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Albufeira
in the Algarve region of Portugal
has been basting, pickling and packaging tourists from around the world
for over 50 years.
Albufeira's
recipe for
this tremendous success as a tourist destination is simple and
has seen visitors return year after year.
Blend together a variety
of sheltered beaches with a sprinkling of top quality golf courses, stir
in easy access to the international airport
at Faro, then top off with over 3,000 of hours of sunshine per year,
making sure to add plenty of bars and |
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restaurants for
added flavour and there you have it, Albufeira - an
all round holiday destination served up and enjoyed by thousands every
year.
Albufeira
appeals to a
broad range of visitors, both young and old and provides a wide variety
of leisure activities to suit all budgets, requirements and desires.
Situated
in the central Algarve region of Portugal,
Albufeira
has become a Mecca for sun seekers looking to enjoy a lively
holiday and top up their tans and the once small fishing village has
grown dramatically to accommodate. Not much
remains of the original Moorish 11th century settlement
following the devastating earthquake which rocked
Portugal in 1755. Today
Albufeira
is a jungle of
hotels, motels and guest houses interspersed with bars,
cafes, restaurants, estate agents and souvenir shops.
Evidence of settlements within the area of
Albufeira date back thousands of years. Although part of mainland
Portugal, the town's name derives from the Arabic phrase meaning Castle
of the Sea - Al-Buhera - as it was known in the 11th century when it was
inhabited mainly by North Africans.
Today the town, which is split into two
distinct regions - the historic centre and the Strip, is a jungle of hotels,
motels and guest houses, bars and restaurants, though a few of the few
narrow cobbled streets do remain. |
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Fact File. The name Albufeira originates from the Arabic
Al-Buhera, meaning Castle on the Sea |
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Albufeira Marina |
Albufeira Eateries |
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The historic centre of
Albufeira
is centred around
Fisherman's Beach (Praia de Pescador), and takes it's
name from the Arabic phrase meaning Castle of the Sea
(Al-Buhera), by which the town was know in the 11th
century. Today the historic centre, with it's marble
cobbled streets, is lined with souvenir shops, cafes and
restaurants providing visitors with al fresco dining and
drinking experiences with the odd estate agency and art
gallery thrown in for variety.
The Strip, named quite aptly after the
neon-lit drag of Las Vegas, is situated around a
kilometre east along the coast from the historic centre
and is perhaps the flashier end of town. By day the
Strip looks innocent enough, however it is at night when
it comes alive with the blue, green, red and yellow neon
lights of the various bars and restaurants flash their
wares. |
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The Strip |
Albufeira Historic Centre |
Albufeira Eateries |
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Albufeira
is a Mecca for sun seekers looking to enjoy a lively
holiday, top up their tans, Albufeira has made it's mark. But is also
popular with families, golfers keen to play a few rounds, without having
to walk or drive too far.
Albufeira
is, of course, high
on the list of destinations for the younger generation keen to soak up
the sun but with a tantalising array of bars and restaurants where they
can dance and drink the night away.
Families with young children opt for
Albufeira
as their first choice for a holiday in Portugal thanks to the
many, sheltered, blue flag beaches available close to the resort town - Praia da Oura and Praia de Pescador to name
a couple. And there are more than a
few attractions to keep the young ones amused when not at the beach
including water parks, Lagos zoo and marine world.
Albufeira
is ideally located
and has good access links from the nearest airport,
Faro, only 25 minutes away,
with both bus and train stations. |
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