"Getting ready for winter" Albufeira by denise16

At the last minute we decided to take the October half term break in the sun. Must admit had never heard of Alberfuria but the Villa Agency website offered us a villa in the quiet part of the resort.
The area we stayed was called Cerro Grande about a 15 minute walk from the Old Town.
Out of curiousity we visited the new town & the infamous Strip, we hated it. Neon signs, pubs & souvenir shops tacky was the word that came to mind.
We were really lucky with the weather, in the 70s in late October & early November. A friend had been a few weeks earlier and been cold all the time.
It was a relaxing time for us, the 2 teenage boys were a little bored during the day, but visited plenty of bars at night. They did spend the day at a water theme park, but it closed the next day, so be careful if you visit late.
We had some lovely walks along the cliff tops. Eating out for vegetarians was no problem. Public transport is ok although the main bus station is out of town and you have to catch the link bus to get anywhere.

The Bone Chapel

We fly to Faro, as most people would visiting the Algarve.On both arrival & departure there were problems with the luggage conveyor belt which held us up.
We caught a bus from Alberfuria to Faro, about hour and half. The bone chapel was worth a vist, the teenagers loved that. The walls are decorated wit the remains of over 1200 monks. The church where you will find this spooky place is Nossa Senora Do Carma.
I was fasinated by the stork nests on the chimneys, now I know where babies come from!

Town Beach

I dont think I would like to visit in the height of summer, I hate crowds and it is a very popular place in the summer.
There are plenty of bars in the old town worth a visit.
The sea was warm in Novemebr and the week set me up fine for the British grey winter.