Albufeira is a city, seat and municipality in the district of Faro, in the southernmost Portuguese region of the Algarve. The municipality population in 2011 was 40,828, in an area of 140.66 square kilometres (54.31 square miles). The city proper had a population of 13,646 in 2001. It is 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Lisbon, and is within close proximity of Paderne Castle. Lagos is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west, and Faro 45 kilometres (28 mi) to the south-east. A tourist destination (due to its coastal conditions), Albufeira expands to approximately 300,000 residents during the summer and during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, owing to the number of hotels and lodgings in the district, that includes marina facilities, golf courses, restaurants and bars for the annual flood of visitors.

Tourism and commerce are the main activities in Albufeira. Most tourists arrive via Faro Airport.

Architecture

The architecture of the region is an eclectic mix of typical Portuguese Algarvean pale white and tiled residential homes, along narrow streets, intermixed with modern tourist developments. This can be seen in the design of many buildings in the area. In addition, the municipality is dotted with rich historical and architectural landmarks, such as the following:

• The 19th century railway station of Albufeira-Ferreiras
• Albufeira-Ferreiras Railway Station, the iconic station was originally identified in 1918 pamphlet, as part of the Terreiro do PaçoBarreiro route. After November 1926, faster locomotives began to serve this line, while in 1938, the Empresa de Viação do Algarve began regular service between Albufeira and Ferreiras.
• Bridge of Paderne
• Cine-Theatre of Albufeira
• Electrical Station of Albufeira
• Fiscal Guard Post of Albufeira
• Fountain of Paderne
• Judicial Courthouse of Albufeira
• Lighthouse of Albufeira
• Hospital of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Albufeira
• Hotel of Balaia
• Municipal Palace/Hall of Albufeira
• Postal, Telegraph & Telephones (CTT) of Albufeira
• Residence of Paderne
• Tower Clock, situated on Rua Bernardino de Sousa, it is considered by the city of Albufeira as its ex-libris; constructed in the 19th century, it consists of a tower with a crown of iron, representing a belfrey tower, with its solitary bell hung from its structure. It is a functioning belltower and illuminated normally during feast days and religious celebrations.
• Watermill of Paderne