Hotels in Albufeira

FAVOURITE PLACE WAS THE LOUNGE IN HOTEL E SOL AND THE VIEW OUT TO SEA. WE EAT IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS AND HOTEL, VARIOUS TYPES OF FOOD AND YOU HAVE TO TRY MEAT OR FISH CATAPLANA (A PORTUGESE MEAL) MMM!!! ALSO PORTUGESE STEAK, BUT ENGLISH, CHINESE, INDIAN THERE ARE MANY RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM AND REASONABLY PRICED, AND OF COURSE THERE IS ALWAYS THE TOURIST MENU 10 EURO'S FOR 3 COURSES, EXCELLENT VALUE AND GOOD CHOICE MENU. ALBUFEIRA IS RELATIVELY EASY TO GET AROUND AND ONLY NEGATIVE WOULD BE DISTANCE TO THE MAIN BUS TERMINAL, BUT THERE IS A LOCAL BUS FOR BEACH AREA AND TOURIST ROAD TRAIN, TAXI'S ARE NOT SO PRICEY HERE EITHER, SO THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR GETTING AROUND WITHIN OLD CITY AND NEW. KARAOKE BARS WITH PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY CAN SING!! MY MOTTO IS "IF YOU HAVE IT FLAUNT IT, IF YOU DO NOT THEN JUST GO LISTEN" ON A FINAL NOTE..1 MONTH BEFORE WE ARRIVED THERE HAD BEEN FLASH FLOODS WHICH IN ESSENCE DEVESTATED OLD TOWN AND MANY BUISINESS'S, THERE WERE OBVIOUS SIGNS OF WORK GOING ON TO REPAIR AND RECTIFY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, WELL DONE ALBUFEIRA AND ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH THE CLEAR UP AND GETTING BACK TO RELATIVE NORMALITY, YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND LET US HOPE THIS RARE FLOOD KEEPS AWAY FOR ANOTHER 30 YEARS.. MUST GO AND SEE NEAR FISHERMAN'S BEACH BEHIND LA RUINA RESTAURANT, A TRADITIONAL PORTUGESE HOUSE BEING COVERED IN RECLAIMED SEASHELLS COLLECTED FROM THE BEACH,SIMPLY GORGEOUS AND THE GENTLEMAN WHO IS DOING THIS WORK A MAGNET FOR INSPIRATION. I DROPPED BY ON A DAILY BASIS FOR A CHAT AND HOPEFULLY HE HAS CREATED A BLUE FLOWER FROM MUSSELL SHELLS IN THE TOP LEFTHAND CORNER OF THE SPECTABLE, WHICH WAS MY PERSONAL REQUEST!! WE LIVE IN HOPE AND WILL BE BACK TO VIEW :)

Our visit was in January, so we weren't expecting a really lively holiday, but we were taken aback by how quiet it was. The majority of the hostelries were closed down for annual holidays, (and for refurbishment following a November flood), but a handful continued to provide food and drinks for the visitors, mostly British and Irish, with some German and French. We were fortunate to see the last band at The Rock Café before they took their holiday break. That was a good evening, but do be prepared as many establishments still allow the smoking of cigarettes inside, which'll provide you with the memory of the smell of nicotine on your clothes and so on. Great if you partake on a regular basis, but we do not. Another interesting aspect of daily life in Portugal seems to be the abundance of loose dogs and wild cats. At first charming, this soon becomes a nuisance as there is a lot of mess in the streets, and no-one seems to be cleaning it up. We even saw a dog on a lead performing a natural function. The attached owner pretended to ignore it, and just walked on! On the positive side, the weather was good, and the beer at (sometimes) under two euros a pint was welcome. Tip: Ask when the 'Happy Hour' is for economy. The periods are seldom for an hour, and in some places last all night, but don't count on it. The price of a round can double as you get into the evening. Be prepared for 'representatives' of various bars and restaurants to engage in conversation to try to get your into their place. These people do this for a living, and they are well practiced at it. All things considered though, the Albufeira region is well worth a visit. For party animals, go after Easter, or at least head for an all inclusive resort nearby, where you might find a little life.

We went for Christmas and New Years, which it is a fantastic place to go. NYE we spent in old town with all the fireworks and live music. Christmas we spent in the Worlds Sports Bar where they served a fantastic Christmas Dinner. It was out of season, but we could tell there is a lot to do in season. The marina had indoor facilities, which was open out of season. Lots of places to eat, from cooking on stones in Sizzlers, to traditional food in Donaldos (lovely staff and good traditional food) try the fish in there if you like fish if not the Portuguese steak is beautiful. If you want Sushi then the place to go is Fuji, however we did try to go to Happy Sumo but the member of staff we were greeted by was so rude and patronising that we walked straight out. That was the only bad experience we had in a restaurant or pub. Old town is lovely but New Town I can imagine in the season is for all ages but I am sure the youngsters really like it. Oh and ladies never take heals due to the cobbles, it is a waste of time and mine stayed in the suite case.

We visited during mid January and although it was fairly quiet, with many bars and restaurants closed (some due to the recent November floods, from which the town has made a miraculous recovery), there were sufficient places opened to ensure we had an excellent holiday. The food in all eateries was excellent and very reasonably priced. We ate at various restaurants, and found the Urban Pizza at the Hotel Baltum provided not only lovely food but also wonderful live music. We spent most nights at the Tic Tac bar in the Old Town Square, where there is great Karaoke entertainment in the company of the wonderful hosts Marcel and Christina who ensure everyone has a great time. Harry's bar was also opened in the Old Town Square, and provided live music by quality performers. Although fairly quiet, Albufeira offers a very reasonably priced and enjoyable break from the UK at this time of year.

Even in Winter, a lovely place to visit. Wild Atlantic breakers landing on beaches in lots of scenic coves and amazing rock structures. Perfect for clifftop walks. At Christmas, still plenty of Restaurants, cafes open, plus supermarkets and shops. Even an escalator to take one from the beach to the clifftop where one could take the local train around Albufeira.If you enjoy amazing rugged scenery but with all creature comforts, Albufeira is the place to be.

High point in Albufeira was an exceptionally fresh fish meal on the beach at Fisherman's Beach watching the sun set over the hills on Christmas Eve. I have to admit that Albufeira would not be appealing in the height of the 'holiday' season but at this time of year it was a lovely time to walk through the town. It is also a town central for the Algarve region and a visit to Silves is a must.