Albufeira for a day

It’s April and we’re on a spring tour of Portugal, meandering along the coast at a leisurely pace. We haven’t been here for 30 years, doesn’t time fly? So, we’re looking forward to visiting Albufeira for a day after all that time away.

This coastal area of the Algarve is fairly hilly, with tall cliffs dropping to the turquoise Atlantic. It’s a popular region too, with an all season appeal, mild climate and wonderful coastline.

Although there’s a motorhome Aire on the outskirts, we’re not wanting to stay overnight, so don’t take a look.

Instead, we find a quiet road close to a supermarket and park up on the street. Albufeira itself is down hill, amongst narrow streets, which is why we’re not attempting to drive further in.

So, we’re off on foot and it’s not long before we see signs of life. However, the streets have some very slippy cobbles, and we’re watching our every step. Just then someone up ahead takes a tumble, which is exactly why we’re treading cautiously!

A crowd gathers to offer help, much to the embarrassment of the person raising themselves off the floor. Luckily, they’re soon brushing off the encounter as a bit of a giggle.

A quaint old centre

We soon find ourselves in the middle of a quaint old centre. It’s actually really nice here, with so much atmosphere.

It’s full of holiday makers having fun in the sun with a lively mix to add to the vibe. The narrow streets are full of restaurants, bars and shops, with outdoor dining being a thing to do and no shortage of hospitality.

A tunnel to a beach – Albufeira for a day

A pretty square has shady spots from overhanging trees. Then, as the sun begins to warm up, a welcome bench provides a rest below a leafy branch.

We’re wanting to find the beach though. After all, this Algarve resort is famous for its rock formations and sandy bays, so we’re curious to check out the beach.

Reaching the beach in Albufeira proves quite novel, because you reach it through a tunnel connecting the town.

It’s like walking through a secret door, as we emerge from street scenes into beach life. This large bay has a display of neatly placed straw parasols ready for Summer season, whilst a boardwalk crosses the sands to save getting sand between those toes!

The beach is enclosed by large cliffs, with the town perched above and waves of the Atlantic out ahead.

The ocean is known for being cool, and it’s one thing we remember from our trip all those years ago.

At the far end of the boardwalk is a series of steps leading up the cliff to the top of town. There’s an unusual rock formation here which rises up from the sands. Perhaps a reminder of where the cliffs once reached.

A large marina

At the top of the steps from the beach, we’re greeted with fine views back across the bay. It’s a lovely outlook and a great place to stop and take in the views.

There’s a fair few people enjoying the beach and the warm sunshine, so it’s just a nice place to be.

Instead of walking back towards the town, we walk in the opposite direction towards a large marina.

This looks like a more modern side of town, with more apartments and accommodation but in a more up to date look.

This cliff top walkway provides more views across the ocean, as we reach the marina. There’s plenty of boats in the marina and apparently sightseeing boat trips are available too.

For us, it’s time to walk back through Albufeira, take in a little more of the atmosphere and a look in some of the shops en-route.

We’ve enjoyed our time here but we’re also ready to drive on.

A campsite stay

We decide to drive in the direction of Portimao and try and find somewhere to stop for the night.

Fortunately, we notice a sign at a campsite that says they have a motorhome Aire section. Well, this sounds ideal for what we want, so we pull into the reception area and take a look.

This is Camping Canelas near Armação de Pêra, which it turns out has motorhome parking near the front of the campsite for just €9 per night.

The nightly rate includes use of all the immaculate modern facilities, including 2 swimming pools. Enough said, it’s a great price and an ideal place for the night.

Although we love the freedom motorhome Aires bring, sometimes there’s fab finds like this campsite Aire.

Before leaving the next morning, we’re able to use the dump and fresh water area and even wash the campervan at the campsite vehicle wash. So, we’re ready to go on our way and carry on this tour of Portugal.