Beach, Albufeira

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There are some rough paths along the coast between Albufeira old-town and Villamoura connecting the many small bays, beaches and resort areas.
When the tide is out, much of the distance can be done along the beach or the water's edge but several stretches must be done by climbing the steps or rocks and then following the rough paths.
These vary from dead-easy to quite hairy in places!

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Thirty years ago Albufeira was "the capital" of tourism in Algarve and a vacation paradise.

Today, it is the center of all the excesses in massive building and loss of quality, but the beach is still there (spreading along the coast), the fishermen keep on working (not much), and with luck, you may get your own space.

Once a "private" beach of Inatel, the national organization for workers free time, this wide beach is now part of the long stripe of sand that compose Albufeira's beaches, with a few hotels and apartments hidden inland.

I didn't swim there, but it looks more rocky than the other beaches of the area.

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Fifteen minutes walk from the center is the main beach.Quite well hidden from the main rd so look out for signs that point to a path and small road that takes you to the beach.There is a large car park at the end of the small road and plenty of wooden boards to walk on to avoid getting burnt feet on the hot sand.The water can be quite cold with it being the Atlantic so brace yourself when taking a dip.Sunloungers and umbrellas can be hired for a few Euros and just behind the sand dunes is a nice bar/restaurant with plenty of room to sit inside or out.
Cant remember the name of the restaurant but we did eat here once and i remember the food was very nice and the service was good with a varied menu and reasonable prices.

Albufeira was a thriving seaport with its own castle which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. Most of the older parts of the town survived and have been carefully maintained.

The centre of Albufeira is very mixed, with the new part called the 'strip' which has many bars and discoes and where the younger element congregate.

So why did you chose Albufeira? It has lots to offer, but the beaches are really great! Soft golden sand, and usually plenty of room to set down your towel and relax.

There are areas of the most popular beaches, like Fishermans Beach, where there are sunbeds and beach umbrellas laid out, for hire. I think you'll find that you are not permitted to set up your own beach umbrella within a certain distance of the official ones, so be aware!

I think the must see in Albufeira are the beaches.
There are some like Sº Rafael, Albufeira, Falésia, etc.
Always good white sand, and lovely sea.
Beaches and Sun makes Algarve the most tourist spot in Portugal.

Driving between Portimao and Albufeira we stopped at Carvoeiro for a snack and also we visited the beach.

This little beach remind me the calas of Ibiza, with the fisherman little houses but this ones also on the mountain, not only on the beach.

You can see lots of signs at the boats to visit the caves by sea :-) maybe next time :-)

Driving between Portimao and Albufeira you can visit some lovely beaches.

When we stopped in Carvoeiro, at the tourist office (that was open on a Sunday) they suggested us to visit some places as this beach, even if the photos do not show its beauty as it was afternoon and the sun was making photos a little bit difficult lol it was for me the most impressive.


I suggest to go in the morning for photos :-)

I remember 17 years ago, waking up in the morning and going early to the beach for the last swim before driving north to Lisbon.

I had so many good memories of that visit :-)

Anyway the beach is still there hehehe and still looks as nice as before :-)