| ALBUFEIRA |
Since the 1970s, the picturesque fishing town of Albufeira has
become the tourist capital of the Algarve. Its golden beaches
and pulsating night-life attract holidaymakers from all over
Europe, who arrive in their droves during the summer months.
In Roman times, Albufeira was called Baltum; Roman bridges can
be seen in Paderne and Guia. The Moors, who occupied the town
in the 8th century, renamed it Al-Buhera, which means 'The Castle
on the Sea'. During five centuries of Arabian rule, Al-Buhera
built up a busy trade with North Africa, and together with Faro
it was one of the last Moorish strongholds to be conquered by
the Portuguese in 1250.
What to see. The Church of São Sebastião
on Praça Miguel Bombarda has an impressive Manueline
doorway. From here, Rua 5 de Outubro leads through a tunnel
to the beach. At Praia dos Barcos you can see Albufeira's colourful
fishing boats and the fishermen unloading fish or mending their
nets.
Nearby. The small sandy coves around Albufeira are surrounded
by high sandstone cliffs, providing shade in summer and protection
against the wind in winter. The most important satellite developments
are situated to the east of Albufeira, including Montechoro,
Areias de São João and Oura, where there is a
density of hotels, bars, restaurants and discotheques. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
