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One of the largest resorts in the Algarve , Albufeira is the original tourist capital of the region. Although the main square is surrounded by souvenir shops and supermarkets, the atmosphere of the town is essentially Moorish with hundreds of white houses streaming out from the centre and hugging the nearby hillsides. At the top of Albufeira in the Cerro Grande region there are several villas with pools, as there are to the west and east of Albufeira. Villa Plus rent villas with pools in the Cerro Grande region of Albufeira, also Praia d'Oura and Montechoro to the east and Sao Rafael, Castelo, Vale de Parra and Gale to the west. |
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Albufeira was occupied by the Romans and their original name for Albufeira was "Baltum" - although the actual name of Albufeira comes from the Arab "Al-Buhera", meaning "Castle of the Sea". This was given by the Moors who were influential in the region.
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During the 19th Century the economy was not surprisingly
based around the fishing industry. Albufeira was one of the
first tourist areas of The Algarve, and in the 60's started
to become extremely important to the local economy. Accommodation
has since spread out from the old town centre, to the neighbouring
resorts, where many of the villas with pools are. |
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Despite extensive development, a great deal of Albufeira's character remains, particularly in the old town with its narrow streets and numerous small restaurants. Much of its charm and character are owed to the fact that so many local people still run the bars, restaurants and shops. Albufeira remains a tourist resort, but has not forgotten its past. |
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Renting a villa with a pool in the Albufeira region is proving to be an attractive option for many. |
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The beautiful bay at Albufeira forms a natural amphitheatre, sheltered by bizarrely shaped cliffs. This lively area, which has a number of bars and nightclubs, nonetheless remains home to some of the traditional ways of life with local fisherman and their brightly painted boats still plying a profitable trade. |
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Albufeira's beaches are famous and attractive. |