Since the 1970s, the picturesque fishing town of Albufeira has become the tourist capital of the Algarve. Its golden beaches and pulsating night-life attract holidaymakers from all over Europe, who arrive in their droves during the summer months.

In Roman times, Albufeira was called Baltum; Roman bridges can be seen in Paderne and Guia. The Moors, who occupied the town in the 8th century, renamed it Al-Buhera, which means 'The Castle on the Sea'. During five centuries of Arabian rule, Al-Buhera built up a busy trade with North Africa, and together with Faro it was one of the last Moorish strongholds to be conquered by the Portuguese in 1250.
What to see. The Church of São Sebastião on Praça Miguel Bombarda has an impressive Manueline doorway. From here, Rua 5 de Outubro leads through a tunnel to the beach. At Praia dos Barcos you can see Albufeira's colourful fishing boats and the fishermen unloading fish or mending their nets.
Nearby. The small sandy coves around Albufeira are surrounded by high sandstone cliffs, providing shade in summer and protection against the wind in winter. The most important satellite developments are situated to the east of Albufeira, including Montechoro, Areias de São João and Oura, where there is a density of hotels, bars, restaurants and discotheques.