Albufeira is a small town on the southern coast of Portugal. Due to its location, it attracts thousands of tourists who are attracted by beautiful beaches, excellent service and developed infrastructure.
When is the best time to go to rest?
The best time to visit a city like Albufeira (Portugal) is summer. The air temperature here does not rise above +30 ° С. This kind of weather contributes to a great time on the beach. The water of the Atlantic Ocean near the coast warms up to +23 ° С, which is good news for those who like to swim and windsurfers.
Winter in this area is replaced by the so-called rainy season. During this period of time, precipitation mainly falls here - approximately, from October to March inclusive, at least once a week, but it always rains. Such climatic conditions have formed over several centuries, so it is best to go on vacation closer to July, when the sun will shine on the coast and the probability of rain is minimized.
Beaches
The city of Albufeira (Portugal) has a large number of beaches, which are its kind of business card. They are famous for their transparent light blue water, clean and fine sand that tickles the feet, as well as stunningly picturesque places.
There are 3 beaches in Albufeira: Pescadores, Penecu and Inatel.
"Pescadores"
"Pescadores" has another name - "Fishermen's Beach". Also, here you can not only sunbathe and splash plenty in the water, but also take a ride on a fishing boat or a small yacht. It all depends on the requests and desires of the tourist who decided to spend
There are many different boats and ships in the Pescadores waters. To spend time with benefit and pleasure, it is worth renting a water vehicle, catching fish and admiring the amazing view. What could be better?
"Peneku"
Penecu, or Tunnel Beach, is located in the historic district of Albufeira, Portugal. It is very popular with tourists because of the route it takes to get to this place.
The path to "Penek" is like a tunnel of rocks, and going out onto the terrace, guests find themselves in a real fairy tale. Tunnel is a combination of comfortable relaxation and amazingly soft sand.
"Inatel"
"Inatel" is located between small rocks and a tourist complex of the same name. This beach is quiet and calm, so it is perfect for lovers of privacy. Here you can enjoy for hours the serenity and absence of a large crowd of people, which are so many in other parts of the city of Albufeira (Portugal).
Other beaches
There are many beaches outside the city. The most popular are San Rafael and Praia do Evarishto. For connoisseurs of beauty, the "San Rafael" is ideal, located between the crevices of the rocks. There are a lot of small bodies of water and amazing shapes of mountain peaks created by nature. This is what distinguishes the beaches of Albufeira.
You can dive into the underwater world and see marine life at Praia do Evarista, because this is a great place for diving.
Hotels
There are many wonderful hotels in Albufeira that will warmly welcome and delight tourists with affordable prices and perfect service. Some of the most popular hotels in terms of attendance:
- MGM Muthu Forte Da Oura;
- Salgados Vila das Lagoas;
- Salgados Dunas Suites.
They offer free Wi-Fi and outdoor pools. All this makes the rest in Portugal comfortable and cozy. Children will also have something to do with a children's pool with slides and playgrounds where they can have fun. All hotels are located close to the beaches. The rooms have air conditioning, cable TV. If there is a desire, it will not be difficult to prepare meals with your own hands, since some apartments are equipped with a kitchen.
The hotels serve national dishes, represented by fresh seafood and other delicacies. Albufeira is a paradise for gourmets and lovers of deliciously prepared and aromatic fish generously seasoned with spices.
Interesting places
The city itself is a kind of attraction, as the architecture of the buildings is unique and inimitable. The main part of the buildings is designed in - narrow cobbled streets and neat houses, immersed in flowers and greenery.
Very interesting is Travessa da Igreja Velha - an arch that remains from an ancient mosque. She is the adornment of the city. You can plunge into ancient history, feel the Arab influence here.
Tourists should also visit the Zoo Marine Park, which is located a few kilometers from the city. This is the place where the zoo, dolphinarium, attractions are concentrated. It is perfect for families. Children will be delighted with the abundance of animals and birds.
Albufeira will also captivate you with a variety of boutiques and shops, where it will not be difficult to buy unique things or a souvenir. Prices will delight true shopaholics with a combination of affordability and quality, and quite acceptable.
The Portuguese spa town is an unforgettable experience. If you want to take a break from noisy megacities and gray everyday life, then we recommend that you definitely visit this region! Moreover, the hotels in Albufeira are considered one of the best in the state.
