This is a small cove and secluded beach (Photo 179k) just to the west of Praia da Oura though often in brochures shown as in the Praia da Oura area. Between here and 'The Strip' are a number of hotels, mainly small, however there is a large and popular aparthotel overlooking the cove. The cove is also overlooked by a several villas and a small apartment block bearing the name of the cove. This has a scuba (diving) school associated with it. It is possible to walk eastwards to Praia da Oura along a dangerous cliff path and westwards to the main Albufeira beach and Albufeira itself . 

In 2003 there was a huge complex being built just to the west of the Auramar and the scruffy though charming beach bar  in the cove had been rebuilt and looked somewhat out of place.

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

Accommodation (A-Z)

• Auramar - 2003
  (Jul 2003) "Only went here as could not get in where we really  wanted. Only offered half board or their version of "all inclusive". Whilst breakfast was okay for a 2 star hotel it claims to have three. The evening meals were so bad we gave up and went up the Strip. Room (studio with basic cooking facilities but no kettle) was in need of maintenance with mould and broken electrical fittings. On the plus side the location was excellent and the pool very good. Overall what was a fine hotel was thoroughly let down by a poor room and generally terrible food. Staff, and especially the maid service, excellent though".
  
  (1996) "Modern, large, and recently revamped, quality accommodation. Most if not all apartments have a sea view and there are excellent facilities in a quiet, but not "out of the way", location. If possible go B & B as the food is nothing special and the strip is about 10 minutes walk away. The Auramar is situated on a headland between the Albufeira and Praia Dos Aveiros beaches. Overall, with the new facilities (small indoor pool and extra bars), what was good in 1992 is now even better".

  There is no easy/quick access to the beach for the disabled traveller, however care has been taken to provide access around the grounds by placing ramps next to the steps. Where there would still be difficulty these lead to apartment block lifts that then allow access to other levels.
   

• Praia Dos Aveiros Apartments - 2001
  (Aug 2001) "Whilst the location was superb we have to echo the comments on your site regarding the general rundown nature. Most of the people we met staying there agreed it was in serious need of an update. The couple running the reception could have done with a bit of customer service training. We asked for a couple of extra pillows and it was suggested we should have brought them with us! Maybe the Danish guy on reception was being "humorous" but considering I did not have a good nights sleep the whole fortnight I remained stony faced. Two very negative things about the place, dogs barking/howling all night and the covered veranda access made it very noisy virtually all the time".
  
  (2000) "This commands the best position on the next headland to the east of the Auramar. As such it overlooks the delightful small cove below. The block of various sized apartments and studios has both an indoor and outdoor pool.  Scuba training and trips can be arranged at the on site PADI 5 star approved diving centre. Overall the place has lost a bit of its sparkle and needs some refurbishment. The better rooms tend to be above the ground floor".

Eateries (A-Z)

• Few  Entries - can you help?
   
• Atlantic - 2000
  The Atlantic Dive School  has a small bar and does some reasonable snacks and light meals.
   
• Natalies Bar - 2000
  "run by an English couple. Can be found near the hotel Auromar in a  small circular parade of shops "Arcadas".  They cook a wicked Sunday lunch but all the food is excellent including their chicken piri piri and we've never had a bad meal there. It is a very small bar and meals are generally eaten outside. Drinks are always good measures (a large beer is a pint and it's also one of the best local pints I've tasted and I like Portuguese beer) and they make a mean jug of sangria. Children are also made welcome and catered for. The bar is closed on Mondays but stays open the rest of the week till late or until you decide to go. This is highly recommended".
  
  "It is run by an English couple, Carol and Terry, who make you feel very welcome, and can always tell you the lottery numbers, football results, weather etc from back home".