Albufeira is a city and a municipality in the Faro District of the Algarve Region, in
southernmost Portugal. It is a main tourist destination, due to its coastal location.
The municipality population in 2011 was 40,828, in an area of 140.66 km². The city proper
had a population of 13,646 in 2001. It is 250 kilometres from Lisbon, and is within
close proximity of Paderne Castle. Lagos is located 30 kilometres to the west, and Faro
45 kilometres to the south-east. A tourist destination, Albufeira expands to approximately
300,000 residents during the summer and during New Year celebrations, owing to the number
of hotels and lodgings in the district, that includes marina facilities, golf courses,
restaurants and bar for the annual flood of visitors.
History Early history
It is unclear when the first settlements specifically formed in the region of Albufeira, although
scientific research suggest origins during the pre-historic epoch, and that the town
of Albufeira formed as an out-port of the maritime fishery. The primitive settlement
was occupied by the Romans, named it Baltum, introducing a centralized administrative structure
and developing intense agricultural activities along with commerce. The Romans constructed
aqueducts, roads and bridges, of which parts still remain.
The name originated from the Arab Al-buhera, which means castle of the sea, owing to its
location along the coast, or the alternately al-Buħayra, for the lagoon, in reference
to the lagoon that formed in the lowlands. The Arabs constructed strong defensive structures,
making the area almost impregnable, allowing this area to remain in the hands of their
forces longer than other possessions in Portugal. The development of agriculture during this
period was notable, with the introduction of new techniques and plant species. The Moors
used the plow and fertilizers, as well as winches for lifting the water from the wells,
introducing the irrigation of fields, constructing dams and transforming uncultivated areas into
gardens and orchards. Middle Ages and Modern Era
The Christian conquest of the region began at the end of the 12th century. When King
Afonso III of Portugal occupied the throne, most of the Algarve had already fallen into
the hands of the Christians. Templar and Hospitaler Knights, military and religious orders that
supported the Reconquista, assaulted many of the lands occupied by the Arabs, but were
never successful in taking Albufeira. It was following the capture of Faro that the siege
of Albufeira became unsupportable. Encircled by enemy forces on all sides, it fell in 1249
to the forces of Afonso III, who immediately donated the lands to the Order of Aviz. The
Moors were persecuted terribly by the victorious army, which chased the remaining forces into
a cavern, known today as Cova do Xorino, situated near the southern limits of the old city.
The town became part of the kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves. King D. Manuel I awarded
a Charter to the Town of Albufeira on 20 August 1504 and from that day the town was governed
according to the legislation in force for the rest of the country.
Albufeira was one of the towns of the Algarve most affected by natural calamities, but it
was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake which caused the worse damage. The sea invaded the town
with 10 metres waves, destroying almost all the buildings along the coast. In the town
proper, only 27 residential buildings survived the natural disaster, but in states of ruin.
The parochial church, an old mosque adapted by the Christians, where many of the residents
sought refuge during the cataclysm, collapsed causing 227 deaths. Even following these events,
the Algarve continued to experience aftershocks, until 20 August of the following year, which
hindered the reconstruction under the Bishop D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar.
In 1833, during the Liberal Wars between absolutist and liberal forces, Albufeira was encircled
and attacked by Remexido's soldiers: a popular absolutist leader, who profoundly damaged
the village and executed many of its inhabitants. After the 19th century, the community grew
through the expansion of the fishery. 20th century
In the first decades of the 20th century, the export of fish and nuts represented the
largest contribution to the local economy of the municipality. The town itself had five
factories employing 700-800 people, mostly wives of fishermen working in local production.
Yet, between 1930 and 1960, there was a considerable decline in fortunes, resulting in the closing
of many of these factories, the reduction in fishing boats along the coast and the abandonment
of many of the homes. The population was reduced by half and the fishing industry became a
subsistence activity, supporting local consumption only.
The town started to become a hub for tourism in the 1960s, and has grown to accommodate
this since, growing out into the surrounding hills to accommodate thousands of the 5 million
tourists who visit the Algarve region each year.
Geography Ecoregions/Protected areas
Albufeira, and many of the regions of Portugal, are subject to the administration of conservation
policies, that includes the Blue flag beaches of the coastal areas. From west to east, these
include:
Human geography The municipality of Albufeira, comprising
the territorial government and institutions, is administered by the municipal government,
whose seat is in the parish of Albufeira. Local authority is vested in the five civil
parishes, responsible for the execution of the municipal plans, community outreach and
local issues, which include: Albufeira e Olhos de Água
Ferreiras Guia
Paderne Economy
Tourism and commerce are the main activities in Albufeira. Most tourists arrive via Faro
Airport. After sunset, the centre of Albufeira comes alive with bars, restaurants, and shops
to suit most tastes, from authentic Portuguese-fare to Irish, English, and Dutch restaurants and
pubs. Tourism
The tourist areas are divided into two main areas, Areias de São João, known colloquially
as 'The Strip', and the Old Town. The Strip
The Strip's main street is Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro which is full of bars, restaurants
and open-air discothèques. Unfortunately it is not a pedestrian street so cars pass
through the crowd at all hours. It is a very nightlife oriented area, very popular with
young people. The Albufeira Bull Ring is close by, as is the Kiss-nightclub.
