Highlights of Albufeira

After having lived in this city for a period of two months, you would think I know the best of Albufeira, a city located in the Algarve, Portugal. By putting on a shameful face, I gotta tell you I probably know the party area of the old city the best. However, I’m not sure if I have any pub or club to recommend, even after spending so much (night)time there…

But it’s not my intention to put a bad light on Albufeira. Not at all. I really enjoyed living there those two months. The old city is beautiful and pure (when you think away tourism), and I found the surrounding nature unexpectedly unique.

Albufeira isn’t the most trendy place, but I did love Sal Rosa to have a good glass of wine at with a breathtaking view over the ocean and Al Café for a mint tea in an Arabic ambiance. Two really cute places within the old city of Albufeira.

I was addicted to Urban Pizzas where I must have eaten three times a week (if not more). The coolest pizzeria in town, but still not cool, but great pizzas and a pleasant ambiance. For simple and good (and cheap) local food go to Restaurante O Veleiro. You will feel an authentic Portugal while dining with the locals.

I was highly impressed by Falesia Beach (or Praia de Falesia) which takes like a 20 minutes drive from the old city. An elongated beach with immense red-colored cliffs. Beautifully shaped from some sort of clayish soil. No rocks. I found it really unique and gorgeous. If you would bring me there blindfolded for a GeoGuess kind of game, I would have said it’s Africa. Maybe even without a blindfold.

If you’re looking for an authentic Albufeira, walk around the coast towards the west side of the city. Just keep on walking until you feel you’re getting more distant from the tourists.