Albufeira is top of the package tour destinations for the Algarve, but the old centre remains an unusually pretty village, with narrow, twisting lanes, whitewashed houses, and beautiful beaches. It's not exactly unspoilt Portugal, but its young and lively and has a good spread of tourists which makes it a good location for rental opportunties and a vibrant place to live.
Most of the holiday makers stay in a number of resorts surrounding the town like Montechoro, Areias De Sao Joao, and Praia de Oura.
There are parts of central Albufeira which have a moorish feel highlighted by the remnants of a old moorish castle. The roots of the name Albufeira come from the Arabic word "Al-Buhera" which means "Castle on the sea".
We are led to believe that Albufeira was populated in prehistoric times and was still an important seaport even before the modern city was built.
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