Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
date from the prehistoric era to the 16th century. A highlight is a beautifully complete
Neolithic vase from 5000 BC.
Museum of Sacred Art
( 289 585 526; admission €2; 10.30am-4.30pm Sep-Jun & at night Jul-Aug)
This tiny museum is
housed in the beautifully restored 18th-century Chapel of San Sebastian. It has a stunning
gold wooden altar and exhibits sacred art from surrounding churches that survived the
1775 earthquake.
MUSEUM
Beaches
Besides strolling cheek-to-jowl with others along the pedestrianised seafront, most come
here for the beaches.
Praia do Peneco
, through the tunnel near the
turismo,
is usually head-
to-toe with sunloungers. East and west of town are beautifully rugged coves and bays,
though the nearest are heavily developed and often crowded. These include
Praia da Oura
,
at the bottom of 'the Strip' 3km to the east and accessible by the blue (azul) line bus
(catch it above the escalators by the old fishing quarter);
Praia da Falésia
, a long beach 10km
to the east;
Balaia
and
Olhos de Água
. Buses run to Olhos de Água (10 minutes, half-hourly),
mostly continuing to Praia da Falésia (20 minutes).
One of the best beaches to the west,
Praia da Galé
, about 6km away, is long and sandy,
not so crowded and a centre for jet-skiing and water-skiing. Eva buses run to Praia da
Galé (€3.40 one way) or the red line 1 and 2 head there every half hour in summer
(€1.40).
Sleeping
Most places are associated with travel companies; bagging a room in July and August is
impossible without reservations. Many places close in low season (November to March).
Dianamar
( 289 587 801;
www.dianamar.com
;
Rua Latino Coelho 36; s/tr €50/75, d €60-65; Apr-Oct)
If you must
stay in Albufeira, this is one good reason to do so. Friendly, Scandinavian-run Dianamar
has lovely details, with fresh flowers and attractive rooms, many with balconies and two
with sea views. Excellent and oh-so-generous breakfasts and afternoon teas. Best to re-
serve ahead.
GUESTHOUSE
€
Vila São Vicente
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€€