Albufeira is the largest, liveliest and most energetic of all the resort towns that overlook the Algarve's southern coast. This hospitable place offers stunning beaches, a mild climate, a wide variety of restaurants and a bustling nightlife. All of this has made the once modest fishing village the most popular destination in the Algarve.
A bit of the history of the city
In Roman times, Albufeira was known as Baltum, then in the 8th century it was renamed Al-Bukhera by the Moorish settlers. And finally, in the middle of the XIII century, the city was taken from the Moors by the knights of the Order of Santiago. Albufeira was badly hit by an earthquake in 1755, when sea waves destroyed almost all buildings along the coast.
Until the 1960s, Albufeira was a small fishing village. One, due to a decrease in catch volumes, it had to be converted into a tourist one, and today Albufeira, with a population of about 13 thousand people, grows to about 300 thousand inhabitants during the holiday season. But the Old Town, with narrow cobbled streets and typical one-story houses lining the road, still retains the atmosphere of a cozy village.
Resort climate
The weather in Albufeira, located 250 km from Lisbon, favors beach holidays from May to mid-October. It should be warned that the sea water is surprisingly cold and barely reaches + 18 ° C during the height of summer. Children should not swim in Albufeira in June. The high holiday season lasts from June to September, so you need to take care of accommodation and transport tickets in advance. Bright and sunny spring and fall days are great times for travelers looking to explore the region. The winter months are mild but unpredictable in terms of weather, with an equal number of sunny and rainy days.
Sightseeing and entertainment in Albufeira in Portugal
Although this city welcomes a wide range of visitors, it is primarily designed for families, with amenities and facilities that are ideal for adults and children of all ages:
If the neon lights and the adrenaline rush of late entertainment don't appeal to you, it's best to stay near the Old Town. There you will find many hotels in Albufeira, where all the amenities for families with children are created. And if you're looking for a vibrant nightlife, you probably want to stay in the Arias de São João area or near Montejoro. Numerous are located 2 km from the Old Town and a few minutes from the Oura beach, some of them:
- Pine Cliffs Village & Golf Suites 5 *;
- EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel 5 *;
- Salgados Vila das Lagoas 4 *;
- Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden 4 *;
- Alfagar I Village 3 *.
Albufeira Restaurants
The city welcomes its guests with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, covering all styles of cuisine, budget or dietary requirements. The food is quite cheap, but generally of a high standard. Albufeira is the perfect place to sample local and traditional food. Some of the restaurants:
- Marinheiro;
- Restaurante Palacete;
- Dom Carlos Restaurante;
- Alquimia;
- Três Pammeiras.
The Strip is a street away from the Old Town, filled with themed bars and late nightclubs that are very tolerant of the hustle and bustle.
Shopping in Albufeira
The streets leading from the main square of the Old Town will delight lovers with clothing stores, leather goods, souvenir shops, street stalls and, of course, shops with goods for everyday needs.
If you are staying in Albufeira, you do not need to, as during the summer months the Algarve is so crowded with tourists that it is even difficult to park here. The city has a tourist train that runs between the beach strip and the Old Town, as well as the Giro minibus network. For those who wish to visit one of the water parks, there are several agencies in Albufeira offering reasonable prices for.
How to get from Lisbon to Albufeira?
There are several ways to get to Albufeira from the capital and, thanks to their central location on the map of southern Portugal, their routes are quite simple:
- by car;
- by train;
- by bus.
By plane, you can fly to, and then by car or bus get to Albufeira. The journey from Faro will take about 40 minutes.
If you are a fan of beach holidays, you should visit the popular resort of Albufeira (Portugal), which is located in the southern region of the country - Algarve. The town grew out of a once quiet fishing village and over time has become a favorite destination for tourists from around the world. The city itself is small - about 25 thousand inhabitants live in it. But at the height of the season, this number increases ten times!
The resort is surrounded by beautiful beaches, orange trees and pine trees. All conditions have been created for vacationers: comfortable accommodation in hotels, rich nightlife, restaurants, clubs, boutiques, discos. Any kind of entertainment is available on the beaches: from windsurfing and diving to water skiing and jet skis.
Urban transport
The city is spread over steep hills, so walks consist of serious ups and downs. The life of tourists is made easier thanks to a special type of transport - a car with small trailers attached to it. This mini-train runs every 20 minutes. (in summer) and 40 min. (in winter). The trip costs around EUR 2.2 per person. Children under 6 years old do not need a ticket.
