Albufeira

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Albufeira


image_coat_of_arms = ABF1.png

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Region = Algarve
Subregion = Algarve
District = Faro
Mayor_name = Desidério Jorge da Silva
Mayor_party = PSD
area_total = 140.6
population_total = 35,281
population_density = 251
Parishes = 5
coor = 37º04'N 8º15'W
params = 37_04_N_8_15_W
occasion =
day = August 20
website = http://www.cm-albufeira.pt/
footnotes =

Albufeira (pron. IPA2|aɫbu'fɐjɾɐ) is a Portuguese city and a municipality in the district of Faro, Algarve region. Its name came from the Arabic: البحيرة (al-Buħayra = "the lagoon"). The city proper has a population of 19,500. [ [http://62.48.187.117/atlas/Cap2/Cap2d_2.html UMA POPULAÇÃO QUE SE URBANIZA, Uma avaliação recente - Cidades, 2004] Nuno Pires Soares, Instituto Geográfico Português (Geographic Institute of Portugal)] The municipality has a population of 35,281 inhabitants and a total area of 140.6 km². The population expands significantly in the summer, as Albufeira is one of the leading tourist resorts of the region. Facilities include a marina, golf courses plus innumerable hotels, apartment blocks, restaurants and bars, for the annual flood of visitors.

Economy

Tourism and commerce are the main activities in Albufeira. Most tourists arrive via nearby Faro Airport, a short 40 minute drive away.

Once the sun sets the centre of Albufeira comes alive with bars, restaurants and shops to suit most tastes from authentic Portuguese fare to Irish pubs.

Albufeira is a good base to explore the region with many smaller and less well known beaches within a short drive.

Architecture

The architecture of the town ranges from typically Algarvian narrow streets with pale white and sometimes tiled houses to very modern tourist developments. The apartments near the newly built Marina e Bryn are a unique spash of pinks, blues and yellows, dubbed Legoland by the local inhabitants.

Gastronomy

A local culinary speciality is "cataplana" (steamed shellfish), a very well known dish from the Algarve region. "Caldeirada" (fish stew), and the simpler but also popular, grilled sardines, are also very appreciated and are traditional dishes across the entire country, especially in litoral areas.

Nightlife

The nightlife on "The Strip", located near the Montechoro section of Albufeira, proves especially popular during the summer with all ages but particularly the younger tourists. Going down "The Strip", the most popular bars include Erin's Isle, Linekers, Cafe Del Mar, Mustang, BJ's, Garage, Reno's, La Bamba, and Wild & Co. There is also an extremely popular nightclub - Kiss. Kadoc, located around 7 miles away between Albufeira and Vilamoura near the town of Boliqueime, is another very popular nightclub.

Parishes

* Albufeira
* Ferreiras
* Guia
* Olhos de Água
* Paderne

Places of Historic Interest

*Paderne Castle

Beaches

* Praia da Galé
* Praia da Oura
* Fisherman's Beach
* Beach of Bryn
* Marina e Bryn Beach

References

External links

*
* [http://www.cm-albufeira.pt/ Municipality official website]
* [http://www.portugalgolfe.com/algarve/albufeira.htm Albufeira golf information]