Located in the center of the Algarve, in the southernmost region of Portugal, Albufeira is the county seat and belongs to the Administrative District of Faro from which it is 39Km.
With an area of ​​14,800 ha and a population of around 40 thousand inhabitants, it is divided into four parishes: Albufeira, Ferreiras, Guia and Paderne.

---

One of the main tourist regions of the country, Albufeira almost lacks presentation.

Tourism is the most important activity of the municipality of Albufeira. In the 60's began a real economic expansion in the Municipality. With the arrival of international tourism, Albufeira became part of the main touristic routes.

Today Albufeira is, without a doubt, one of the main tourist centers of the country. Geographically, the region has a coast of 30 km distributed 23 beaches of fine sand and crystal clear water. The zone is at national level, one of the highest concentration of blue flags (European symbol of the quality of the beaches) .Parallelamente to the tourism, other services were created. The restoration and the bars have expanded a bit throughout the county. The nightlife is one of the most exciting in the Algarve.

The city of Albufeira maintains a historical and cultural heritage that represents the spirit and strength of a people who believe in the power of the Faith as an essential value. In representation of this, we can find physical vestiges of such way of life.

We highlight some of the points of interest not to be missed.

Sineira Tower
Built in 1869, it forms part of the Mother Church, with a chime of eight bells.

Clock tower
Ex-libris of the city. With an iron crown holding the hour bell.

Mother Church Mercy
Erected in the 18th century as a replacement for the former that collapsed with the 1755 earthquake. At the top of the arch of the main door is the Aviz Cross, symbol of the Religious Order - Military to which Albufeira belonged.

Port of Sant'Ana
One of the castle doors would give access to the chapel of the same name.
Church of Sant'Ana
This temple was built in the 18th century. The Mor Chapel features a wooden altarpiece, possibly made by the masters Francisco Xavier Guedelha and João Baptista.

Church of São Sebastião
Built in the mid 18th century. From its exterior stands a dome and two portals in Manueline and Baroque style.

Castle Wall
There is but a small remnant, where perhaps one of the towers of the castle wall was to be found.

The Old Inn Building
This building can be found on Rua Henrique Calado, being one of the few buildings that survived the earthquake of 1755. Many travelers and beggars would shelter and stay here.
 
Xorino Cave
This geological formation under the cliff served as shelter for the fugitive Moors during the Christian Reconquest of Albufeira.

Sao Vicente of Albufeira
Monument in memory of Friar Vicente de St. Antonio.
S. Vicente was born in the year 1590, born in the village of Albufeira. Literature and intelligent, he left Albufeira and continued his studies in the Capital.
He dedicated himself to the Church after the death of his parents. His faith led him to a pilgrimage through the East, Japan more precisely. He suffered at the hands of enemies of Christendom. He died on December 3, 1632, lifting a crucifix and shouting "Long live the Faith of Jesus Christ".

Municipal Museum of Archeology
Located in the old nucleus of the city, the Municipal Museum of Archeology is installed in the building where until the end of the 80's the City Hall functioned. With characteristics of the urban architecture of the south of Portugal, the property is constituted by two floors overlooking the sea.
The Museum has areas for study, conservation, restoration and storage of materials, as well as a small themed library. The pieces are closely linked with the history of Albufeira, from its earliest origins to the seventeenth century, subdivided into four major nuclei: Prehistory, Roman Period, Islamic Period and Modern Age. The main collection was gathered by Father José Manuel Semedo de Azevedo and includes a Neolithic vase, a set of architectural elements and artifacts from the Villa Romana da Retorta, a necropolis of Morgado da Lameira and the Ancient Mother Church of Albufeira.

Historical Archive and Municipal Library
Unique copies of descriptive manuscripts of the history of the region from remote times.

Salgados Golf Course
Located in one of the best known regions of the Algarve, between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, the Salgados course, although quite recent, is already one of the ex-libris of golf in Portugal.

Pine Cliffs Golf Course
The 9-hole golf course, integrated in the pine forest requires precise play. The world famous Devil's Parlor is a challenging PAR 3 that crosses the cliff and offers sumptuous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Sheraton Hotel

Balaia Golf Village Golf Course
The 9-hole golf course.

---

The pleasure of eating in this region is marked in the foreground by the fishing activity.
The traditional Algarve dishes include fish and shellfish varieties, such as the famous Cataplana à Algarvia and the tasty sardines accompanied by potatoes and salad. The tuna, the red snapper, the monkfish, the squid and other delicacies are elaborately made in excellent stews, stews or stews. No one can resist a delicious fresh fish carvery jumping off the grill or the charm of beautiful seafood rice.


The meats, although smaller, are also included in the gastronomic tradition and are usually accompanied by seafood, a very interesting combination. The desserts complete the menu, predominating the desserts based on nuts such as almond cakes, fig and carob, not forgetting the good orange and egg candy. The cozy atmosphere of Albufeira restaurants invite you to sample any of these delicacies.

---

The coastal coast of Albufeira is clothed with beaches of a markedly Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild winters, with a reduced rainfall, especially between October and March, with an average annual temperature of around 17.5ºC.

---