Albufeira History
In its history it was a thriving seaport and had its own castle that was later destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Happily, most of the older parts of the town that survived have been carefully maintained. In the Roman times it was know as Baltum that then was later changed by the Moors to Al-Buhera. During the Moors 8th Century occupation the town it was to become an important trading port. In 1532 and in 1755 the place was badly hit by earthquakes, and in the later 227 people unluckily perished under the falling roof inside the parish church. During the "War of the Miguels" the town was besieged and set ablaze. The destroyed town consequently suffered a very long period of poverty and has only in the latter 19th century really recovered with the boom of tourism.

Albufeira Description
As a result of the tide of tourism this once upon a time fishing village has expanded since the 1960s into a major holiday resort and now has over 12,000 permanent residents. The centre of the town changes its character after the sunsets. A impressive collection of bars, restaurants and clubs start to fill-up with the tourist until they over spill into the narrow streets. There is a good selection of good beaches run both to the east and west from the town. Praia de Balaia, Praia de Castelo, Praia de Falésia, Praia de Galé, Olho d’Agua, Praia de Maria Luisa, and Praia de São Rafael, being the main and most popular ones. There is a small museum of 15th and 17th century Ming ceramics and a Municipal Art Gallery that holds regular exhibitions during the season. Anew Marina is at present being constructed on the west side of the town.

Albufeira Nearby Locations
Other places near to Albufeira are, Armação de Pera, Boliqueime, Guia and Paderne with its ruined castle perched on an isolated hill some distance from the village. At Ponte Grande there are impressive caverns with large arches and the underwater caverns of Grutas do Xorino.

Albufeira Weather Forecast

Albufeira Events
4th February - Feira do Pau Roxo
July - Feira de Artesanato (Handicraft)
August - Feira de Na. Sra. da Orada
August - Feira de Frango
28th & 29th August - Feira de Nossa Senhora da Guia

Useful Albufeira Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 289 589 201
Fire Brigade - 289 586 333 / 588 639
Police - 289 587 809
Transit Police - 289 589 363
Emergency Treatment - 289 587 550 / 586 933
Ambulance - 289 586 333
Tourist Office - 289 585 279 / 542 047

Useful Albufeira Facts
Distance from Faro Airport - 47 Kms
Town Holidays - 20th August
Postal Code - 8200

Algarve Towns
Almancil · Alvôr · Armação de Pêra · Carvoeiro · Faro · Lagoa · Lagos · Loulé · Monchique · Olhão · Portimão · Quarteira · Sagres · Silves · Tavira · Vilamoura · Vila Real de Santo António