Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Albufeira
POP 22,000
Once a scenic fishing village, Albufeira has tragically lost its vestiges to its past - fishing
boats are now moored at the ultramodern marina southwest of town. These days, the town
is a den of mass-market tourism; the old town - and its pretty cobblestone streets and
Moorish influences - is concealed by neon signs, English menu boards and rowdy bars. It
is the destination for cheap package deals, mainly catering to Brits and Germans and fo-
cused on cheap food, grog and fine nearby beaches.
Despite this, it has good transport links to lovely beaches, such as Praia da Galé to the
west. To explore the pretty inland villages and the area's high-quality restaurants, you will
need your own transport.
Arrival here can be slightly overwhelming. A snapshot orientation: the old town lies be-
low the N526 (Av dos Descobrimentos), and 3km east of here is 'the Strip', a road with
more shops and bars, leading up from crowded Praia da Oura.
WORTH A TRIP
VILA JOYA - JOY INDEED
Vila Joya
( 289 591 795;
www.vilajoya.com
;
Apt 120 Praia da Galé; r incl breakfast from €385;
) is a luxury resort and spa located several kilometres from Albufeira - yet a planet away in every re-
spect - right on the beachfront near Praia da Galé. The decor and surrounds have a touch of Africa about them.
Pool areas, lush green lawn, views of the sea and a health spa add to an ultraplush and relaxing experience. If your
purse strings don't stretch to staying here, consider saving your pennies for a meal at the restaurant, one of only
two eateries in the Algarve with Michelin stars (not one, but two!). You'll enjoy impeccable service, exquisite loc-
ally sourced produce and the best of the
best
cuisine from chef Dieter Koschina at
Vila Joya Restaurant
(mains
€42-110; degustation menu €165;
lunch & dinner ) .
Sights
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
(admission €1; 9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-5.30pm Tue-Sun)
This museum showcases items excavated
from the municipality and surrounds (such as the castle in the village of Paderne). Pieces
MUSEUM
