Albufeira, Not Antibes
By: Ananya Krishnan
The French Riviera is known for its swank summer vibe. You’re guaranteed fine dining, gorgeous beaches, celebrity yacht sightings, pristine waters, and constant crowds. But what if you’re looking for something similar, yet laid back and more affordable than the Côte d’Azur? I present The Algarve.
In the south of Portugal lies the coastal region of The Algarve, a popular destination for Portuguese and European tourists. In my American opinion, it’s less commercialized and therefore more laid back than the Côte d’Azur, making it not just a fabulous alternative to its French counterpart, but also a rival.
I stayed in the town of Albufeira for only a couple days, so I hardly did the region justice. From our AirBnB, it was just a 10 minute walk to the ocean. We were welcomed with a stunning view from the cliffs above the golden sand. People basked on towels and chaises, while a handful of children played in the water. The warm Atlantic was a welcome change from the freezing Pacific waters I had grown up with in California.
The Algarve is known for their beautiful caves and rock formations on the water. Though I didn’t wake up early enough to join my father and brother on these excursions, they had a blast taking canoes into inlets and inside the Benagil caves which were just a short boat ride away.
White-walled homes and restaurants are a stark contrast against the deep blue skies, and they line the cliffs overlooking the beach. Picturesque views combined with a satisfying meal make the experience pricelsss. The food and wine is fabulous in the area, and we sampled incredible Portuguese fare. If you eat seafood, you’re spoiled for choice from the many fresh options, and though Albufeira is hundreds of miles south of Porto, we sipped incredible port wine every day.
Further inland, Albufeira has a lively square in their old town, lined with shops of every kind. I spent hours milling in and out of them, trying my best not to buy every beautiful ceramic piece I saw. We got lost in the maze of alleyways that looped around the square as we shopped. Each alley was paved with a mosaic of smooth white and black stones, and the patterns helped us remember which ones we had already been through, like a trail of breadcrumbs. There seemed to be hundreds of gelato shops–we ate so much our stomachs hurt. Musicians performed on corners of the cobbled, narrow streets, and people-watchers lazed at restaurant patios, nodding along to the tunes.
Unlike the ultra-chic Cannes, Antibes, and Nice of the French Riviera, Algarve towns like Albufeira, Lagos, and Faro feel far more inviting. There’s something for everyone, and whether you need activities to keep you busy or a relaxing beach getaway, you can’t be disappointed. The Algarve has a charm of its own, and deserves all the praise it frequently receives.
Ananya Krishnan is a senior from Saratoga, California majoring in Environment and Sustainability and minoring in Business and History. One of her favorite travel destinations is Pokhara, Nepal, because of the stunning Himalayan scenery, delicious food, and unique architecture.
