When people talk about the Algarve, those listening automatically think of Albufeira. This town is similar to well established tourist towns throughout the Mediterranean. Despite this, it does have a strong Portuguese flavour (probably something to do with the smell of grilling sardines), and does have some high points.

The town square is somewhat stylised and designed for the tourist but the Fisherman's Beach to the east (Note - Pay and Display Car Park) is not so sanitised. Out of the main season the square is an almost restful spot with shaded public seating as well as cafe and restaurant seating if needed. It also attracts a number of street performers both single and in groups. These can be very good indeed! Regretfully the area is packed solid during the main season these days and so is not restful at all. The walk through the alleys between the Fisherman's Beach (Photo 92kbytes) and the main square has many restaurants and bars. The pavement space is full of stalls some better than others in that they are not selling the normal tourist items. One would not describe Albufeira town as child friendly in that the cobbled  pavements are often obstructed by cars and, along with narrow entrances to shops etc., are in no way "buggy" friendly. As with Portimao, it is worth watching out for the seedy characters who will try and sell you 'gold' rings etc.

The Beach here is often very crowded but empty space can be found if you walk to the east. There are a number of cafe cum restaurants along the beach hiring out sun beds, windbreaks etc. In addition, a range of watersports operate (slugs, bananas, para-ascending etc.) and boat trips often pick up passengers direct from the sand, using small jolly boats, or from the jetty (being built 1995). If you walk to the west then you will find a cliff path that leads to a number of caves and then towards the construction site of a new marina (Sept 2000). The main access points to the beach are fisherman's beach (east side of the town), or via  the Tunnel next to the Tourist information centre.

If you want to get an overview then this photo (281kbytes)  shows the beaches etc. described above looking to the west.

See also the surrounding areas of The Strip, Praia Dos Aveiros and Praia da Oura

Guia ...

is situated about 7 km (NW) from Albufeira (taxi 1,300 Esc (6.484€) 1997) and has a population of 500, but has 30 restaurants! Sunday night is when the natives invade from the surrounding area and you will have difficulty parking close to any of the restaurants. It's mainly Chicken Piri Piri - bar-b-qued chicken with a light 'chilli' liquid put on it, served with chips and a wonderful oregano mixed salad, it's mouth watering.

Vale de Parra ...

"is a lovely village consisting mainly of private villas and a scattering of restaurants, bars and supermarkets. Don't go here if you want a wild holiday as its more a relaxing type of place. Albufeira (to the west) is only 5 minutes drive away or around ?7 in a taxi. We had many a good night having a BBQ outside at the pool while the sun went down, bliss".

Accommodation (A-Z)

• Few Entries - can you help?
   
• Boa Vista hotel - 1998
  "We stayed in the Boa Vista hotel, which had a nice view. The room was decent. I think it was about $84.00 per night with breakfast included. The staff was helpful in giving suggestions about places to go".
   
• Cerro A` Lagoa - 2002
  (April 2002) "Well situated 4 star hotel near the old town, but only a 20 minute walk to the strip. The rooms are well appointed, tv, fridge, air-con and some have sea or garden views. We were on a b+b basis and the breakfast tended to be the same most days, but well presented and more than adequate. There is a full range of leisure activities, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, indoor-pool, as well as extensive gardens and pool areas. There is also an `authentic` pub- the Dog and Duck which has live entertainment most nights. The hotel will suit couples or families and I would recommend it for a super holiday".
   
• Jardim I. - 1999
  "It is a very large apartment-complex with 3 tennis courts and a swimming pool in the centre of the complex. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The food in the restaurant was good.".
   
• Pateo Village Apartments - 2003
  ( June 2003). "We arrived to discover we were the first people ever in our apartment as they had only opened a few days earlier. This was really nice as everything was brand new. Considering they had just opened, the complex overall was excellent. The quality in finish and furniture, fittings etc was first class and the owners had made a real effort with the gardens, trees etc to create a relaxing atmosphere. There are 30 x 2 bed apts on the ground floor which all opened onto a grassy area around the pool, some patio doors were literally just a few yards from the pool so very convenient for families with kids who are really doing the self catering thing. 1st floor has 30 x 1 bed apts with large balcony and the 2nd floor had 15 x 1 bed apts with a very large terrace (same size as the apartment in fact!!). Some minor teething problems and the TV is not free".
  
