At the end of a long beach that stretches from Faro, in recent
years Albufeira has grown from a tiny fishing village to become
the most well-known holiday resorts on the Algarve and is pretty
much in the centre of the Algarve coastline, yet the transfer by
coach from Faro airport took less than one hour and that included
three previous stops to unload holidaymakers at their hotel or apartments
en route to our hotel near Albufeira's Old Town.
Albufeira's Old town hides a selection of locally renowned restaurants,
preparing the regions most delicious fresh seafood and cataplana
(grilled sardines, a local specialty). Albufeira has rapidly become
one of the most important tourist centers of the Algarve. First
and foremost, Albufeira is famed for its beaches, for the countless
shades and tones of its rocks and cliffs.
The nightlife on "The Strip", located near the Montechoro
section of Albufeira, proves especially popular during the summer
with all ages but particularly the younger tourists. If you don't
fancy the area around The Strip, just avoid it, there's lots more
to see and do in Albufeira.
The name "Albufeira" is of Arabic origin "Albuheira"
and means in Arabic "lagoon", and in Portuguese, "reservoir"
(or sometimes lagoon). In history Albufeira was a thriving seaport
and had its own castle, that was later destroyed in the earthquake
of 1755. Although Albufeira is known as a major tourist resort,
it is amazing that you still find hardly any tourists in the old
center.
In Roman times, Albufeira was called Baltum; Roman bridges can be
seen in Paderne and Guia. The two parts of Albufeira, the Old Town
and the new resort, blend together perfectly.
Golfers can try out the neat nine-hole Pine Cliffs course aboutthree
miles (5km) east of Albufeira at the Sheraton Algarve. Spend your
time on the 9-hole golf course or mini golf, or take time out to
relax in the health club or outdoor pools. Golf hotels in Albufeira
will give you the ideal opportunity to take in the best courses
and playing opportunities in Albufeira.
Golf enthusiasts will love being a short drive from championship
golf courses. Five of Europe's finest championship golf courses
lie within a short drive of the resort and the Club Albufeira is
granted special discounted green fees.
