Lovely Old Albufeira
Albufeira, a small fortified town existed 2,000 years ago. It was previously called, Baltrum by the Romans. Centuries later, the Moors claimed the area and renamed it to “Al-Buhera”. Trading with North Africa flourished in Al-Buhera under the Moors.
In 1250, the christian Knights of Santiago re-conquered the town but failed to maintain its trading port. A succession of earthquakes in the 1700’s destroyed the town. It was only in the 1970’s that Al-Buhera, now Albufeira regained its importance in the industry form of TOURISM.
The typical Albufeira whitewashed buildings, a mix of old and new... shot taken from the outskirts of the Centrum, in the upper part where we parked the car.
The “Albufeira Old Town and Centrum” is just 3 to 5 minutes drive from our hotel in Praia da Oura.
By daytime and also nighttime, the streets leading to the main square are filled with gorgeous shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the evenings, it is transformed into a jovial place, and the main square is crammed with people eager to watch all the variety of entertainments such as puppet show, the Inca’s dance, fire show, mime show, and many others. Yes, all of this happening right in the main square.
Shopping and café lane in the Centrum which leads, on the other direction, to the tunnel that exits to the Albufeira beach.
The small tunnel, flanked by sellers, leads to the Albufeira Beach.
Albufeira Beach and the City… Ah a refreshing combination so to speak.
Cobbled stairs are very typical Portuguese. I sometimes have the feeling that the streets here are an extension to your living room! Hehe.
And these too! The tiny cobbled streets and corners full of fascinating shops, ah just what I adore! I don’t mind getting lost in this kind of maze. Those ubiquituos wrought iron lanterns are typical Portuguese too.
A corner of the Albufeira main square, the side streets brimming with vendors.
I am taking a rest here by the Albufeira main square, relaxing my feet from too much walking.
The view right across where I was sitting.
Whitewashed houses and apartments hanging above the Albufeira main square.
The sun setting low in Albufeira main square.
Having a glass of red wine, Proost (Cheers)!
In 1250, the christian Knights of Santiago re-conquered the town but failed to maintain its trading port. A succession of earthquakes in the 1700’s destroyed the town. It was only in the 1970’s that Al-Buhera, now Albufeira regained its importance in the industry form of TOURISM.
The typical Albufeira whitewashed buildings, a mix of old and new... shot taken from the outskirts of the Centrum, in the upper part where we parked the car.The “Albufeira Old Town and Centrum” is just 3 to 5 minutes drive from our hotel in Praia da Oura.
By daytime and also nighttime, the streets leading to the main square are filled with gorgeous shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the evenings, it is transformed into a jovial place, and the main square is crammed with people eager to watch all the variety of entertainments such as puppet show, the Inca’s dance, fire show, mime show, and many others. Yes, all of this happening right in the main square.
Shopping and café lane in the Centrum which leads, on the other direction, to the tunnel that exits to the Albufeira beach.The small tunnel, flanked by sellers, leads to the Albufeira Beach.Albufeira Beach and the City… Ah a refreshing combination so to speak.Cobbled stairs are very typical Portuguese. I sometimes have the feeling that the streets here are an extension to your living room! Hehe.And these too! The tiny cobbled streets and corners full of fascinating shops, ah just what I adore! I don’t mind getting lost in this kind of maze. Those ubiquituos wrought iron lanterns are typical Portuguese too.A corner of the Albufeira main square, the side streets brimming with vendors.I am taking a rest here by the Albufeira main square, relaxing my feet from too much walking.The view right across where I was sitting.Whitewashed houses and apartments hanging above the Albufeira main square.The sun setting low in Albufeira main square.Having a glass of red wine, Proost (Cheers)!
I am convinced(as I was convinced many years ago) that I am going to Europe. So, as soon as I am done writing here, I will be saving for Europe. Wohoooo!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDarn.
So those brick castle designs are actually from the Moors/Arabs? Wow didn't know that. I would like to see and experience it one day.
ReplyDeleteAh, these photo's really bring back memories of my holidays of the past years!!
ReplyDeleteI still didn't find a job yet... wish me luck!
KUIIPO,
ReplyDeleteYeah you should come here and taste history, lifestyle, and gastronomy. It will be worth it. Once you are ready, go check Lonely Planet (the Thorn Tree discussion) for any travel tips and advices. ;-)
Anonymous,
Yes, those brick castle designs were Moorish influences. They were really really antiquated and I felt like I was in a toy brick castle lol.
Thanks for visiting!
schatzli,
ReplyDeleteThank the Dutchman for the pics, though many of them were also taken by me :-).
The wrought iron lamps are all over portugal, not just in algarve but also in lisbon! Very charmant.
Yeah Andalucia was also a Moors land in the past. My colleague who's half Lebanese and half Dutch said that he came from the tribe who invaded the south of Spain eons ago. I was like, "uhuh?"
elentلri,
You have been to Portugal before? WHERE?! Show me some pics!
Hey goodspeed for the job search. Here's a lucky charm for ya [o] ;-)
DL,
There are many castles like this in Portugal. There is also another one in Lisbon overlooking the Centrum calles CASTELO SAO JORGE. Check my Lisbon entry, the 2nd to the last pic.
Hello,
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Good to see a write up about Albufeira from a visitors perspective
ReplyDelete