For those yearning for a taste of tranquillity and relaxation the Algarve welcomes over seven million foreign visitors every year. The temperate climate, long stretches of beautiful golden sandy beaches and an extensive selection of golf courses ensure that those statistics will continue to increase. The Quita do Lago, which has hosted the Portuguese Open, features 2000 acres of breathtaking scenery with American standard greens, bunkers and tees is only 28 kilometres from Albufeira, one of the most popular coastal resorts.
Albufeira, named Balturn by the Romans and renamed Al Buhera by the Moors, was, Úand remains, a thriving fishing community where citizens prospered as a result of trade with North Africa.
In the 12th century the Christian conquest began and in 1249, during the reign of King Alfonso III, when the Moors were ousted, the city became part of the Portuguese Algarve. King Manuel I awarded Albufeira a royal charter in 1504 and from then on it was governed and protected according to Portuguese law.
In the 60’s Albufeira emerged as a tourism destination and today it is a well established popular resort. I was keen to learn more and experience the lively nightlife in the New Town and the more sedate lifestyle, which the Old Town offers.
On arrival, I checked in at the luxurious W Hotel, located atop southern Portugal’s cliffs on Estrada da Gale, Sesmarias, and only 45 kilometres from Faro Airport and a 12 minute walk to Balbina Beach, which is set in a secluded spot and accessible through the meandering trails that cut through the cliffs.
The hotel’s check-in procedures are swift and efficient, my luggage was whisked away and I was escorted to the Extreme WOW Penthouse measuring 485sqm and featuring panoramic views, two spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a stovetop and oven, a refrigerator, a dish washer and a wide array of kitchenware. Sumptuous furnishings in calming blue hues and soft carpeting ensured that I immediately relaxed. Cocooned on a comfy chair on the terrace, I took in the fabulous view of the setting sun over the briny whilst sipping on a chilled fruit juice and planned my itinerary for the following day before exploring the hotel’s amenities, which include a spa with a sauna and steam room, a wet lounge and a fitness centre, which I must confess, persuaded me to head for bed ‘tout suite’.
Following a deep and comfortable slumber, a few leisurely laps in the outdoor pool and a hearty breakfast I ventured outside and hailed a taxi for the short ride to the centre of town.
I wandered around the meandering cobble stoned streets and the central square, shaded by a canopy of towering palm trees, and I continued with a leisurely stroll whilst browsing the colourful street stalls and charming shops, bursting at the seams with leather and suede goods, handmade lace, pottery in dazzling colours, intricately woven baskets, products made of cork and of course gold Filigree jewellery. I was easily persuaded to part with a few Euros and feeling like a breather I joined the locals at one of the bustling cafes.
I sampled the pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart, lightly dusted with cinnamon and accompanied by a glass of sweet Jeropiga, which is made with brandy and wine.
Ready to continue with my explorations, I headed for the soft golden sands of Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s beach), located in front of the Old Town, it’s the ideal spot for an afternoon snooze. Praia do Túnel, which is accessed through a tunnel between the imposing cliffs is another popular beach.
I then made my way to Praia dos Olhos d’Agua; a traditional fishing village, where I spotted the multi-coloured fishing boats hauling their nets with the ‘catch of the day’. As the salty sea air wafted across my nostrils my appetite increased and I spotted the Pizzeria Frattelli, located within a stone’s throw from the beach, on Edificio Varandas do Mar. It’s a rather trendy restaurant and features an open kitchen with handsome waiters buzzing around serving tasty homemade Italian dishes. I dined ‘al fresco’ and ordered the spaghetti gamberi with a generous array of succulent shrimps and clams and accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine it was just the ticket. This is the ideal place to take part in the sport of people watching and the perfect place to view the water babes taking a dip in the ocean and others enjoying para-gliding, water skiing and snorkelling.
For those of us who are keen to take the opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life, Zoomarine, located at Estrada Nacional 125-Km 65, Guia is not to be missed (a fleet of courtesy buses pick up from most of the larger local hotels). The philosophy of this delightful and entertaining park is conservation and environmental education. There are a number of presentations featuring tropical birds, birds of prey, seals and sea lions and the very popular dolphin shows.
For an unforgettable experience I made my way to the Dolphin Emotions booth. Diving into the sparkling turquoise waters of the lagoon and interacting with dolphins for thirty minutes is simply sublime. Under the supervision of a professional trainer I swam alongside two delightful dolphins and I was well and truly smitten.
Zoomarine also features an aquatic fun area with water slides, a wave pool, swimming pools and a large expanse of white sand. For those seeking more action, jumping on a raft and hurtling along the rapid river should suffice. There are a number of restaurants on site and picnic areas are provided for guests preferring self catering.
Back at the hotel and after an afternoon siesta I decided to head to Johnny Hooper’s Saxophone Bistro on Rua Almeida Garrett in the New Town. The menu features a wide selection of culinary delights including the house speciality; slow braised pork belly with Madeira and five spice jus, and with a glass or two of Cardeal Reserva, Dao, 2009, the delicious flavours are unforgettable. Diners are encouraged to sing along to the tunes and when the tambourines are passed around there’s no shortage of those keen to show off their talents or lack of. In the words of Herb Alpert ‘Johnny Hooper plays with a lot of soul and great tone’.
The allure of Albufeira, one of Portugal’s treasures, continues and it’s a real crowd puller.
Feature by Rebecca Underwood