The city has five bus routes that take you to all the main attractions of Albufeira in Portugal. They work from 7 am to 10 pm. The fare is 1.3 €.
For those who prefer to travel by taxi, the prices are as follows: the boarding fee is 2.8 €, each kilometer of the journey costs 0.5 €. Uber also works.
sights
This place is famous not only for its beautiful beaches and ocean. Where to go for a walk and what to see in Albufeira is also no question. There are many interesting sights and all kinds of entertainment here.
There are signs to help visitors find all the attractions of Albufeira. Let's dwell on the most significant objects.
Old city
This is the most picturesque part of Albufeira and its main attraction. The attention of tourists is attracted by the Moorish style of buildings - narrow streets bordered on both sides by white stone houses. Arab domination remained in the distant past, reminding of itself by the only surviving arch - a fragment of an old mosque. Instead, the first Christian church in the city now rises.
Walking down the steep narrow streets leading down (up), you will feel the spirit of the ancient Moorish culture, which has had a strong influence not only on the city, but throughout Portugal. The snow-white houses built in the 18th century have not suffered from either earthquakes or wars.
St. Anne's Church After walking along the streets of the Old Town, you can go to a cafe and have a bite to eat fried seafood. After refueling, be sure to visit the main religious attraction of Albufeira - the Church of St. Anne. From the inside, it amazes with its splendor, ancient frescoes and exquisite decoration. The entrance to the temple is free.
The park is a suitable place to relax with children. It is located a few kilometers from Albufeira and covers an area of 8 hectares. The rich program is equally interesting for both children and adults. All shows and activities involve marine animals.
In the aquarium, you can observe the aquatic and terrestrial life of its inhabitants. There are several species of sharks here. A visit to the 4D Cinema takes you on an educational journey across the ocean. There are many pools, attractions, recreation areas, shops and restaurants on the territory of the Albufeira Water Park. Flights on a pirate ship, ascent on the Ferris wheel, water slides and much more are waiting for you. You can have a snack at any local restaurant or organize a picnic right on the green lawn of the park.
Additional Information
- An entrance ticket that includes all the rides costs 29 €. The ticket price for children (5-10 years old) and seniors (over 65 years old) is 21 €.
- The park is open 10:00 - 18:00 (in summer 10:00 - 19:30). It starts in March and ends in November.
- You can get to the attraction from any resort by a special bus. The ticket is bought at a kiosk or booked online, and you will be given a transport timetable.
It is best to start your acquaintance with Albufeira from the observation deck. You can get there by bus or walk on foot. From a height, the resort is visible at a glance: wide beaches, endless ocean and snow-white Old Town. The best photos of Albufeira are obtained from this site.
Descending visas on an open escalator, you will immediately find yourself on the promenade, from where you can go to the beach or downtown to explore local attractions.
Gale (Praia Gale)
The beach of Gale divides the rock into two parts: the western one, bordering on Salgados, and the eastern one, abutting the huge cliffs. The name Gale translates as a shipwreck and is associated with the events of the Middle Ages. With its long coastline covered with delicate golden sand, Galé is considered the longest of all the beaches of Albufeira.
All conditions have been created for vacationers: from free car parking to showers and rental of beach accessories. Those who like to conquer the waves can take surfboards and use the services of an instructor.
You can get to Galé from Albufeira by bus number 74 or 75. They leave from the bus station at intervals of one hour. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs 1 €.
Praia dos Olhos de Água
Compared to others, this beach in Portugal is small - just over 300 meters long. Excellent infrastructure, red soft sand, but swimming here is not very comfortable because of the cool water (this is due to the underwater current). But here is the expanse for surfers.
The daily ebb and flow changes the landscape wonderfully. At low tide, you can admire the exposed stones and algae, mineral springs gushing out from under the stones (the water tastes good).
Salgados
This beach is farther than others from the city, so the bulk of tourists are those living in hotels in Salgados. It is distinguished by its cleanliness and well-groomed, fine sand and comfortable, smooth entry into the water, so here you can relax with kids. Rent of sun loungers and umbrellas costs 15 €. A wide variety of restaurants and cafes allow you to choose an institution that suits your budget. There is even a Thai massage hut here.
You can come here by bus or rent a car. Parking is free.
It is also called the Golden Beach, thanks to the golden fine sand. The place is in great demand among local residents. The entrance to the water is smooth, without stones, which is clearly visible during low tides. As elsewhere in the Algarve region of Portugal, there are many small coves surrounded by steep cliffs.
