Albufeira

Albufeira, found in the heart of Algarve, a wonderous shore area where the limestone cliffs with their whimsical shapes alternate with splenderous sandy grounds, has converted town into the most symbolic sign of regional tourism. The unrestrained growth in hotel installations has caused a radical development from what used to be the typical coastal fishing village, but thank goodness it has not been wiped out. Luckily enough, in the old part of the village, there are still secret corners with their own character, streets made into pedestrian walkways for an easier stroll around. And on the other hand, Albufeira is just as cosmopolitan as any of the other places in the Algarve region, with an explosive summer population of over 310,000 roaming spirits.

At the brink of a precipice, the old village huddles together, having to mention three white churches from the 18th c.; the Saint Ana, the Matriz and the Saint Sebastian which has been made into the Museum of Sacred Art. From here you go down towards the commercial street called 5 de Outubro ( 5th October), where lively restaurants spread their chairs and tables out onto the terraces and the shops open their, enticing us with their characteristic merchandise. This same street continues on through a tunnel dug out in the rock, leading us to the hot sandy beach. The pedestrian area goes on along the Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco street, well accompanied by beautiful gardens and more terraces. Slowly strutting along, you are taken to the sea promenade and to the Republic Square governed by the Clock Tower ( torre do Relogio) with its curious iron foundry to hold the bell in place and the Municipal Museum of Archaeology. Opening out like spokes on a whell from this square, you can follow the picturesque Bateria Street, one of the most typical ones, together with the Igreja Velha Street. On Henrique Calado Street is the Mercy Chapel, Gothic in style and built over an old Mosque. At the foothill, colourfully painted fishing boats with wildlife, flowers and sea landscape- very original.On the shore of the beach you discover a marginal pedestrain pathway taking you to the Xorino cavern, a Moorish hideout in times of the struggle to free Spain of Moorish rule; the Reconquest. A longer route can be done by going along the Infante Dom Henrique Avenue, ending up in the Sao Joao Fortress.

What´s for fun ?

Easter is always a special time and the week before Lent, there is the Carnival de Loule where the Battle of Flowers sharing protaganism with a parade of beautifully decorated religious floats are later joined by music and dancing.

All over the Algarve, Portugal´s southern most province, there are rolling hills spotted with golf courses; three are near Loule. And at this same golf clubs you can practise or learn tennis. Another important sport or combination of watersports that the tourists are well-attended to are water skiing, fishing, scuba diving and boat rentals. The best recommendation is to rent a boat with a skipper and have him take you around, bordering the coast looking for unoccupied beaches or interesting grutes and caves. Hunting has a special place among sports in Portugal and the Algarve area has some hunting clubs. What would a beautiful beach be without galloping on the back of a sleek horse in the breeze at sunrise or sunset ? Various tourist resorts have horses and riding classes for every level.

In and around Albufeira, Algarve

In the town of Guia, on route N125, there is an entertaining Oceanographic Park with seals, turtles, exotic birds, crocodiles, gigantic sharks and dolphins to mention a few. To the north of Guia you run into Algoz, with an original exhibition of tiles from Seville dating back to the 16th c. and gold etched Roccoco altarpieces. Continuing to the northeast is Algrave´s oldest town, Sives, established in the 9th c. B.c. Even though Silves was important in Roman times, it reached its peak with the Arabs, who made Silves the capital of the Algarve region. You can get there by car, a rental car from Albufeira is always on hand or by boat, navegating the River Arada from Portimao; the same route the crusaders did any centuries ago. The Ibne Ammar and Algar caves can be explored or simply observe them and the noisy windmills as you float by. The Arabs from Yemen made Silves a walled city and the castle and the Cathedral ( Se in Portuguese ) dominate all, transmitting a secret message about the history and poetry once written there. There are still remains of the Arab reservoir water tanks from the 13th c. which was the primitive system of irrigation. As you leave Silves in direction to Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, the Cross of Portugal satnds six metres high representing Jesus Christ on the cross and on the other face, the Pieta; the Virgen mary holding the body of Jesus Christ on her lap.

Craftsmanship at its best

In the Algarve region, the workmanship with palm leaves and wicker such as the two-handled fruit basket and hats, the ceramic amphoras or wooden chairs are some key pieces looked for while in this southern area of Portugal.

Masterpieces of Albufeiran Cuisine

But we cannot leave this coastal area without having tried the Portuguese codfish in all its variations. The fishermen learned to conserve it in the 16th c by salting it when out to sea so it would last longer. Or a hot tasty clam soup or a rice made from a variety of seafood like clams, cockles and squid. The red snapper, fresh tunafish or sea bass are a morsel of delight for your tastebuds. With its luring climate and tasty accompanying Oporto wine, just sit back, relax and start trying these fish dishes, specially prepared in Albufeira, Algarve region.