Albufeira Mini Guide
The City
Once a small fishing village, Albufeira has been a major tourist destination since the 1960’s and now attracts around five million tourists each year. This popular city is situated in the south of Portugal and has a population of 13,646. The main tourist areas are divided into two. There is the lively area named 'The Strip', which has mainly clubs and bars and is the place to be for nightlife and there is also the Old Town, which is much more relaxed.
Transport Options
Faro is the main airport and is just a 40 minute drive away from Albufeira centre. If car hire is required to explore this area of Portugal, why not contact Rhinocarhire.com where our Customer Services team will be more than happy to assist you with your car hire needs.
There is a train station six kilometres from the centre and a taxi to the station takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. A train journey to
Faro takes about one hour and to
Lisbon takes 3-4 hours, although there is now a rapid train with a journey time of just over 2 hours but this service is less frequent. Local bus services are regular and long distance buses are also available in the city centre. There are a small number of taxis around which are usually found in the city centre.
Things to do
For amazing views of Albufeira, head off to the colorful marina where you can shop, eat and drink or take a boat or fishing trip. The marinas promenade is perfect for travelling around on a Segway which can be hired there. Portugal is famous for its golf courses so this is the perfect place for golf enthusiasts. There are many to choose from in Albufeira, including Salgados Golf, Morgado Golf and Alamos Golf. For a relaxing day on the beach, you are spoilt for choice there with plenty to choose from including the Fisherman's Beach and the Tunnel Beach. Head into the old town and see how the change from Moorish occupation to Christian changed the town. The old town is entered through a Moorish arch which was then combined into a Christian church.
Eating Out
With many restaurants offering traditional Portuguese fare and fresh seafood, eating out in Albufeira is a real treat. For a traditional flavour, try the spicy chicken piri-piri or the steamed shellfish, cataplana. Other international flavours can also be found in Albufeira.
Nightlife
After dark, Albufeira comes alive with nightclubs, cafes and snack bars in abundance. Start the night at Linekers Bar, Café Del Mar or Reno’s and then dance the night away at the most popular nightclub in Albufeira, Kiss.
Accommodation
You will be spoilt for choice there with many hotels and luxury villas to choose from. Many have wonderful views over the ocean and some have traditional interiors of old southern Portugal.