Praia da Oura is equipped with everything you need for relaxation, beach and water activities. Locals and some tourists are sunbathing directly on the sand, laying a mat or beach towel, saving on the rent of a sun lounger (15 €). A too steep descent to the beach will be a problem for people with leg ailments.
Where to stay
Hotel Santa Eulalia Praia Although the resort is small, there are no problems with the accommodation of tourists. Here you can find any accommodation: from a luxurious room in a fashionable hotel to a room in an inexpensive guest house. The most popular are three to four star hotels.
They are equipped with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, air conditioning. Some rooms have a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. There are children's and adult pools, playgrounds, etc. on the territory of the hotels.
Velamar Sun & Beach Hotel The farther from the center, the lower the prices, and the service is no worse. For example, in the Velamar Sun & Beach Hotel, located in the suburbs, you can use a number of useful services: bike rental, free transfer to the historic center of Albufeira.
A double room in a 3-4-star hotel costs from 90 € per night in high season. The price of the same room in an elite hotel is 180–220 €. Hotels on the coast will cost more: 120 (in a three-star) and 300 € (in a five-star).
The most affordable option is hostels. A bed costs at least 40 euros per day.
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Weather
Albufeira is located in the south of Portugal and is the sunniest place. The mountains protect Albufeira from cold winds, and a warm wind blows from the south. The average air temperature in winter is +16 degrees, and in summer +27. It rains during the October - March season, so it is better to come here in the summer.
The hottest months are July and August. This period refers to the height of the season when the most tourists come. The temperature rises to +30 degrees. The highest water temperature in Albufeira occurs in August (up to +24 degrees).
In September, the heat drops by a couple of degrees, but the sea has time to warm up. At this time, it is good to have a rest with children. The beach season in this part of Portugal ends towards the end of October.
Nutrition
There are plenty of places in Albufeira where you can eat deliciously and inexpensively. Of course, the most expensive establishments are located in the Old Town and on the waterfront. The national cuisine consists mainly of seafood and fish dishes. As a side dish, as a rule, potatoes are served in different variations.
Restaurante Vivaldo's Restaurants and cafes of the middle price category have quite affordable prices.
- Dinner for two people (with wine) will cost about 32 euros.
- The same dinner in the city center will cost 40-50 euros. The establishments serve (by our standards) rather large portions, so you can order half of the dish.
- Lunch for one in an inexpensive restaurant will cost 10-11 €. Often for this price you can get a 3-course "menu of the day", which includes the first, main course and salad or dessert to choose from.
How to get to Albufeira
Albufeira does not have its own airport, so it is best to fly from Russia and other CIS countries to Lisbon or the city of Faro, where there is also an international airport. And from there to get to the resort.
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By train from Lisbon
The distance from Lisbon to Albufeira is about 250 km. You can get there in any way: by bus, train or rent a car. The most common option is the Lisbon-Albufeira train.
Departure point is Lisboa Oriente Central Train Station.
It takes three hours to get from Lisbon to Albufeira by train. The ticket costs from 20.6 euros. The prices depend on the train and the class of the carriage.
For the current train schedule and ticket prices, check the website of the Portuguese railway - www.cp.pt.
You can view the current schedule and purchase tickets online at www.rede-expressos.pt
By bus from Faro city
From Faro to Albufeira 45 km. The most convenient way to get there is by bus. They travel both from the airport building and from the city bus station in the city of Faro. Flights operate from 6:30 to 20:00.
Travel time 55 minutes, ticket price 5 euros.
Prices on the page are for June 2018.
Going on a trip to such a famous resort as Albufeira (Portugal), it is best to plan your trip in advance, purchase tickets and book accommodation in advance. Then nothing will spoil your vacation.
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Is a fairly popular country for tourists. Various ways of recreation are available here, and almost any, even a small, town is ready to meet its tourist. Albufeira is a great beach destination. If you see it today, it will be hard to believe that not so long ago it was a small quiet town, where the locals were mostly engaged in fishing. We will tell you about what a vacation in Albufeira is like in 2019, its attractions, entertainment, beaches and prices in this article.
Today there is everything you need for a good rest. You can soak up one of the sandy beaches, go windsurfing, sailing, go shopping, see local attractions, go to cafes or restaurants serving only fresh ingredients. Portugal is famous for its delicious seafood dishes.
