Central Algarve
Albufeira - an international meeting point
First and foremost, Albufeira is famed for its beaches, for the countless shades and tones of its rocks and cliffs. This is a place where people live to the rhythm of the great holiday destinations, sunbathing during the day and at sunset flocking to enjoy the restaurants, bars and discos that enliven the night-time hours. Just a few miles inland and everything changes. The green of the countryside is dotted with almond, fig, orange and pine trees and decorated chimneys stand out against the ochre of tiled roofs.
Albufeira boasts beaches where the sand is fine and the sea a turquoise blue sheltered by cliffs which are canvasses painted with a whimsical palette of natural hues. It is for its beaches that Albufeira is internationally renowned, because all of them are different... and they are all equally enchanting.
Galé - An expanse of sand that stretches for miles, between cliffs. It is equipped with a wide variety of tourist facilities. In the direction of Albufeira there are two small beaches that are quiet and little visited.
Castelo - A cove protected by rocky formations. Great natural beauty.
Coelha - A small beach between colourful cliffs.
São Rafael and Vigia - Beaches of great beauty separated be rocks. Tourist facilities. Nearby Ponte Pequena and Ninho das Andorinhas are fascinating rock formations
Baleeira - A broad crescent of sand opposite Albufeira
Albufeira- A long strip of sand with the city surrounding it like an amphitheatre, it is made up of three beaches: Peneco, Pescadores and Inatel.
Oura, Balaia, Maria Luísa and Olhos de àgua - A series of beaches each sheltered by colourful cliffs. Tourist and sports facilities
Falésia - Endless miles of beaches fringed by the green pines and the many reddish colours Of the surrounding cliffs. Tourist and sports facilities available.
Carvoeiro
This was a very small intimate fishing village that has lost any resemblance to its modest origins. In 1965 a foreign resident wrote about the place - the mode of living remains essentially medieval. Then there came the tourists and the money. Today, the village spreads to the east and west with expensive villas and comfortable holiday apartments. The one and only village street has now become three, each lined with bars, smart restaurants and tourist shops. Happily, there are still examples of the older quaint small houses tucked in between the more recent ones. A 36-Hole Golf & Holiday Complex can be found to the west of the village together with a well run Tennis Centre. To the east and on the outskirts is a further 9-Hole Course. A couple of Lawn Bowling Clubs add to the choice of sport. The area has long been considered a excellent area for tourist to acquire property and also due to the variety and pleasure provided its many small beaches. High cliffs surround most of these, and some of which have eroded to create beckoning dark caves most of which are only accessible at low tide. Beaches to visit are Praia de Centianes, Praia de Carvalho, Praia de Benagil, Praia de Marinha and Praia da Albandeira.
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