In a bay on Portugal's south coast and beautifully located, like an amphitheater in the shelter of bizarrely shaped cliffs (Ponta da Baleeira), Albufeira (altitude: 0-35m/0-115ft.) has developed in recent years into one of the major seaside resorts of the Algarve. It has lost much of its former character as the haunt of painters and would-be artists - in the sixties and seventies it was known as the "St Tropez of the Algarve" - but, offsetting this, provides a whole range of sport and recreation facilities (water skiing, windsurfing, tennis, riding, golf, etc.).
Townscape
Despite the dual carriageways and big new hotels, holiday complexes, etc. constantly springing up in its outskirts Albufeira has still managed to retain, in its old town, something of its original Moorish character as a picturesque little town of white houses and steep, narrow streets where visitors can enjoy a stroll among inviting cafes, shops and little boutiques. There is plenty of nightlife and restaurants and bars abound, especially along the Rua Cândido dos Reis.
From Rua 5 de Outubro a tunnel leads to Albufeira's municipal beach, but it is usually crowded in summer. Above the beach is a short promenade, where the view can be enjoyed from one of the cafes. To the west of Albufeira there are several small beaches in pretty bays, as well as Praia da Galé stretching as far as Armaçao de Pêra. The Oura, Balaia and Maria Luisa beaches to the east of the town form part of the tourist suburbs of Montechoro and Areias de Sao Joao. Generally speaking, the restaurants and water sports facilities are good.
The Igreja of Sant'Ana on the Largo Jacinto d'Ayete, on the corner of Rua 1° de Dezembre is very pretty. This typical, whitewashed 18th C. Algarve church stands out as a rural feature in urban surroundings. Note the crossing cupola and Baroque gables.
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Gruta do Xorino are where the revolutionaries sought refuge in 1833 when Albufeira was besieged by monarchist Miguelists. They reached the caves by an underground tunnel and from there fled by boat to Faro. Fishermen offer boat trips to the Xorino Grottos from the center of Albufeira; it is also possible to walk to them along a cliff path.
At Guia, 6km/4mi northwest of Albufeira, lies the well-known Zoomarine Park, with small lakes, gardens and restaurants, which attracts some 400,000 visitors annually. The many animals include talking parrots, dolphins and seals, while numerous species of fish swim in various pools and aquaria. There is a large swimming pool for children and adults. Four hours should be allowed to enjoy all the main attractions and animals
Address: Guia Zoomarine Park, Estrada Nacional 125, Km 65 - Guia 8201-864 Albufeira, , Portugal
After the earthquake of 1755 the Igreja Matriz was rebuilt by the then Bishop of the Algarve, Francisco Gomes de Avelar. In 1993 the whole building was renovated, although this did not add much to its charm.
The newly laid-out Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco is Albufeira's main square, a meeting point for both locals and tourists. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and snack bars, together with postcard kiosks and fashion jewelry shops. The fountain portrays the town's churches and a mosaic picture shows a view of old Albufeira.
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Guia - Zoomarine Park, Portugal
Albufeira
