"Albufeira" a Albufeira Travel Page by johnsakura

Albufeira’s origins are unknown, but all evidence leads one to believe that the region was already inhabited during prehistoric times and the location where the city stands today was at one time, a few centuries prior to our day, an important settlement with its own harbour.
The primitive settlement was occupied by the Romans who named it Baltum. A central administrative organization was introduced and intense agricultural and commercial activities were developed. Aqueducts were built, as were roads and bridges which have left behind ruins that still stand to this day.
The name Albufeira is derived from the Arab name "Al-buhera" meaning "the Sea Castle" most probably due to the proximity of the sea and/or the lagoon which would form at the lower area of the settlement. The Arabs built solid defense fortifications, rendering the settlement almost impregnable - one of the reasons why the Arabs managed to keep Albufeira in their power for a longer time. The development of agriculture was notable as new techniques and plant species were introduced. The Arabs introduced the plough as well as watermills to bring water up from wells. They also introduced new irrigation methods namely the construction of dams and dikes, thus transforming barren zones into cultivated areas and orchards.
When D. Afonso III took the throne, part of the Algarve had already fallen into the hands of the Christians. The "knights Templar" and the "Knights Hospitallers", military orders which helped retake the area, would frequently raid the land which was still under Arab domain, but they would always be thrown back at the fortified walls of Albufeira. Only following the conquest of Faro did the situation at Albufeira become unbearable.
Surrounded by enemies on all sides, it was finally overrun by D. Afonso III who immediately donated it to the Order of Aviz.
The Moors were persecuted in such a manner that only those that fled and hid in a cave escaped the fury of the victors. The cave, which is called Cova do Xorino, may be found below the rocks which form the city´s outer limit on the south side.

During the reign of D. Manuel I, the town had already regained its former importance as this monarch granted the town its charter on August 20th 1504.
Albufeira was one of the cities in the Algarve severely hit by natural disasters. Earthquakes were responsible for most of the damage. The sea overwhelmed the town with 10 meter waves, destroying almost all buildings. Only 27 houses remained standing and even these were left in very bad condition.
The Parish-Church, formerly an Arab mosque which was adapted to Christian culture, fell in on the people sheltering inside, causing 227 deaths. All of the Algarve continued to be jolted by severe earthquakes until August 20th of the following year, although this did not stop the immediate reconstruction work ordered by the Bishop D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar following the first earthquake.
In 1833, during the civil war between absolutists and liberals, Albufeira was surrounded and attacked by soldiers under the orders of Remexido - a popular absolutist leader - who heavily damaged the town and executed a large number of the inhabitants.
An increase in economic growth was felt by the mid- 19th century as a result of growing fishing activities.
During the early decades of the 20th century, a sudden rise in the exportation of fish and dried fruits was noted . The town then had five factories which employed 700 to 800 workers, mainly the wives of fishermen.
The period from 1930 to 1960 was a time of decay during which fishing equipment fell into disrepair, factories closed, fishing boats fell into disuse and many homes were abandoned. The population was cut by half and fishing again became a subsistence activity.
In the beginning of the 1960s a phenomenon emerged in local tourism - the Algarve became popular among Portuguese tourists - but it was mainly due to British tourists that this industry thrived.
The 1980s saw sudden growth in urban construction. The city now started growing towards the east, where the major administrative services were transferred including the Town Hall.

Albufeira has everything for a marvellous stay in order for you to enjoy its golden beaches and clear, warm waters, or else just relax or rest or look for adventure.
Albufeira has 23 beaches for you to choose from covering 30 km.of coast. Look for the blue flags posted on the beaches which signify pure ocean water.