  "The complex is about 300yards up from the Dolphin roundabout, a 15 min walk into the old town but longer on the way back as uphill. A taxi is 4.50? and the apts bus was regular and only 2? for a day ticket (kids under 12 are free)". Western side of Albufeira.
   
• Villa Sara Cristina - 2002  (Vale de Parra)
  (June 2002) "The villa was huge, 8 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 lounges, 4 bathrooms, large kitchen/dining area, lots of garden space, a fairly big private pool, lots of tables, chairs and sunbeds with cushions. Maid came every day with towels and beds changed fairly regularly. The villa manager came only once but we didn't need him and had his number".

Eateries (A-Z)

• O Alambique Restaurant - 1997 (Gale)
  "It's a little difficult to find so directions are below. It's run by Canadian/Portuguese and you will probably find them very atentive. The restaurant has a large interior and a nice terrace, the menu is fresh fish and meat (no vegetarian). We had the Kebab and Lamb stew couldn't finish the meat, too much, very tasty and a fair price".
  
  "From Albuferia Bus Station, turn left towards Vale de Parra and Pera, straight over the roundabout down a step hill till the road goes into single carriageway. Go forward for about 5 - 6 km, at traffic lights turn left forward for about 3 - 4 km, first major cross roads turn right, you should be behind the Gale Hotel, past the Hotel you will see sign posts for the restaurant (it's approx. 1/2 km from Gale Hotel) (taxi will cost 1,400 Esc. (6.983€) 1997) It's closed on Mondays".
   
• Anna's Restaurant - 2003
  (June 03) "You have to go up a flight of stairs next to Ricardo's and it is a 3 storey town house. The meal we had there was absolutely out of this world. The menu is totally different to any of the other restaurants and the prices were very reasonable. We had the whole of the top floor to ourselves with a beautiful view of the town, beach and sea. I think perhaps it wasn't very busy as its entrance is quite hard to find. Anyway I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone".
   
• Casa da Avo (Grandmothers House) - 2003
  (May 2003) "Nice restaurant on side street about 1/2 KM north of main square. Good Portuguese food & friendly atmosphere. Try their clams & pork cataplana which they serve in individual portions unlike most places where there is a 2 people requirement. reasonable prices".
   
• O'Barco - 2002 (Vale de Parra)
  (June 2002) "The Jompra was nice as was the O'Barco"
    
• O'Bolero - 2003
  (June 2003 "Mexican restaurant just next to the Louisiana at the fishermans beach. Cant remeber the name of the dish I had but it was small parcels of pastry with various spicy fillings, loads of chicken for the fajitas. Lots of dips etc on the table to keep you going until your meal is ready. Have had better Mexicans but this was pretty good all the same. They also own places under the same name at the top of the strip and in the Sao Jaoa area".
   
• Bravo Restaurant - 2002
  (July 02) "in the Old Town square of Albufeira. Very busy but very well organised, large menu and excellent steaks".
   
• O Cabaz Da Praia - 1998
  "Next door to the Cantinho do Mar, it is only open for dinner. This is a French styled restaurant which serves excellent food. Expensive, but totally worth it. I had a goat cheese with figs and honey as an appetiser that was mouth watering and a pasta dish with salmon and great spices for the main course. Wonderful service and inviting atmosphere, we sat on the back deck/porch with the sea air cooling us"!
   
• Cantinho do Mar - 1998
  "It is right above the tunnel to the beach, at the top of the stairs to the right, Praca Miguel Bombarda. The views from the porch that overlooked the water where incredible and the fish was
  grilled about 10 feet from us. The food was very tasty and the service was friendly and quick. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch".
   
• Central Station – 1999
  "Main Square in Albufeira We ordered Monkfish in pepper sauce and Pork ‘Mexican Style’ in a spicy capsicum sauce. Both were very good. The wine was what could have been a very pleasant dry white Dão, but it was luke warm. Cost 4500esc. (22.446€)".
   
• Ideal - 1997 (Guia)
  "Go there, you will definitely return, we had Turkey Steak. One meal would serve two (but don't try that!)".
   