There is no airport in Albufeira itself, you need to fly either to or to Lisbon. Faro is the closest to the resort and can be reached by taxi, train or public bus. If you wish, you can rent a car right at the airport, the cost per day will be 3500 rubles on average. You can cover 35 kilometers by taxi in 30 minutes, and you will need to pay an average of 2500-2800 rubles. There are transfer companies that provide transportation services for groups of people.
The cheapest option is public transport. There are two routes 14 and 16 from the airport. The cost of the trip is only 150 rubles. Buses start operating from seven in the morning until 22:10.
Albufeira on the map:
Transport
Alfubeira, unlike other resort towns in Portugal, boasts an established public transport system. Services are provided by the local bus company GIRO. Buses run in five directions. This enables tourists to visit all the attractions. Buses start their work at seven in the morning and run until 22:00. The cost of one trip by public transport is only 100 rubles.
Taxi rides are also popular among tourists. Boarding a taxi will cost 220 rubles. Each kilometer is paid at a cost of 35 rubles. The counter turns on after covering a distance of 1.8 km. Baggage transportation is additionally paid in the amount of 115 rubles.
Trips on the Albufeira Tourist Train are very popular with tourists. This is a car to which small wagons are attached. Such cars go every 20 minutes in the summer and 40 minutes later in the winter. The cost of a trip on the Albufeira Tourist Train will cost tourists 175 rubles. Children under the age of six can ride for free.
Weather
Alfubeira is located in the southern part of Portugal. This is the sunniest and clearest place, there are about 300 sunny days. There are ideal weather conditions for relaxation. The town is protected from cold winds by mountains, and a warm wind blows from the south side, warmed by Atlantic currents.
In winter and summer, the temperature is not very different here. In winter, the thermometer very rarely drops below +16 degrees. In summer, the indicator is kept at around + 26-27 degrees. Since the temperature is above zero in winter, the rainy season begins here instead of snowfalls. Starting from the end of October and ending in March, once a week it is worth preparing for the rain, and this is at least.
sights
Of course, most tourists come here to enjoy a beach holiday on one of the sandy coasts of Albufeira. But besides this, you can enjoy walking around the city itself. Everything here is done in a Moorish style. Of course, the most interesting is the historical part of the city. Travesa da Igreja Velha has a Moorish arch, a kind of reminder of Arab influence. The arch is all that remains of the mosque that once stood here.
In addition, in Albufeira, you can visit a museum, a city art gallery. The gallery always hosts exhibitions throughout the season. Also, vacationers can see a virtual archaeological museum and a new marina. It has all the entertainment for any tourist.
To see the fortress of Castelo de Almoada, you need to go to a village near the city called Paderne. This fortress was built in the 12th century. You can go inside and see the ancient building for free.
You can see shows of dolphins, fur seals and wild birds in the Zoo Marine Park. Travelers with children should go here.
Beaches
Most vacationers come here precisely because of the local beaches. And the residents of Albufeira really have something to be proud of. There are quite a few beaches in the city and on its outskirts, but there are three main ones that are distinguished by their incredible beauty.
The most popular and largest beach in the city is Peneku. Some people also call it "tunnel". It got this name due to the fact that the road to it passes through a small tunnel between the rocks. After the tunnel, the traveler enters the terrace. Peneka has everything for relaxation. There are cafes, restaurants, everything for diving, windsurfing and much more.
The beach of Pescadores is very close. Its second name is "Fishermen's Beach". It differs from the first beach in that there are many fishing boats and ships near the coast. Here you can also book a sightseeing boat tour along the coast of the city.
Well, the third beach is nestled between the rocks and the famous complex here. This is such a quiet place where not everyone comes to sunbathe and swim. Therefore, there are not as many people here as on other beaches. This beach is called Inatel.
All of these beaches are located right in Albufeira. But there are others nearby that can be reached by car. You don't have to order a taxi for this. Here you can rent a car and go wherever you want on your own.
So you can leave and spend the whole day at San Rafael Beach. The beach is surrounded by rocks, which have taken on the most incredible forms under the influence of the waves. There are also several small bodies of water that have formed over time.
Those who want to go diving and see the local inhabitants of the sea can be advised to go to Praia do Evarista beach. He was also located far from the city.
Hotels
There are many places to stay in Alfubeira, from cheap hostels to top class establishments. About half of them are located in the old part of the city and adjacent regions.
