Albufeira ~ Algarve Portugal Travel Pictures
Beaches, golf, sightseeing in Albufeira Portugal
Albufeira is one of the main destinations for visitors to
Portugal's Algarve. But since much of Portugal's south coast offers similar scenery, you have a wide choice of places to stay, all near beaches, golf, shops and restaurants. (You can browse some
Albufeira deals here). Albufeira is about a 45-minute drive ( 47 km or 29 miles) west from
Faro, and its airport. If you are renting a car (perfect for sightseeing trips to all the little towns and beaches!), this is likely where you will pick it up. For picnic supplies or stocking your hotel suite or condo, fill your basket with the very good and inexpensive local wines, olives, and fish. Your hotel can put you in touch with day trip operators for excursions to
Seville,
Gibraltar, Lisbon and more. See also general
Portugal country information. I went several times to
Cape St. Vincent on the southwest coast, and stopped to see the
menhirs near the village of
Vila do Bispo. See more
Algarve attractions and
golf packages (the
Balaia golf Village is wheelchair accessible - check for others).
.
.
 Beach at Albufeira
Albufeira shoreline viewed from the western part of town. Many hotels state on their websites their distance from the beach. Bear in mind that much of the coastline is ringed in steep cliffs, so that a distance of 'half a kilometre (a third of a mile) from the beach' may be vertical. If steep stairs don't appeal to you, or if you will be pushing a baby stroller, then closely question the specifics of the location. |
 Albufeira town square
The very busy downtown area runs off this square close to the main beach. there are a number of good restaurants in the downtown area. There are also a great many free-roaming dogs -- not wild in the sense of viscious, but just without owners. Cats, too, proliferate. |
 On Albufeira beach
A fisherman checks his gear near where a long cement wharf juts into the Atlantic. I was here in late January, which can be quite chilly. The weather was pleasant enough, but not warm enough to tempt me to swim. |
 Underpass to Albufeira beach
Near the town square, this underpass allows access to the beach beyond. Some of the streets in Albufeira are very steep and narrow. We noticed a woman struggling to push her husband's wheelchair, and gave her a hand. Spring, 2008: This area is undergoing renovations due to be completed by Summer, to control flooding issues.
The streets in many Algarve towns are very steep, and a challenge to drivers as well. Set that parking brake! |
 Through to Albufeira beach
The underpass tunnel opens onto Albufeira's main beach, which narrows at either end. In late January, the only sunbathers were a few young ladies from northern Europe who, like Canadians, think this is warm weather for winter! |
 Albufeira from Beach
Albufeira, looking west from east end of the beach. There are some nice walking trails just west of this main beach, that take you up and down hillsides overlooking the ocean. Some paths are fairly steep. |
 East of Albufeira beach
Near the end of day, I walked down the trails west of Albufeira's center area, and looked east towards Albufeira. If you love sweeping ocean views and private sandy coves, soaring cliffs and gorgeous colors, you'll love the Algarve! |
 Sand dunes and boats
This is not the best quality picture, taken at end of day and in poor light, etc. and I do apologize. I only include it here to show some idea of how steep the trails can be in these sand dunes. It took some hardy scrambling to get to the top, and the main road. |
 Flowering Almond and Olive trees
Everywhere in the Algarve, fields and hillsides were filled with clouds of soft white and pink almond and olive trees in bloom. Apparently, late January and early February are the best time to view blossoms (sorry, I don't know which color is which type of tree).
You may also be interested in my other Portugal pages
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