Albufeira is a very popular seaside resort on the south coast of Portugal in the area known as The Algarve.

Known in Roman times as Baltum, the area later became known as Al-Buhera, when it came under the occupation of the Moors. It was devastated by an earthquake in 1755 and was little more than a fishing village until the 1960's when the tourist industry raised its head in what, by then, was known as Albufeira.

Today tourism has totally transformed Albufeira. It is now divided into two main areas, the Old Town and the new area known as The Strip.
The Old Town, though still possessing much of its old charm, has became a major centre for tourism in the summer months and, during this time, the area attracts people from all over the world, who come to sample the extensive golden beaches and the bustling nightlife.

By day, the pedestrianised main square offers an abundance of craft shops, market stalls and wine/tobacco shops and the beaches are perfect to get that golden tan. There is also a travelling Gypsy market that is held on the first and third Tuesday in each month. It is sited near the Bull Ring.
By night, the Old Town comes alive, especially in the Main square and the surrounding streets and alleys, where there are numerous restaurants, bars and discos. One of the busiest streets for nightlife is Ruo Dos Bares (Street of Bars), which leads off the main square, opposite Pampas Steakhouse. Incidentally this is the street you pass through if you're coming to Flannery's.

The Strip, by contrast, is a thouroughly modern district of apartments, hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs where the younger or more energetic amongst us pass the time. This is about 30 minutes away from the centre of the Old Town, by foot, though there is a good bus service running between the two. There is also a little road train that travels between them, every twenty minutes, for about 2 euros a head.
Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Albufeira, about 5 to 6 Euros, at 2006 Summer prices, for the journey.
The Strip is mainly a long road with nightlife on either side running slightly uphill for about 1.5 km and ending at the location of the Montechoro hotel. Near the Strip is a large, modern shopping centre, that offers an excellent array of goods and services.

The main square of the Old Town is only a short walk from Fisherman's Beach which can be reached by either by following the road through Bar Street or by going through the tunnel which is just outside the opposite corner of the square. The beach has many sun beds and large areas if you prefer to lie on a towel. There are also a number of bars and restaurants surrounding it.

Below the steps leading down to the beach you will find sand sculptures that have been created by locals and they change daily. It's facinating to watch the sculptors at work.

Below are more views of Fisherman's Beach.