• Jo Jo's Bar - 1999
  "A MUST when you get to the Old Town, situated one road back from the beach, it's behind the Baltum Hotel. We overheard somebody recommending it so we thought we would visit, (we found out later most of the 'reps' and locals ate downstairs). It is a family run Bar - separate diner, which served 'pub type grub', Steak & Kidney, Chicken Pies, Jacket Spuds, Salads and Fish & Chips (Fish & Chips was excellent). Upstairs they have a large terrace (covered) which served food that you would not expect to find in a Tourist Town - Steaks, Kebabs, Salmon, Sardines all served with fresh vegetables (a rare find in the Algarve). After we found it we ate there nearly every other night. The bar has live music and outside in the street another band played to a packed audience. Wonderful atmosphere - made the holiday". Note:- Still as good when revisited in 1999 (previous 1997)
   
• Jompra - 2002 (Vale de Parra)
  (June 2002) "The Jompra was nice as was the O'Barco"
   
• O'Leme - 2003
  (June 2003) "Located in the village of Pateo just outside Albufeira easily reached by taxi for around 4.5?. We ate here twice but it would have been more had it not taken us a week to stumble across the place. Great menu considering its located in a smaller town. We had seafood cataplana for 2, beef stroganoff, swordfish steak in onion and butter sauce (fantastic) etc and all were first class. On each visit we had beers, a bottle of house wine (6?, very reasonable), coffees and rather large sambucca's and it cost only 34? and 48? which we thought was excellent value. The service was great, especially on our last night from Lionel. The atmosphere is really good inside with Portuguese folk music and it's usually pretty busy as there are a lot of villas and private apartments near by. We sat outside and although its right on the roads edge it didn't bother us. We would definitely recommend this place for excellent food, service, selection and value. Try it!!"
   
• Lemme - 1999
  (1999) "just north of the last roundabout in Albufeira. Had a great meal, great wine, great
  service and will be going back this year. Would recommend to anyone".
   
• Louisiana - 2003
  (June 2003) "We went here 1st night. Good menu, service and setting right on the Fisherman's beach. The Golden bream was the best I have tasted, swordfish was also top quality. The price was good for what we received. Busy as on the beach but good views from the newly opened terrace and live music every night we passed. Good quality food".
   
• Oasis - 2003
  (June 2003) "On the main square of the old town. Lovely atmosphere with pan pipe band playing next to you. Very busy but the service I felt was really friendly and efficient. Look out for the wee guy/owner who takes your order, straight out of a Mafia movie. Seafood pizza was rather good, tuna, prawns, squid, clams etc on a nice thin crispy base. Its open air and a very pleasant atmosphere, great place for people watching".
  
  (June 2002) "Great pizzas at Oasis in the main square"
    
• O'Tunnel - 1999
  (1999) "Went downhill a few years ago but has returned to standard. Fresh fish daily, we had the sole which was gorgeous. Wide variety of dishes, very friendly service with a good selection of specials. Free liquor at end of meal".
  
  (1996) "Excellent Portuguese Steak - so good we went back a second time. Delightful and relaxed atmosphere. Attentive service. We were served complimentary liqueurs after dinner. Reasonably priced and good value! Try it!" As the name implies it is near the tunnel to the main Albufeira beach.
   
• O Marinheiro Restaurante & Bar, Sesmarias - 2002 (Gale)
  (June 2002) "Among good restaurants was the O'Marinheiro (1 of the best in the Algarve apparently)".
  
  (2001) "we had met friends who had a car who drove us to their favourite restaurant. As far as the location is concerned I know that it is about 2km west of Old albufeira and their address is Sesmarias - 8200 Albufeira telephone #289 592 350 fax 289 591 149. This was the BEST restaurant that we encountered in the Algarve.  A family run business run by a Portuguese chap Joaquim Coelho and his Swiss wife Monika.  A classy five star (in my opinion) facility with the proper glassware set on the table with flowers and a great wine cellar.  We had Pork tenderloin stuffed with fruit/prunes, vegetables and wonderful sautéed potatoes, etc, etc..... with complimentary port at the end of the meal.  In business, I have dined in many great restaurants and this one left a mark on me and the price for TWO was only 7000 escudos (34.916€).  The owner and the server were great conversationalists which added to the enjoyment of the experience.........a wonderful evening in a great restaurant with enjoyable hosts.......!!!!!! You MUST try this restaurant".
  
  (1997) "This was the find of the holiday. Bit loath to put it out as we had problems booking a table, probably the best decor in Albufeira and fantastic food to go with it, a little 'Novo Cuisinesh' i.e small portions, but we were contented when we left. A little expensive compared to others we visited but well worth it for that special meal".
  
  From Albufeira Bus Station, turn left on the dual carriage way, go over the roundabout, continue on for 5 to 6 km, at traffic lights turn left, go forward for 3 - 4 km, at the crossroads turn LEFT (on the right you will see the Gale Hotel 5 stories) After 1 - 2 km you will see a large building with a BLUE & RED NEON SIGN saying O'MARINHEIRO (taxi cost 1400 Esc. (6.983€) 1997) .
   
