Honeymooning Vacation in Albufeira - Cherish Those Moments

If you're about to tie the knot and are trying to plan the perfect honeymoon then there are a few key ingredients you'll need to look for in a destination. Guaranteed sunshine and golden sandy beaches are among the most important, allowing you and your partner to unwind and spend some quality time together. Interesting culture and history can also add a little extra spice to a honeymoon, and Albufeira is one place that has all of these in abundance.

Located in the central Algarve, Albufeira enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, making it an instant hit with couples looking for a romantic break. Having only been a city since 1986, the place has retained much of its original charm and still bears all the hallmarks of a small fishing village. As a result, it's got a wonderfully relaxing vibe and is the perfect place to really get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Choosing the right accommodation can also make or break a honeymoon, and you'll find a great range of Albufeira hotels at vacenza.com.

Great beaches
It goes without saying that you'll want to spend some time on the beach when you're on your honeymoon, and one of the great things about Albufeira is that it is surrounded by dozens of sandy stretches, each one offering something a little different. Several of these bear the prestigious Blue Flag, including Praia Olhos d'Agua, which is situated in a small secluded bay and is a fishing hub.

Albufeira's main beach, Oura, is the place to go if you want to take part in water sports or fancy some vibrant nightlife, although as this is your honeymoon you'll probably want to get away from all that, so a trip to the stunning Belharucas beach, which is flanked by pine cliffs, is a great alternative

Praia das Pescadores, meanwhile, is located near to the old city of Albufeira, and is lined with small seafood restaurants offering the freshest dishes caught that very same day. It's the perfect place to come for a romantic evening meal looking out over the ocean.

Charming history
As previously mentioned, Albufeira is traditionally a small fishing village that has only held city status for a couple of decades. Exploring this history is like stepping back in time, and makes for a great adventure to start your married life together. The small fisherman's huts that line Praia Olhos d'Agua are a charming reminder of the region's past, while exploring the old city is a good way to learn more about the many civilizations that have controlled the region at different times. (image courtesy of David Gaya).

Originally a Roman town, Albufeira was captured by the Moors in the eighth century, before being taken by the Christian Knights of the Order of Santiago around 500 years later. The Old City is full of monuments built at various periods in the region's history, with the iconic clock tower - or Torre do Relogio - offering amazing panoramic views of the city and the ocean.

Wonderful activities
Away from the old quarter of Albufeira is the new part of town, known as The Strip. It's here that you'll find the main shopping and nightlife opportunities, which offer a welcome reprieve from sunbathing. After all, just because you're on honeymoon doesn't mean you have to lounge around doing nothing the whole time.

Several excursions can also be enjoyed in Albufeira, with boat rides - such as those offered by Algarve Seafaris - taking you closer to some of the amazing marine wildlife and rock formations for which the area is famous. The chance to see wild dolphins is something that can help make your honeymoon a truly unforgettable experience.

Header image courtesy of Amanda Mota