The Old Town The Old Town is situated right at the seafront
and is predominantly a pedestrian area. Street-artists entertain the crowds and there is an incredible
large choice of restaurants, bars and shops. There are open-air discothèques and many
bars that have a live band every night. Measured in number of bars and restaurants the Old
Town is about three times the size of The Strip.
Beaches Albufeira has two main beaches, Praia dos
Pescadores, or the Fisherman's beach, and Praia do Túnel, or the tunnel beach to the
West, which is accessed through a tunnel through the cliffs. Access to the beaches is straight
from the esplanade, for people coming from the higher areas open-air escalators and an
open-air elevator were built. The beaches are connected, and from the "Praia dos Pescadores"
beachgoers can walk for miles eastbound and will find again and again a new beach. To
the west the beaches are bordered by the Albufeira Marina, a harbour which offers a variety of
boat trips along the Algarve coast. Despite the modern achievements and the millions
of tourists that visit every year, Albufeira has maintained its moorish feel and is still
the fisherman's village it has always been. Architecture
The architecture of the region is an eclectic mix of typical Portuguese Algarvean pale white
and tiled residential homes, along narrow streets, intermixed with modern tourist developments.
The apartments near the Marina e Bryn are a unique mix of pinks, blues, and yellows,
dubbed locally as Legoland. In addition, the municipality is dotted with rich historical
and architectural landmarks, such as the following: Civic
Albufeirra Railway Station, the iconic station was originally identified in 1918 pamphlet,
as part of the Terreiro do Paço-Barreiro route. After November 1926, faster locomotives
began to serve this line, while in 1938, the Empresa de Viação do Algarve began regular
service between Albufeira and Ferreiras. Tower Clock, situated on Rua Bernardino de
Sousa, it is considered by the city of Albufeira as its ex-libris; constructed in the 19th
century, it consists of a tower with a crown of iron, representing a belfrey tower, with
its solitary bell hung from its structure. It is a functioning belltower and illuminated
normally during feast days and religious celebrations. Military
Castle of Paderne, came to be situated on the remnants of an ancient Calcolthic, or
even Neolithic, settlement, that was adapted by the Romans as an outpost overlooking the
roads between settlements. Following the 713 capture of the emplacement, the Almohads built
the Castle to enforce their occupation, in a series fortifications that included Silves,
Loulé and Faro. Tower of Medronheira, constructed during the
reign of King John III of Portugal, this lookout served to announce the approach of ships and/or
attacks by pirates or privateers. Religious
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, situated on Rua da Igreja Nova it dates from the 18th
century and was consecrated on 15 July 1800 by the Bishop of the Algarve, to replace the
old parochial church destroyed in 1755. The Neoclassic church, consisting of single nave,
four lateral chapels, baptismal chapel, choir, two pulpits and lateral halls, is dedicated
to Bishop São Luís, Our Lady of Fátima and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Highlighting
this temple is a painting by Albufeirense Samora Barros that emblazons the altar, and
serves as the base for the image of Our Lady of the Conception, patron saint of Albufeira.
Above the principal triumphal arch is the Cross of Aviz, from the religious-military
order, that Albufeira was associated with at the foundation of Portugal.
Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia, commonly referred as the Church of Our Lady of the
Guide or Our Lady of the Visitation, the parochial church of Guia is a 17th-century building,
noted for an 18th-century image of Our Lady of the Visitation, Saint Anthony of Padua,
and Crucified Christ, from the same period, in addition to images of Nossa Senhora do
Rosário and Nossa Senhora das Dores, from the 18th century, in addition to azulejo tile
that fills the footers of the body of the church.
Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Guia, dating from the 16th century, this structure was
damaged by the earthquake of 1755, rebuilt in the first quarter of the 18th century,
when the gilded retable was installed. An important work of the Baroque in the Algarve,
it has a simple interior with polychromatic azulejo tile and image of the patron saint
dating from the 17th century. Hermitage of São Sebastião, built around
the 16th century, or early 17th century, it was greatly damaged by the 1755 earthquake,
yet was completely restored in three months time. Dedicated to Saint Sebastian, an 17th-century,
wood image of the saint is located in the sacristy of the parochial church of Guia.
Culture
A local culinary specialty is a rich steamed stew dish of local shellfish, traditionally
referred to as Cataplana, which is a well known dish from the Algarve. Similarly, the
Caldeirada and the simple grilled sardines, are also popular examples of the traditional
dishes, typical of the Portugal and coastal areas.
Sport Several regular football tournaments are played
in the Algarve, notably the Algarve Cup. Also, many British teams spend the summer in Albufeira
for pre-season training sessions, participating in friendly games, including Sunderland and
Ipswich Town. The city plays host to the Almond Blossom
Cross Country competition annually. Organized in 1977, the event attracts international-calibre
runners, boosting this sport and tourism to the area.
Twin City Albufeira is twinned with Dunfermline, Scotland
References
External links
Albufeira travel guide from Wikivoyage Media related to Albufeira at Wikimedia Commons
Municipality official website Albufeira Weather
Map of the city Map of the city centre
Map of the municipality Albufeira Guide
Albufeira Restaurants Guide Albufeira Essential Guide