Among the 4 * hotels, the most popular are Rocamar Exclusive Hotel & Spa and Hotel Sol E Mar. The cost of a room in such an institution starts at 15500 rubles.
Among 3 * hotels, a special place is taken by the Cheerfulway California Hotel and Colina do Mar, the rooms here are an order of magnitude cheaper, and the price range starts from 6,000 rubles per night
For those who want to save money, or tourists with a limited budget, you should pay attention to Lost & Found Hostel and DU4ARTE hostel, here rooms will cost about 2000 rubles.
Kitchen
The largest number of establishments where you can eat are located in the Old Town or along the waterfront. It should be noted right away that in such establishments the cost of a full meal is much more expensive than in other places in the city.
The location on the ocean coast had a huge impact on the formation of the national cuisine. There is just a huge amount of seafood-based dishes. Among authentic dishes, a special place is occupied by fish espada cooked with fried bananas, octopus in wine or fish kebab, fried shrimp or lobster pate.
If you want to taste this city, you must definitely try the cataplana. The dish was named after the dishes in which it is cooked. This dish is served with rice or potatoes. The average cost of one portion will be 1,500 rubles, wine is also included in the price.
In addition to seafood, you can also try dishes based on meat, chicken, corn flour.
There are many sweets. Almonds are added to most of them. The famous almond balls or almond flour, as well as cakes with the addition of this nut, are especially popular among tourists.
The restaurants Eurasia, Atrium, Casa da Fonte are especially popular among tourists. The Granfinus Restaurant Bar & Terrace serves the most delicious grilled octopus and sardine salad served with salad or potatoes.
Prices in mid-level restaurants and cafes are quite affordable. For a dinner for two, you will have to pay about 2500 rubles, this cost will already include wine. In establishments in the city center, such as Os Arcos Restaurante, you will have to pay 3500-4000 for the same dinner.
Dom Carlos is very popular. There are only 10 tables here, so a place will need to be booked in advance. Here, for 3500 rubles, five dishes are served to one person for dinner.
The portions in all establishments are served quite large and everyone has the opportunity to order half of the dish.
Budget establishments include Koala Garden and Monsoon. The second one specializes in Thai and Indian cuisine and the prices are much lower.
Shopping
A huge number of shops where you can buy branded products are located on the Largo Eng Duarte Pacheco square. This place attracts many tourists who want to please themselves with fashionable new things.
From the square itself, five streets diverge in different directions, where there are many shops and souvenir shops. Here you can buy a variety of gifts from the lady. Each shop offers a variety of souvenirs and leather goods to choose from, as well as a variety of Portuguese delicacies. Rua 5 de Outubro has many shops where you can buy high-end jewelry and watches from renowned world manufacturers.
Small boutiques are open 6 days a week. Sunday is a day off. The working day starts at 9:00 am and continues until 9:00 pm. The lunch break here lasts from one to three.
Large shopping centers are open without lunch from ten in the morning until ten in the evening. In Alfubeira, the two most popular shopping centers are Centro Comercial Modelo Albufeira and Algarve Shopping Mall. Here you can buy elite perfumery, branded clothing and footwear, souvenirs and goods for children.
The Algarve Shopping Mall has many cafes and restaurants, a cinema and a wide variety of goods. In addition, there is a season of discounts here. The first season begins officially on January 7th and continues until February 28th. The second discount period in the summer, runs from August 7th to September 30th. This mall is located outside the city; you can get here by taxi for only 600 rubles. During the discounts, you can buy great items here at a very affordable price. At this time, it is very crowded here, and it is best to arrive at the beginning of the discount period. This will enable you to choose the best products.
You can buy fruits, vegetables and other things at an affordable price in the market. This market operates only twice a month on the first and third Tuesday. From 9 am and 2 pm.
Resort video:
Alfubeira is an excellent place not only for a beach holiday, but also a place where you can see many architectural monuments and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The well-established infrastructure makes it possible to relax in 2019 with complete comfort at the most suitable price.
Albufeira, once a quiet fishing village, is today one of the most popular resorts in Portugal. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, pine and orange trees, the resort, like a magnet, attracts thousands of holidaymakers from all over the world - including the relative proximity of other major tourist centers (to Faro - 30 km, to Lagos - a little more). Hundreds of restaurants, boutiques, clubs and discos are open here. Lovers of water sports will also be able to spend their time profitably: there is an opportunity for practicing not only sailing, windsurfing and diving - there are also simple water activities that do not require special courses, for example, jet skiing or water skiing.
