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Travel in Albufeira Portugal

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Albufeira is quite simply Portugal's version of Spain'sBenidorm, a town dedicated to supplying the downmarket Britishpunter with everything he might want, from eggs and bacon forbreakfast to big-screen football with fish and chips for dinner.Pile 'em high, sell 'em low, Albufeira is a place to play hardat the right price and live the lifestyle the foreign way. It is a mere three-hour flight from the UK, with over 14 flightsa day to the main airport in Faro. Add to this that it boastsalmost all-year sun, has great beaches and low prices, then youcan understand why just over a million and a half UK visitorsmade the journey there last year. Over 14 flights a day to Faro. Albufeira was a busy trading port in ancient times and declinedinto a poor fishing town in the 18th century, after beingswamped by tidal waves and burnt out by civil war. However,since the early1960s the town has prospered, thanks to a touristboom. Albufeira is undoubtedly Portugal's most popularresort,spreading from the old town both east and west along thecoast, its sandy coves and golden beaches drawing an assortedcrowd from retired couples to young teens, and families withyoung children. Everyone finds something to enjoy in this sprawling, low-riseholiday town, which retains its old world charm with narrowpassageways behind the new hip and happening "Strip". The Strip,to the east of town, runs from the Montechoro Hotel down to thePraia da Oura, lined with dozens of cafes, restaurants and barsthat operate from breakfast time to the small hours. All alongthe stretch of beach below the central square, craggy fishermenmend their nets unperturbed by the topless sunbathers lazyingaround them. While the chief attraction of Albufeira is its severalenchanting beaches, most protected by ochre-tinted cliffs, thereare some interesting sightseeing possibilities too, like the newVirtual Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and amuseum showcasing Ming ceramics. Those who travel inland willfind a tranquil green countryside to explore, prevalent withalmond, fig, orange and pine trees, where little villages standtimelessly in the sun. Activities to do in Albufeira: Sun and sea bathing on the golden beaches and in the warm, clearwater is enough for most holiday makers, with around anastonishing twenty three beaches (some with Blue Flag status) inthe area along a 19-mile (30km) stretch of coastline. All sortsof watersports are on offer at the main beaches, from sailingand windsurfing to jet-skiing. Golfers can attempt the neatnine-hole Pine Cliffs course about three miles (5km) east ofAlbufeira at the Sheraton Algarve. For children, fun times can be found at Zoo Marine in Guia, justa few miles away, with water slides, swimming pools, dolphinshows and an aquarium. Exploring the intriguing old town centreon foot is a pleasant way to pass a day. Look out for interesting local landmarks like the Clock Tower atRua Bernardino de Sousa, and the 18th-century Parish Church onthe Rua da Igreja Nova built on the site of an earlier one thatcollapsed in the earthquake of 1755. One of the few buildingsthat survived that quake is the Old Inn on Rua Henrique Calado.Also fascinating is the Xorino Cave, which served as shelter forfugitive Moors


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during the Christian conquest of the town inolden times. After a hot day in the sun most holiday makersenjoy sipping a drink at one of the many outdoor cafes, watchingthe world go by, before moving to one of the lively bars thatsurround the town square or line The Strip. Bars keep boppinguntil three or four in the morning, but those who want to dancethe night away can keep going until sunrise at one of thenightclubs or discos in the town. Albufeira can keep most shoppers reaching for their wallets witha tantalising array of goodies. The town's main shopping plazais the Modelo Centre in Rua de Municipio, north of the centre.Not far away is the lively Algarve Shopping Complex in Guia,where brand name shoes and clothes are on offer in a high streetmall type complex, along with restaurants, an English-languagecinema and bowling alley. Those seeking genuine local souvenirs should look out for matsmade from rush or corn husks in the villages of Almeijoafras andMonte Novo, woven baskets, wood carvings and some glazedterracotta ceramics. These are to be found in numerousindependent shops in the town centre as well as local markets For eating out, Albufeira simply has lots to offer, thePortuguese love their fish and all fish is caught locally. Thereare lots of seafood restaurants clustered down by Fisherman'sBeach. If it's other food you are looking for, Albufeira has itin abundance. Travel by Taxis Taxis in Albufeira are a useful way to travel around the townsand visit nearby sights and attractions. The taxi meters startsat a basic fare, but additional charges are usually made forluggage, night time driving and travel on public holidays inAlbufeira Driving Tips Citizens of EU member countries require a national drivinglicence to drive cars in Portugal. Citizens from non-EU membercountries need an International Driving Permit, as well as theirnational driving licence You must be at least 18 years old todrive a car in Portugal and have a valid driving licence and carinsurance. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seatbelts and children under 12 years old are not allowed to travelin front seats. In Portugal, cars drive on the right-hand sideof the road. Give way to traffic coming from the right atjunctions and roundabouts There is an extensive network of major routes that connectAlbufeira to the nation's main cities. Beware of what appear tobe shortcuts on maps - these often turn out to be unpaved roadsor mountain passes. Portuguese fuel stations supply most internationally knownbrands of unleaded petrol and diesel. It is an offence not tocarry some form of identification, such as passport or drivinglicence. Travel by Car Hire/Rental Driving in the centre of large towns and popular resorts is bestavoided if possible, as many of the streets and narrow, withone-way traffic. Cars parked alongside the pavements can alsomaking driving conditions difficult. However, a car in Albufiera provides a useful way to travelaround and a current map of Albufeira's roads is very useful.There are many winding roads around that offer some trulyspectacular views. About the author: For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hireat CarHire Albufeira Portugal .

Written by: Ispas Marin

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