DK Travel : The Algarve : Albufeira

Albufeira

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Albufeira is one of Portugal’s most popular holiday destinations and the largest resort in the Algarve. Famed for its fabulous beaches and exhilarating nightlife, the town gets very busy in summer when it positively bursts with energy. Its history is just as animated, from Roman settlement 2,000 years ago, Arab and Christian conquest in the 8th and 13th centuries, respectively, its rise and fall as a centre of trade and the emergence of its fishing industry.
For more on Albufeira’s attractions and nightlife see:Clubs and Late-Night Bars; Central Region Beaches; Nightlife; Restaurants

Top 10 Sights

1. Praia dos Barcos

1. Praia dos Barcos

“Beach of the Boats” is so-named because of the many small fishing vessels left stranded on the sand between use. Their owners – grizzled fishermen with the past etched into their faces – seem oblivious to the sunbathers who descend on this well-known beach during the summer.
2. Praia da Oura

2. Praia da Oura

Albufeira’s “Golden Beach” sweeps the toes of the village-resort of the same name. This popular beach has the advantage of its proximity to shops and cafés.
3. Igreja de São Sebastião

3. Igreja de São Sebastião

The altarpiece is the shining star of this exquisite church. Its gilded form presides over a 14th-century statue of Nossa Senhora da Orada clutching a baby Jesus.
4. Museu Arqueológico

4. Museu Arqueológico

Peer closely and you’ll spy some charming exhibits: Roman earrings; a pair of Moorish scissors unearthed at nearby Paderne castle; and a near-mint 7th-century Visigoth earthenware wine goblet. See Museums .
5. Capela da Misericórdia

5. Capela da Misericórdia

This is Albufeira’s oldest building of note. Fashioned in Gothic style in the 1500s, the chapel has since undergone many a stylistic change of heart.
6. Tapete Mágico Crafts Workshop

The quality woven table cloths, carpets and table mats for sale here are all skilfully crafted by mentally and physically disabled workers, trained in the use of a traditional, hand-operated loom. Staff are happy to show visitors around the workshops.
7. Castle Walls

The mighty ramparts that once surrounded Albufeira crumbled to dust as the 1755 Earthquake struck. A corner wall, the North Door, does survive though, in Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora. So does a remnant of St Anne’s Gate, which forms part of a restaurant interior today.
8. Igreja da Matriz

Consecrated in 1800, this parish church replaces one destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755. The most striking feature of the present building is its imposing belltower, added in 1869 to house a carillon of eight bells.
9. Galeria Pintor Samora Barros

9. Galeria Pintor Samora Barros

Named in honour of the artist/poet whose diligent handiwork adorns the church, this airy gallery overlooking the town square stages work by contemporary Portuguese and international artists.
10. “The Strip”

Glitzy, gaudy and totally irresistible, this is Albufeira’s mini Las Vegas: a narrow, neon-lit runway of hotels and restaurants, pubs, cafés and dj-bars, with the oddartesanto (craft shop) squeezed in. Two of the region’s top nightclubs, Kiss and Liberto’s, hold court here.

Practical Information

Albufeira is at its most colourful during the Festa da Ourada, a delightful festival in mid-August that takes place on the beach in honour of the patron saint of fishermen. Albufeira is awash with bars and cafés, but particularly appealing are those lining Largo Cais Herculano. Try out Cabana Fresca, right in front of Praia dos Barcos, for their seafood snacks and chilled wine. Tasca do Viegas is another good choice. Tourist Information office on Rua 5 de Outubro 8 (289) 585 279