Hotels Albufeira

Tourists have flocked to the Algarve region for decades and its popularity continues to grow. There are many destinations to choose from, but the city of Albufeira in Portugal is a gem. With its lovely mix of old town buildings as well as new areas and a wide range of hotels Albufeira is popular with tourists whatever they enjoy doing while on holiday.

The city has grown from its humble beginnings as a fishing village and is now widely visited. Many come back year after year as the hotels Albufeira boasts offer good service and reasonably priced food as well as ranging up to five star luxury hotels offering startling views out over the Algarve and all the pampering spa and beauty treatments can bring. Many enjoy their own private pools and beaches. The main draw of the area is its stunning beaches. One of the most picturesque for those who do not want to just lie and soak up the sun is the Fisherman's Beach in the old town region. The fishing boats that still go out each day act as a backdrop for the restaurants, cafes and bars that line the beach.

Food is an important part of Portuguese life and visitors can enjoy a feast of traditional and world foods in Michelin star restaurants, quiet cafes and the hotels Albufeira offers. A Mediterranean style diet dominates the cuisine with excellent, fresh seafood and fish featuring heavily. Garlic and paprika can be found in many dishes. Local wines compliment many meals and the locals are fiercely proud of their local produce. The choice of restaurants and eating venues is quite staggering.

Visitors will find the local people friendly and welcoming. Anyone visiting the Old Town Square will almost certainly find some sort of free street entertainment to enjoy. Puppet shows, music and statue artists, particularly popular with children, all perform hopeful of a donation. It is also common to see portrait artists working on the street.

There is a wide variety of churches to see in Albufeira in various states of repair. Each is fascinating in its own way and they are all decorated in individual styles. The Parish Church, or Igreja, that stands in the Rua da Igreja Nova is famous for a painting by Samora Barros, a local artist. The original church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 which also disrupted other areas. The Misericordia Chapel was partially rebuilt after the earthquake having been converted from its original purpose as a Moorish mosque for the then governor. The Sant Sebastiao Church is famous for its carved wooden images of different saints and the Sant'Ana for its elaborate 'Our Lady of Pain' altar piece and sculpture of the crucifixion.

With some 15 beaches to choose from it is not surprising that visitors take the chance of cooling off and indulging in a variety of water sports. While windsurfing, parascending and paragliding are popular, sunbathing and enjoying a gentle swim in the crystal warm waters is just as popular. Boat trips along the coast are another pastime enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Four unusual roundabouts make getting around the town easy as they act as useful landmarks. They feature huge sculptures of worms, dolphins, wrist watches and a globe fountain and are easy to associate as being near places to visit.

Many of the town's most fascinating sights show signs of earthquake, fire and sieges giving a real glimpse into the past of a place that was once under constant threat. The castle was one of the last to fall when the Moors lost control of Portugal and had been a great seat of resistance. The ruins with its tower can be seen at Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora. Some secrets have only become visible thanks to the passing of time and nature taking its course. An arsenal thought to date back to the 16th century can now be seen thanks to cliff erosion. An arch that was named after a church destroyed in the earthquake remains and is a notable piece of Arabic architecture.

For those wanting a little culture the town can offer an archaeological museum that houses a collection of items that have been rescued from the earthquakes and fires that have ravaged the town in the past as well as an art gallery hosting regular exhibitions by both local and national artists.

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