A former fishermen village

The progress has turned Albufeira into a city with tourism and leisure.

This is a place where people live to the rhythm of the great holiday destinations, sunbathing during the day and at sunset flocking to enjoy the restaurants, bars and discos that enliven the night-time hours. 

Yet, the streets in the old Cerra da Vila (medieval area) still preserve the picturesque appeal of whitewashed houses and steeply narrow streets. In travessa da Igreja Velha, an old Moorish arch indicates the place where stood a primitive mosque, later transformed in the town's first church.

On the beach, the bright colours of the fishing boats contrast with the blue of the sea. Indifferent to the tourists sunbathing nearby, the fishermen carry on the task of mending and preparing the nets, as they have done for hundreds of years.

Beaches near Albufeira 

Albufeira boasts beaches where the sand is fine and the sea a turquoise blue sheltered by cliffs which are canvasses painted with a whimsical palette of natural hues. It is for its beaches that Albufeira is internationally renowned. 

• Gale - An expanse of sand that stretches for miles, between cliffs. It is equipped with a wide variety of tourist facilities. In the direction of Albufeira there are two small beaches that are quiet and little visited. 
• Castelo - Great natural beauty. 
• Coelha - A small beach between colourful cliffs. 
• São Rafael and Vigia - Beaches of great beauty separated be rocks. Tourist facilities. Nearby Ponte Pequena and Ninho das Andorinhas are fascinating rock formations. 
• Baleeira - A broad crescent of sand opposite Albufeira 
• Albufeira - A long strip of sand with the city surrounding it like an amphitheatre, it is made up of three beaches: Peneco, Pescadores and Inatel. 
• Oura, Balaia, Maria Luísa and Olhos de Agua - A series of beaches each sheltered by colourful cliffs. Tourist and sports facilities.
• Falesia - Endless miles of beaches fringed by the green pines and the many reddish colours of the surrounding cliffs. Tourist and sports facilities available.

Closest Hotel:

• São Rafael Atlântico by Nau, 5 stars