I know that by writting this I will upset all you avid algarve fans however I feel that people need to be warned. Just returned from 5 nights staying in Albufeira and i'm dissappointed and sorry to say that it is a HOLE.
When I initially arrived in portugal at Faro airport I was impressed, however within the 20 minute drive to our apartment my opinion rapidley changed. Me and my Husband decided on Albufeira as it is still out of season and felt there may be more going on. Great if you are drawing your pension but thats all!! Most places were dead or closed unless they were one of the many strip joints or massage parlours which lined the strip!! Within 2 hours of being there 1hr 30 mins of which we spent trying to find somewhere decent to eat in we wanted to come home.
The food was disgusting I've actually been ill with food poisoning since our last day there which was 10 days ago. If you love chips and processed food then this is the place for you!!! It is very expensive although you can have english fish and chips every night for 3 Euros!!! The Beer varied from 2 euros a pint up to 4 euro's a pint in The Old Town. And it appeared cheaper to buy a pint rather than half pint measures!?? Don't be fooled by the tourist train which takes you to old town - it is a rip off and cheaper to get a taxi - alot more comfortable may I add too.
Our nights were spent trailing around restaurant after restaurant trying to find somewhere which looked OK. No one locally would even recommend any of the restaurants as they agreed they were sooo bad. I can't imagine what they are like in the height of the season. Defo avoid the beach restaurants as they appear to be the worst believe thats where I ate a dodgy salad and ended up poorly. Anywhere else and they look surprised when you DON'T want chips with your meal.
Most Staff in the restaurants don't even know what their traditional local dish is It stank of bleach and fags. The apartment was cold and damp and the evening entertainment twice a week was like something from a retirement home. Thank god we had a car. We spent most of our time in The Old Town and its a shame the marina wasn't busier as the restuarants down there are far more classy.
