The Southern area of Portugal is known as the Algarve, and is not only the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, but one of the most visited sun spots in all of Europe.
Tourism is a huge national industry heavily relied upon by the country’s economy. Portuguese is the national language spoken throughout the Algarve, although most locals will also speak some English and the Euro is the accepted currency. Most stores and restaurants in the Albufeira area are fully equipped to take all major credit cards and debit cards.
The beautiful (but nevertheless) busy area of Albufeira and the surrounding towns beckon an astonishing 1.5 million people to the area in peak holiday season. Whether it’s the hot weather, family orientated entertainment or plush, world-famous golf facilities, the Algarve has always had plenty to write home about.
The nearby areas boast protected national parks brimming full of stunning wildlife and numerous lakes, while incredible, distinctively Portuguese red-rock cliffs tower above pristine stretches of beach that make a holiday to this area an unforgettable experience.
Albufeira, the Algarve’s Capital
The name, Albufeira, is Arabic in origin, showing off the mix of historic influences within the area. “Al-buhera” means ‘Castle of the Sea’. The arabic influences to Southern Spain and Portugal are still evident in the distinctive architecture and heady mixture of religious surroundings and past occupancy of the lands.
Ancient settlements in the area were once occupied by the Romans, with remains of roads, aqueducts and bridges still possible to view.
In Albufeira alone, there are many places to visit that hold much historical importance and these are protected to enrich and preserve the past.
In particular, one resort stands out above all others in the area. The Pine Cliffs resort is set high-up upon the red cliffs of Albufeira, enjoying stunning views out to the Praia da Falesia beach.
The Pine Cliffs Resort has been built with luxury and a tasteful attempt to acknowledge the past – clever modern architecture depicts a serene Moorish complex with elaborate and ornate gardens to recall the rich and mixed melting pot of heritage of the historic lands.
The Pine Cliffs resort in Albufeira is less than thirty minutes from Faro – its nearest flight destination – making it under three hours flight time in total to and from all UK international airports.
Albufeira – Once, The End of the Earth
Before the brave explorers of the Portuguese set sail, the cliffs of Albufeira were, legend reports, as far as the lands would go. When sailors and cartographers, kings and peasants alike thought that the world was flat, and all available to view was an expanse of Atlantic Ocean, this must not have been hard to believe.
The golden beaches are idyllic and beautiful, whilst Albufeira provides welcome resort town that provides all things souvenir and white stone buildings of convenience stores. Fresh produce is available due to the surrounding areas packed full of Orange, almond and Olive groves, however the town becomes extrly busy in the high season.
Pine Cliffs, Albufeira – A Perfect Base
The location of Pine Cliffs in Albufeira to nearby beauty hot spots or more remote moorish villages and landmarks is not only an incredibly comfortable place to stay, but its situation provides an easy base to explore via hire car or public transport to really take int he stunning Portuguese landscapes, activities and ancient lands steeped in history.
For more information check out
http://www.algarveresort.designholidays.co.uk and call the Design Holidays Team on: +44 (0) 1444 87 22 00, with any email queries replied to within 24 hours enquiries@designholidays.co.uk
