Albufeira ~ Algarve Portugal Pictures

Views of the Beach at Albufeira Looking East

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 good place to meet

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.

This area was extensively renovated to control flooding issues.

The streets in many Algarve towns are very steep, and a challenge to drivers as well. Set that parking brake!

Throughthe tunnel and on 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 Dominates the Hillside above the Beach

Albufeira, looking west from the 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 hard scrambling to get to the top, and the main road.

Flowering Almond and Olive trees Hallmark of Algarve Spring

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 these Portugal pages

• My Western Algarve Travel Story

• Portugal country information for travellers

• Cape Vincente lighthouse on the west coast

• Portugal menhirs Stone age relics

• Vila do Bispo Portugal village

• Rock of Gibraltar (day trip)

• Travel Tips section including What to Pack