How to get there
There is no airport in Albufeira, so you will have to fly either to Lisbon or to Faro. If the vacation is planned only in Albufeira and the surrounding area, then it is more advisable, of course, to take a ticket to Faro - the distance between it and Albufeira is six times less. Faro can be reached by train, bus or taxi.
If you intend to first visit Lisbon, then you can get by plane to the capital, and then go to Albufeira by train or bus. Albufeira railway station is located 6 km from the city center, from which you can get to the hotel by bus or taxi (it will cost 15-20 EUR and will take 10-15 minutes). Read more here: how to get from Lisbon to Albufeira. Prices on the page are for September 2018.
Search for flights to Faro (closest airport to Albufeira)
Weather in Albufeira
Average monthly temperature, ° C day and night, water
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Like the rest of the southern coastline, the Gulf Stream sets the pace in Albufeira. It provides warm weather in summer and moderately cool in winter. The hottest months here are July and August - the temperature reaches + 30 ° C, while the average temperature of the summer months by our standards is very modest - only + 23 ° C. But the water at this time of the year warms up to +22 ° C, so you can swim in comfort and stroll around the local attractions without exhausting yourself with the heat. In winter, in Albufeira, the daytime air temperature rarely drops below +20 ° C, and the water temperature is +16 ° C.
Albufeira beaches
Albufeira's beaches are something that its inhabitants are truly proud of. There are many of them, they are diverse, and each is good in its own way. Within the city there are 3 sandy beaches - Penecu, Pescadores and Inatel.
Peneku is the most popular beach, it is located in the historical area and is also called "tunnel" because you can get to it only by going through a tunnel between the rocks and going out onto the terrace. It is a large beach with developed infrastructure and excellent sand.
Next to Penecu is the Pescadores Beach, or "Fishermen's Beach". Here, in addition to everything you need for a good beach holiday, there is a huge number of fishing boats and ships. On one of them you can take a sightseeing tour of the city coast.
The third city beach - Inatel - is located in a small cove between the rocks and the complex of the same name. It is suitable for those who appreciate the lack of crowds and limited space.
It is also worth renting a car because there are many good beaches outside the city, but in the immediate vicinity.
One of these beaches is the mountainous San Rafael. Over the centuries, the impact of wind and waves, its rocks have taken on the most bizarre forms, and shallow bodies of water have formed in their crevasses - all this is very beautiful and worth spending the whole day here on the beach. Another beach outside the city, Praia do Evaristo, attracts scuba divers with an excellent opportunity to observe the life of marine life off the coast.
Popular hotels in Albufeira
Cuisine and restaurants
After you've bought your fill, you will most likely want to dine at one of the many cafes located on the beach or a little further from it. The Albufeira resort is renowned for its cuisine. As with all of coastal Portugal, the most popular ingredients in local restaurants are fresh fish and lobster. In the city's establishments, you can try numerous seafood dishes: sardines in corn, horse mackerel cooked with tomatoes and oregano, heart-shaped soup and much more. It offers both traditional Portuguese dishes prepared in a cataplan and international dishes. The staff are mostly polite and helpful.
Albufeira attractions and attractions
Of course, most tourists come here for a beach holiday. Albufeira's coastline includes about 20 beautiful sandy beaches, and many of them boast a Blue Flag for their cleanliness. If, nevertheless, after a few days of beach holidays you want "food for the soul", there is something to see here. Firstly, the city itself, especially its historical part, is made in the same Moorish style. Another reminder of Arab influence is the so-called Moorish arch, which is located at Travessa da Igreja Velha, which is all that remains of the ancient mosque. Also in the city you can see a small museum and a city art gallery, which regularly holds exhibitions throughout the season, a new virtual archaeological museum and a new marina, where every vacationer can easily find entertainment to his taste and pocket.
15 km from the resort is the village of Paderne, famous for its 12th century fortress. Castelo de Almoada; the entrance is free. In the vicinity of Albufeira, there is the Zoo Marine Park with a mini-zoo and attractions, where shows of dolphins, fur seals and wild birds are held. Good shopping is also considered a plus of this resort. There are many shops in Albufeira for all tastes - from modern shopping centers to small shops in the historic area where you can buy souvenirs and just nice little things. In the vicinity of Albufeira, there is a huge shopping complex with dozens of boutiques, a cinema, restaurants and a supermarket.