The county city of Albufeira on the Algarve coast is well known as Portugal’s number one holiday destination.
The cultural core of Albufeira is the old town, still retaining the character of its former self as a traditional fishing village and centred around an attractive cobbled square with a fountain, benches and café esplanades, shaded by tall palm trees and exotic plants. Street performers and musicians entertain here during the day, while at night the plaza becomes a lively focus for strolling families visiting the many small shops, which stay open late.
The main artery of the new town, in the east of the city, is the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, home to several large supermarkets and a range of high-street shops.
Famed for its racy nightlife, Albufeira is well furnished with discos, bars and restaurants. This is the place to go if you want literally to dance the night away, especially during the summer season.
English is widely spoken and, among the traditional Portuguese cafés and eating-houses, you can find a sprinkling of English-style pubs often with big screen TV for keeping up with all the main international sporting events.
Albufeira Marina with its zesty, multicoloured, patchwork architecture, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities is easy to get to on the western fringe of the city.
