If you’re planning to visit Portugal, then Albufeira is one of the most exciting and vibrant places to visit there. Located in the heart of the Algarve region, Albufeira is only a 30 minutes drive Faro international airport. There are over 25 golf courses within easy reach of Albufeira, as well as stunningly beautiful beaches. Add in some great nightlife and shopping, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Albufeira.
Until the 1960s, Albufeira was little more than a town reliant on fishing. Gradually tourists began to discover the charms of this beautiful, sun-drenched region, and Albufeira became a prime tourist destination. More than 5 million tourists visit the Algarve region every year, with large numbers of them heading for Albufeira. This influx of visitors has caused Albufeira to expand, with many facilities being developed specifically for visitors. Recent additions include the huge Algarve Shopping Center near Guia, and the Albufeira Marina. Restaurants, shops and cinemas have sprung up to provide entertainment for tourists, as well as the more recent influx of permanent residents.
If you’re interested in historical things, then you will enjoy wandering some of the older parts of Albufeira, where there are narrow streets, whitewashed houses and a feeling that you’ve stepped back a few centuries. Albufeira also has a small museum with historic Ming ceramics, as well as the new Virtual Archaeological Museum. The Municipal art gallery also regularly holds exhibitions with paintings from past centuries. Nearby there are ruined castles, or the caverns at Ponte Grande if you want to explore some natural history.
Perhaps sitting back and relaxing is more your style, in which case you should grab a coffee on the central square, Largo Engonheiro Duarte Pacheco, and sit back to watch the world go by. When you’re done, there’s a nearby pedestrian-only mall and tunnel that leads through to the town’s main beach, so you can go and soak up some sunshine.
For a family day out, visit Zoomarine and enjoy the shows of seals, dolphins and other sea animals. Your children can swim with the dolphins, as well as enjoy various other interactive programs. You can travel a little further afield and fine water slides and other fun activities.
One of the best things about Albufeira is that it’s a great place for a holiday all year round. In some ways, it’s actually better to visit outside the peak time of summer, so that you can avoid some of the crowds. The low season from November through to February is particularly good if you want a little bit of peace and quiet and fast service in the restaurants. The weather is still very mild, and you get more of an opportunity to experience the friendly locals.
There are so many great things to see and do in Albufeira and the Algarve region of Portugal, that this article can’t do the area justice. Still, take a holiday there yourself and you’ll soon discover what so many others have found before you - it’s hard to leave.
If you want to read more about travelling in Portugal, click over to Gordon’s site at http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com
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Madeira Island is one of the islands in the Madeira Archipelago, and was discovered by the Portuguese in the early 1400’s. It’s still part of Portugal today, and is a popular holiday destination with tourists from all over Europe. The stunning coastal scenery with a backdrop of soaring mountains, mixed with a rich heritage and artistic culture, make it a fascinating place to visit and stay awhile. Here are seven little known places to visit on Madeira Island - discover them for yourself!
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Portugal is a European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest corner of Europe. The west and south of Portugal are cornered by the Atlantic Ocean, giving it some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe.
Portugal borders only one country, Spain, which makes up the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.
With a coastline running over 500 miles Portugal is bursting with scenic sandy coves and rocky cliffs with a dramatic inland landscape.
Portugal is a very pleasant country to visit - especially for any person in love with seafood. All along the coast are amazing restaurants dedicated to cooking fresh fish. Most restaurants are reasonable priced with generous portions. When you are having food in Portugal don’t forget to sample the excellent local wine. While Portugal is noted for Port, excellent wines are home grown in regions north of Porto and Lisbon.
If you are in some of the more popular tourist spots it’s wise to make a reservation. It’s also standard practice in Portugal to add a 5 - 10 percent tip for waiters who are poorly paid.
English is widely spoken throughout Portugal and the locals are extremely friendly. A large selection of English-written newspapers can be bought in most of the larger newsagents.
Portugal is a country rich in arts and history. The architecture of Portugal differs from region to region. The Romans were the first to leave behind their enhanced structural design. Muslim invaders from North Africa during the eight-century have also enriched the architecture in southern Portugal. Portugal is littered with incredible Churches, temples and old buildings. Some old buildings are restored and turned into great hotels.
Hotels in Portugal are plentiful in tourist areas and cities, but in the countryside they can be rare. If you are travelling through the Portuguese countryside plan your journey well in advance.
Sporting holidays can be had at any time of year. While the Portuguese are mainly into football, most marina sports can be sought along the entire coastline. If you are looking for a golfing holiday Portugal should be top of the list. Most of the best golf courses in Portugal are found in the Algarve region, which has a reputation as one of Europe’s top golfing destinations.
The Algarve region of Portugal, situated in the south of the country, is the perfect spot to visit at any time of year. Its climate stays warm all year round and the scenic coastline offers a large variety of marine activity.
Fishing is a valuable way of life for many in Portugal. Each year during the month of August a massive seafood festival is hosted by one of the ports in the Algarve.
If you are looking for a really special place to visit - try some of the Islands along the Portuguese coast. The Azores lie 800 miles west of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for the peaceful way of life, the Azores volcanic history has left a truly magical landscape. With easy access from mainland Portugal, the Azores are well worth a visit.
TJ Tierney is an award winning photographer and a freelance writer.
He frequently writes for the Travel site Trovoo.com, Art site Goldprints.com and the Gift ideas site shop-4us.com
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