Albufeira

ALBUFEIRA tops the list of package-tour destinations in the Algarve – and it’s easy to see why. The old centre is highly picturesque, with narrow, twisting lanes of whitewashed houses crisscrossing the high ochre-red cliffs above a beautiful spread of beaches. But beyond, hundreds of apartment buildings lie strung across the hillsides that spread east and west, around the town’s marina. If you’re looking for unspoiled Portugal, this isn’t it. Nevertheless, Albufeira is undeniably fun, attracting a varied mix of holidaymakers.

Although the 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the town, there’s still a Moorish feel to parts of central Albufeira – the original Arabic name of the town, Al-Buhera, means “Castle-on-the-Sea”. There are some fine beaches either side of the town, too. Praia da Oura and those further east towards Praia da Falésia are the more developed, while the cove beaches to the west, up to the swathe of sands at Praia de Galé, tend to be quieter. Inland, Albufeira is the nearest base for a couple of the Algarve’s best family-oriented theme parks, Zoo Marine and Krazy World, while day-trips also run north into the hills to the pretty village of Alte.