Albufeira 22-28 Dec 20 and 22-26 Dec 21:
History of Albufeira in a few lines:
Origins:
Albufeira traces its origins to pre-Roman settlements, later occupied by the Romans, who developed small infrastructures related to fishing and maritime trade. Its coastal location made it a strategic enclave from an early period.
Middle Ages:
During the Middle Ages, Albufeira was under Muslim rule and was known as Al-Buhera, "the fortress of the sea." After the Christian Reconquista in the 13th century, it became part of the Kingdom of Portugal, suffering pirate attacks that shaped its defensive development.
19th Century:
In the 19th century, Albufeira was a small town primarily dedicated to fishing and agriculture. The 1755 earthquake had left its mark on its urban layout, and the population maintained a slow and traditional growth well into the 20th century.
Present:
Today, Albufeira is one of the Algarve's main tourist destinations, known for its beaches, old town, and leisure activities. It has undergone a profound economic transformation linked to tourism, combining its maritime past with an international profile.
We're back for the second year in a row, so it's definitely worth it. The Algarve is comparable to Asturias (but with good weather 😅).
As we say, the landscapes are well worth it, but above all we repeat because the first year, as it was during the pandemic, it was practically free.
The journey must be made in your own vehicle; public transport would not be possible.
You need to spend several days, at least 2 days, although to be more relaxed 3 or 4 would be perfect, because in addition to the towns we put in the guide we are convinced that you will want to make stops in many more places.
Note that some roads may be toll roads, but you can pay them with your electronic toll tag without any problem.
- The first year we spent one night in Évora to avoid doing the whole trip in one go with the children. We stayed overnight in the Hotel Dom Fernando.
Hotel very close to the center, good breakfast and service.
- In the second year, we spent one night in Seville on the way back to have a little tapas there. We stayed at the Hotel Ilunion Alcora Sevilla 4*, Correct, large and clean. No breakfast.
- And in Albufeira, both years we stayed in Hotel Auramar Beach Resort
Albufeira combines very well with a visit to Carvoeiro, especially if you're looking for small beaches, cliffs, and very photogenic coastal routes.
6 nights for €389 (6 people all inclusive).
The hotel price is quite good for an all-inclusive.
The 2nd year €350 (6 people, 4 days all inclusive).
We drove from Madrid.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport/ID: Valid with either of the 2.
European Health Insurance Card: It's necessary, it's free and very easy to request online and they send it to your home. Request.
Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry.
International driving permit: There's no need.
Payment card/currency exchange: Your regular card, since the currency is the euro.
Roaming: YEAH.
Where to eat: If you want to eat at a restaurant, there's also the app. TheFork which has many discounts. If you book with the code 7C1B79A3 When you are finishing the booking, you will get 1000 Yums = €10 discount at your next meal. In addition to other special offers they often have, or simply to accumulate points and use them for discounts on your next payments.
It operates in several countries, including Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, and Australia.
Other destinations in Portugal: 
A place for retirement 🙂
Se está poniendo muy de moda toda esa zona y ya no es tan barata..