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 PortugalÂ’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.
By: Ispas Marin
|