• Restaurant 54 - 2003
  (June 2003) "Located on the cliffs edge just off the Albufeira main square. Head towards the tunnel but head up the hill rather than to the beach. Its west of the Sol E Mar hotel so just follow the coast. I had a beautiful steak Portuguese and my wife had a seafood kebab. Both were very good indeed. The views from the terrace where we ate were breathtaking and very relaxing. You are perched about 100 metres above the beach on a cliff face so don't eat on the terrace if you are scared of heights!! They have an extensive menu and fresh seafood from the large tank downstairs. This was a more expensive meal but worth it for the view and food. I wish now we had gone back another night. Also the home made apple pie was not too shabby either. Service was very attentive and friendly. I would recommend this place highly. 63? for 2 people but wine, 2 mains, 2 desserts, wine, coffee. beer etc, a good treat".
    
• Rock Cafe Bar - 2003
  (June 2003) "Went here several times for the live music. One band(cant remember their name but the guitarist had a rockabilly quiff!!) were really good. Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Palmer, Stones etc. Defo worth a listen. The girls will like the bar staff, all men (!) and total posers but they did run the bar extremely well and there was a great atmosphere. They must be alright as they gave us freebies. There is a karaoke upstairs with a small balcony which is a brill place for watching the world go by as its right in the middle of the old town square".
   
• Sol Dourado - 2002
  (June 2002) "Sol Dourado right on the beach (not the one through the tunnel) is fantastic for fish and the service was 2nd to none".
  
  (June 2001) "Eastern Part of the Fisherman’s beach to the far left and up a small flight of stairs. Tables outside right on the beach. We had a huge Sea Bream between 2 at only 2500 escudos (12.470€). Best service and food this holiday. Not too pricey considering the location. The sun went down over a bottle of vinho verde-total bliss! My favorite night so far in the Algarve. Definitely recommended. Total bill 8000 escudos (39.904€) but many beers, wine, coffee and dessert. Beer comes in an aluminium jug just taken from the freezer……nice".
   
• Snoopy's Bar - 2001
  (June01) "excellent beer and good entertainment, very small place with a good atmosphere".
   
• Trattoria di Mirella - 2002 (Vale de Parra)
  (June 2002) "our absolute favourite was an Italian restaurant on the main road from Vale de Parra going west towards Armacao de Pera. Go straight through the traffic lights (where a right turn would take you to Guia) and its about 0.5km on your right. Its just a small place but real 1st class service. Freshly made pasta was out of this world, litre of delicious house wine for £4.50 and we were made very welcome on each of our 3 visits. One night on our anniversary they sent out for a local with a guitar who came to our table to serenade us, brilliant laugh. The place is definitely worth a mention".
   
• Veneza - 1996 (Paderne)
  "This is situated outside of Albufeira and is on the road from Albufeira to Paderne. Here the specialty is shellfish, with two large aquariums full of crabs, lobsters, cray-fish and clams etc.. The restaurant is small, seating about 40 people, and the owner Manuel serves at the tables and makes recommendations. Spotlessly clean, with a large selection of wines on shelves along the walls for you to pick out which one you want. This is an excellent choice for the summer months, when everything else along the coast is packed solid". They are closed Tuesdays, and the telephone no is 367129
   
  Directions:- From the traffic lights in Ferreiras, follow the EN395 towards Paderne. Carry on for about 4kms, until you pass the water deposits on your left, and the road starts to drop down the hill towards Paderne. Pass a left hand turn sign posted for Tunes, and you should be looking at a large factory (the brick-works) also on your left. This area is called Mem Martins. Just after you pass the factory, you will see restaurant Veneza on your right-hand side. Distance from the lights in Ferreiras until the rest. - 6-7kms. Paderne is another 3kms to the north.
   
• Vertigo - 2003
  (June 2003) "Same as the Rock Cafe Bar really but we had a fave seat right at the bar as it was right below the air conditioning. Again good music but the bar staff not very friendly. "
   
• Sir Harrys Bar - 2001
  (April 2001) "Prices are slightly dearer (than other places) but the live music more than compensates. Blues, classic rock and occasional jam sessions from the 2 resident acts make this a haven for any music lover. Not to be missed".
  
  (2000) "in the Old Town Square is a complete rip-off with drink prices"