Albufeira Old Town
The resort began to develop about 30 years ago around the picture postcard bay which is Fisherman's Beach. A sandy cove, flanked by limestone cliffs, where colorful fishing boats mingle with sun beds and parasols. You can watch fishermen mending their nets whilst you soak up the sun and maybe even enjoy the catch of the day from one of the many traditional restaurants skirting the beach. The main entrance to the Fisherman's beach area is via a tunnel which lies underneath the quite infamous Hotel Sol e Mar. Steps lead down from a paved promenade where you can enjoy a delicious ice cream before catching the rays.
To get to the tunnel you must wind your way through narrow cobbled streets flanked by a multitude of different shops, bars and restaurants. The little cobbled streets span out in different directions from the Main Square. At the heart of the resort, the Main Square is home to many a colorful street artist and live music playing through the day and into the night give this area a marvelous atmosphere, whatever the hour. Small market stalls occupy the streets around the square and you can easily find the ideal gift to take home with you. Its a bustling but yet traditional side of the resort and should not be missed on a visit to the region.
Montechoro, Areias de Sao Joao, Praia da Oura
As the resort has grown alot of the development has taken place to the east of the Old Town area and many of the now popular holiday accommodations are located in the above areas of the resort. Montechoro to the north, Areias de S�o Joao in the middle and finishing at the beach of Praia da Oura. All three areas are linked by the infamous "Strip". This long street runs north/south through the resort and contains everything you could possibly want during your stay. It is lined by many bars, restaurants, bureau de exchange points, supermarkets, souvenir shops, boutiques, ice cream parlous, information points, bike & car hire. You name it, you will find it somewhere on the Strip.
The Strip culminates at a steep hill that finishes at Praia da Oura or Golden Beach. As the name suggests this is a golden sandy cove, shelving gently into the cool Atlantic ocean. There are sun beds and parasols for hire here and the water sports school will keep the more active occupied.
Whatever type of holiday you are enjoying you are well catered for in Albuferia. All eating tastes are accounted for with hundreds of restaurants to chose from. You can sample the local cuisine or enjoy dishes from all corners of the world. Albufeira even offers those fast food establishments that we know well from home. If you are cooking yourself there are a multitude of different supermarkets to choose from. From the small specialist to large hypermarkets that sell simply everything.
If you are looking for an active nightlife, then you'll be spoilt for choice with many different bars to sample and nightclubs that pulsate into the early hours every night and attract some of Europe's top DJs.
Albufeira During Winter
The whole resort area has a distinctly more relaxed atmosphere during the winter months, but as the favorable climate continues, you will find there is still plenty to keep you occupied.
Walkers will enjoy taking the coastal route which joins the two areas of the resort. The small rocky coves are certainly more spacious during winter and real beach lovers should head west, past the new Marina site to the long stretches of powder white sand at Gale.
On the first and third Tuesday in each month, year round, the traveling Gypsy market visits the site next to the bus depot to the north of Albufeira Old Town. Here you can barter for bargains in Shoes, leather goods, ceramics, clothes and other local handicrafts. For serious shoppers there is a courtesy bus out to the newest addition to Algarve's shopping - "Algarve Shopping" !! This two storey shopping mall has many different shops to browse around, as well as six cinemas, a bowling alley and a huge food court.
Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the many activities available during winter. Golfers will be in paradise with some of the best courses in the world available throughout the Algarve. Don't forget your handicap card. Tennis can be played at most of the accommodations. Lawn bowling and cycling are very popular too.
Whether you decide to stay local or sample the local transport or even be a bit more independent and hire a car to travel further a field - the diverse resort of Albufeira has something for everyone throughout the season.