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Albufeira - History
In history Albufeira 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 and have been carefully maintained. In
Roman times it was know as Baltum and later changed by the Moors to
Al-Buhera. During the Moors 8th Century occupation the town became
an important trading port. In 1532 and in 1755 the town was badly hit by
earthquakes, and in the latter, 227 unlucky people perished when the roof
of the town church collapsed. 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 really only recovered with the
boom of tourism in the later half of the 20th Century.
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 15,000 permanent residents. As the sun sets the centre of
the town changes its character. A plentiful collection of bars, restaurants
and clubs start to fill-up with people, until they spill over into the
narrow streets. A fine selection of good beaches extend east and west from
the town. Praia de Balaia, Praia de Castelo, Praia de Falésia, Praia de
Galé, de Olhos d’Agua, Praia de Maria Luisa, and Praia de São Rafael,
being the principal 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. A further addition to the town is a new Virtual
Archaeological Museum. A new Marina has been completed on the west side of
the town and offers a different and attractive aspect.
Albufeira - Nearby Locations
Other places of interest 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. This castle was liberated
from Moor occupation in 1248 by Dom Paulo Peres Correia. At Ponte Grande
there are impressive caverns with large arches, and also the underwater
caverns of Grutas do Xorino.
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Albufeira Weather Forecast |
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Albufeira
(Area Map)
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
Albufeira Restaurants
Selected list for Albufeira area
 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
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
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