The most southerly part of Portugal is known as the Algarve and receives more sun per year that any other part of mainland Europe. Its miles of golden sandy beaches are lapped by the sparkling clear waters of the Atlantic.

ALBUFEIRA - The best beaches in Europe 

Albufeira boasts beaches where the sand is fine and the sea a turquoise blue sheltered by cliffs which are canvasses painted with a whimsical palette of natural hues. It is for its beaches that Albufeira is internationally renowned, because all of them are different... and they are all equally enchanting.  Along the coastline are hidden coves and caves, sandy beaches, tempting seas and some of the best sun sets you will ever see.

Then there is the old town of Albufeira which still has that unique charm with sleepy side streets and alleys that crisscross the town. Many of these lead down to the main square, which is a hive of activity with the throng of people, music, lights, sounds and smells of the many restaurants and bars.  A walk down the Rua Candido dos Reis (the music street) is a must. During the day it will lead you down to the Fisherman's Beach where you can see the day's catch being landed. Or you can head towards the golden sands and sunbathe.

Some of the other attractions in the area are a zoo marina, two excellent water parks, horse riding and many water sports like scuba diving, fishing, Para gliding and jet skis - and of course there's the golf!

During 5 centuries of Arabian rule, Al-Buhera had an intensive trade with North Africa. Together with Faro it was one of the last Arabian strongholds to be conquered by the Portuguese in 1250. King Manuel gave Albufeira a new charter in 1404, granting it the status of town. The earthquake of 1755 damaged a great part of Albufeira. A second disaster happened in 1833 during a civil war between liberals and absolutists.

Albufeira had been one of the first towns in the Algarve to support the liberal ideals. Later, during the civil war, it was attacked and the guerrillas, who controlled the town for 4 years, destroyed some buildings. In the old part of the town you still can see ruins of the old city walls. Until the 1960´s Albufeira was a small fishing village. Nowadays it is the major tourism centre of the Algarve.

Gale - An expanse of sand that stretches for miles, between cliffs. It is equipped with a wide variety of tourist facilities. In the direction of Albufeira there are two small beaches that are quiet and little visited.

Castelo - A cove of protected rock formations. Great natural beauty.

Coelha - A small beach between colourful cliffs.

São Rafael and Vigia - Beaches of great beauty separated by rocks. Tourist facilities. Nearby Ponte Pequena and Ninho das Andorinhas are fascinating rock formations            Baleeira - A broad crescent of sand opposite Albufeira

Albufeira- A long strip of sand with the city surrounding it like an amphitheatre, it is made up of three beaches: Peneco, Pescadores and Inatel.

Oura, Balaia, Maria Luísa and Olhos de Agua are close by, a series of beaches each sheltered by colourful cliffs. Tourist and sports facilities

Falesia - Endless miles of beaches fringed by the green pines and the many reddish colours Of the surrounding cliffs. Tourist and sports facilities available.

Places to see

Main Church
Built at the end of the 18th century, the church possesses an imposing bell tower. The interior consists of a single nave. On the high altar there is a valuable statue of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception), and a retable painted by the Algarvian artist Samora Barros.
The side altars and the sacristy contain statures from the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a stature of Nossa Senhora da Orada (Our Lady of Supplication) possible dating from the 15th century. The local fishermen in their annual procession the hermitage dedicated to her carried this.   

Church of São Sebastião
This structure dates from the beginning of the 18th century and it is built in the popular manner. Its main doorway bears baroque ornamentation and it has a side doorway in the Manueline style (16th Century). It is decorated cupola and the ratable of the high altar has colored carving and statues from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is a statue of Nossa Senora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety), 16th century, which unfortunately has been damaged. 

Church of Sant'Ana
The Architectural features of he church, which has a cupola, surrounded by pinnacles, are popular in origin, 18th century. The high altar and pulpit are carved in the "rocaille" style around 18th century.

Hermitage of Nossa Senhora ad Road (Our lady of Supplication)
A typical rural hermitage, built in a once deserted valley. Much frequented by fishermen, it contains "ex-votos" depicting miracles. In the churchyard, two graves belonging to victims of the constitutional struggles of the 19th are to be found.

Mercy (Misericórdia) Chapel
This Chapel stands on the site of a former Moorish mosque; the building was restored in 1499 as a chapel. It was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755; it nevertheless retains some of its earlier gothic 15th century features such as the doorway, the triumphal arch and the apse. It has a carved retable on the high altar with statues from the 17th and 18th centuries. Also nearby is the gothic doorway of the old hostelry.

Clock Tower
Located in what was one the county jail it has a curious decorative structure in wrought iron to support the bell. Castle walls The defensive walls that one ringed Albufeira have been almost totally destroyed by time and the earthquake of 1755, and all that remain are the ruins of the tower. Porta de Sant'Ana (St. Anne's Gate) and a defensive tower of belonging to the North Gate that has been turned into a restaurant.

Coastal Walks
There are numerous footpaths along the edge of the sea, offering magnificent views of the city, the beaches and the rock formations, which are part of the charm of Albufeira. With the breathtaking caves of Xorino, where according to local tradition the Moors took refuge when the town was re-conquered by the Christians in the 13th Century