The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, and is one of the warmest and sunniest places in Southern Europe. Albufeira, a major city in the Algarve, is on the Atlantic coast, was once a fishing village, and is now a favourite holiday destination.
The region has an interesting history. Indo-European tribes and pre-Celtic people settled here until it fell under Roman control in the second century B.C. After the fall of Rome in 500 A.D., the story of The Algarve and the story of Portugal include a cast of cultures from the influence of early Christianity to the Scandinavian Visigoths, to the Muslim Moors. The culture and architecture of the region reflects this rich history.
The following are notable attractions:
The Algarve Beaches and Rocky Cliffs
The Algarve is famous for its golden sand beaches with limestone rocky cliffs, caves, and stack formations. Evening sunsets are made more enchanting when dolphins visit and provide their entertaining antics.
Albufeira Old Town
Featured in the Old Town are cobbled plazas with Baroque churches, galleries, and bustling cafes, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Come early in the morning for the daily market, and after the sun sets, this is where to find Albufeira’s colourful nightlife.
Wine Tasting
The Iberian Peninsula has its fair share of vineyards, and there are several in and around Albufeira. Two suggestions for vineyard tours and wine tastings are:
- Adega do Cantor
- Quinta da Tor
Visit Ancient Fortresses
Become immersed in history, visiting nearby Moorish and Roman fortifications.
- Castle of Silves – built on a Roman site by Arabs in the 8th century, this ancient fortress is about a 30-minute drive northwest of Albufeira.
- Castelo de Paderne
– built in the 12th century, 12 km north of Albufeira
Walk the Alvor Boardwalk
About 45 km west of Albufeira, this scenic 5.2 km boardwalk loop in the town of Alvor takes you past lagoons, wetlands, and long stretches of sand dunes.