments, Rocamar Hotel, Solar Do Sol Apartments, Tres Palmeiras, Valmangude Jardim Apartments, Varandas De Albufeira, Vila Bela, Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa, Villa Alba, Villa Casa Andrea, Villa Casa Goia, Villa Eucaliptus, Villa Jacaranda, Villa Kevin, Villa Michelle, Villa Mike Vivian, Villa Mimosa, Villa Monte Davo, Villa Monte Domingos Simoes, Villa Oleander, Villa Prestige 5, Villa Vitalina and Villa Vivenda Martins.
More Algarve holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Algarve? Our Algarve holiday destinations include Acoteias, Albufeira, Alcantarilha, Almancil, Alte, Alvor, Armacao De Pera, Balaia, Boliqueime, Bordeira, Branqueira, Caramujeira, Carvoeiro, Cerro D'aguia, Cerro Grande, Espiche, Estoi, Ferragudo, Ferreiras, Gale, Goldra, Guia, Lagos, Loule, Luz Bay, Moncarapacho, Monchique, Montechoro, Montinhos Da Luz, Olhao, Olhos D'agua, Pata, Pera, Porches, Portimao, Praia Da Gale, Praia Da Luz, Praia Da Marinha, Praia Da Oura, Praia Da Rocha, Praia Do Vau, Quinta Do Lago, Quinta Dos Alamos, Santa Barbara De Nexe, Santo Antonio, Sao Bras, Sao Joao, Albufeira, Sao Rafael, Sesmarias, Tavira, Vale Da Ursa, Vale De Garrao, Vale De Parra, Vale Do Lobo and Vilamoura.
Beaches
There are seven beaches in Albufeira and its environs. The finest beaches, Albufeira and nearby Praia d'Oura, are wide, long sweeps of golden sand with rocks in places. The latter is sheltered by ochre cliffs, with even quieter bays and beaches to the east. Watersports are widely available.
Eating out
Fresh fish is abundant in Albufeira. While you're here, try 'caldeirada' - a delicious fish stew made from several different types of fish, tomatoes and pepper. There are also restaurants serving international cuisine from Chinese stir fries to American potato fries.
Nightlife
There are plenty of bars in which to wile away the night. These range from more traditional bars in the old town to British-owned pub-style establishments in the newer area. There are also a number of discos. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the casino in nearby Vilamoura.
Shopping
Shopping in Albufeira is plentiful. There's a gypsy market once every two weeks, selling some unusual local handicrafts at good prices. Look out for ceramics and the delicate filigree jewellery. Souvenirs are available in abundance, and traditional oil paintings in the town's main square. There are several supermarkets for holiday essentials and self catering guests. You won't regret purchasing some delicate wild lavender honey, produced in the inland mountain regions.
Local information
During the day, why not explore the old town, with its quaint cobblestone streets and original fishermen's houses. There are a number of old churches to discover too. In nearby Guia, there's a marine park which is home to sea lions and dolphins, and also has swimming pools and children's fairground rides. Golf is very popular as are the numerous watersports on offer.
Location
About 40km west of Faro
Transfer time
55 minutes to 2 hours
Recommended
Luxury
