 Albufeira
Situated on the southern coast of Portugal, it is hard to say whether Albufeira is more renown for its pristine beaches or the multihued cliffs that frame its milky white shores. The diversity of the landscape is just one of the fascinating things that make you never want to leave once you visit Albufeira.
Each beach that is found in the city is breathtakingly beautiful and amazingly, each enchanted seafront is uniquely its own. Situated against the stunning backdrop of jagged, kaleidoscopic cliffs and crags, no two sections of beach in Albufeira look alike. Just a short walk inland and the terrain changes from sapphire blue waves lapping at finely powdered sand to a lush green, tree dappled countryside splashed with the cheery brightness of terracotta colored, tiled roofs.
Once a thriving fishing village, complete with its own castle, Albufeira has transformed itself in modern times into a major holiday resort destination. Leisure is king in Albufeira. With several well known golf courses, it is easy to lose yourself for the afternoon on the sunny greens that overlook the ocean from every angle. Whether you are a beginning golfer or seasoned pro, Albufeira has a golf course that will challenge and delight you.
With a small museum that houses 15th and 17th century Ming ceramics and a municipal art gallery that holds frequent exhibits, the city is awash with aestheticism and style.
The city is also host to a municipal archeological museum that tells the story of the region from prehistoric times to present day. The cultural life of Albufeira certainly is as rich as the city’s fascinating history.
In the city of Albufeira, lies a perfect mix of mellow leisure by day and titillating excitement and pleasure by night. Visitors can spend all day relaxing on the beach and then dance the night away at one of several discos, restaurants, or bars. Well known for its sense of fun, the city knows how to have a good time and welcomes visitors to its never ending night time party.
The hotels of Albufeira are resort like in their grander. With spa like amenities and spacious well appointed rooms, it is hard to leave their opulent splendor, even for the beauty that awaits you in the city. Like everything else in Albufeira, the hotels take your breath away and remain on your mind long after your visit has ended.
The area really does have something for everyone - beside the many superb golf courses for which the Algarve is famous, there are aqua-parks and zoos, and many attractive villages to explore in the hills behind Albufeira.
Location: The town of Albufeira is situated about 40 kilometres west of Faro Airport (30 minutes). Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the whole of the Algarve region from Cabo de Sao Vicente in the west to Vila Real de Santo Antonio near the Spanish border.
Main Beaches - Albufeira Area
Praia de Albufeira
Praia de Aveiros
Praia da Balaia
Praia da Baleeira
Praia de Belharucas
Praia de Castelo
Praia da Coelho
Praia do Evaristo
Praia da Falésia
Praia da Galé
Praia de Manuel Lourenço
Praia de Maria Luisa
Praia Marina de Albufeira
Praia de Olhos d'Áqua
Praia da Oura
Praia da Oura-Leste
Praia da Rocha Baixa-Este
Praia da Rocha Baixa-Leste
Praia de Santa Eulália
Praia de São Rafael
 Albufeira boasts beaches where the sand is fine and the sea a turquoise blue sheltered by cliffs of many natural hues. It is for its beaches that Albufeira is internationally renowned, because all of them are different, and they are all equally enchanting.
Albufeira - A long strip of sand with the city surrounding it like an amphitheatre. The two main beaches are the Town Beach and Fishermen's Beach, where early in the day fishermen can be seen unloading their catch and mending their nets.
The beaches to the west of Albufeira include:-
Arrifes - A delightful sandy cove ideal for swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Beach restaurant.
São Rafael - One of the most beautiful beaches of the central Algarve. Smooth yellow sand backed by sandstone cliffs. Some sections of cliff have become detached after millennia of weathering and now stand alone or in arches, providing shade when on the beach and interesting places to snorkel around when half submerged in water. Beach restaurant and facilities. Nearby Ponte Pequena and Ninho das Andorinhas are fascinating rock formations
Coelha - A picturesque small beach between colourful cliffs. 5 minute walk from the car park, but well worth the effort!
Castelo - A lovely beach set in a weathered landscape of sculpted cliffs, grottoes and blowholes. Gently shelving and with lots of shade.
Gale - An expanse of sand that stretches for miles, between cliffs. It is equipped with a wide variety of tourist facilities. Never gets crowded even at the height of Summer.
Senhora da Rocha - one of a series of sandy coves beyond Armacao de Pera, with cliffs and striking rock formations. Another secluded beach can be reached via a tunnel through the cliff at the western end of Senhora da Rocha.
Beaches to the east of Albufeira include:
Oura, Balaia, Maria Luísa and Olhos de Agua - 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.
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