The town of Albufeira was once designated as "Sea Castle" (Castelo do Mar) by the Arabs (Al-Buhera, on the 8th century) because of its height and its amphitheatre form over the ocean.
From the Arabian period, Albufeira inherited the narrow small streets, the old castle and the very white houses with arches and small windows to protect from the warm weather.
From the old fishermen village of old traditions, nowadays it is left the Pescadores Beach (Fishermen Beach) with its colourful embarkations that currently are dedicated also to the Tourist visits to the fabulous sea caverns of this coast.

Nowadays Albufeira region is one of the main Portuguese Tourist Centres, with around 30 km of coastline and with more than 20 golden beaches very diversified. The Tourist offer is one of the most famous in the Algarve, but even so one can still find in Albufeira region some quiet and typical small villages and several peaceful spots.

As a big international centre, Albufeira region has a rich and diversified gastronomy. The great range of restaurants offers regional dishes but also several international cuisines like French, Italian or German, among many others. Obviously, the Seafood dishes are the “must have” of Albufeira region's gastronomy.