Portugal

est on the Algarve for families with children, with a kiddie center with trained professionals,
plus many facilities such as small pools just for the kids.
Praia de Santa Eulália, 8200-916 Albufeira. & 28/959-80-00. Fax 28/959-80-01. www.granderealsanta
eulaliahotel.com. 158 units. 151€–326€ double; 270€–483€ suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking 10€. Amenities:
5 restaurants; 6 bars; babysitting; children’s center; 4 freshwater pools (1 heated indoors); 2 outdoor tennis
courts (lit); room service; spa; free Wi-Fi. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, kitchens (in some), minibar.
Praia da Falésia
Sheraton Algarve Hotel Opened in 1992, this government-rated five-star
hotel is laid out like an Algarve village, with no building rising higher than three floors.
About 8km (5 miles) east of Albufeira, the Sheraton Algarve was designed to blend tastefully
into its oceanfront location. Its wings ramble through a subtropical garden dotted
with copses of the site’s original pine trees. Conceived as a complete resort incorporating
a 9-hole golf course, the hotel caters to an international clientele. Accommodations range
from midsize to spacious and open onto land, garden, or sea views. Each is traditionally
furnished with luxurious pieces, including quality beds and state-of-the-art plumbing.
Praia da Falésia (P.O. Box 644), 8200-909 Albufeira. & 800/325-3535 in the U.S., or 28/950-01-00. Fax
28/950-19-50. www.pinecliffs.com/en/resort_hotel.php. 215 units. 170€–510€ double; 340€–1,310€
suite. Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: 9 restaurants; 5 bars; babysitting;
bikes; children’s center; golf course; Jacuzzi; 3 outdoor freshwater pools (1 heated); room service;
sauna; 5 outdoor tennis courts (lit); extensive watersports equipment/rentals. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer,
minibar.
Praia da Galé
Vila Joya The most luxurious and intimate inn in the Algarve, the Villa Joya
is especially favored by Germans (ex-chancellor Willy Brandt came here just before his
death). The establishment lies 15km (91 ⁄3 miles) west of Albufeira in a residential neighborhood
dotted with other dwellings, but within the confines of its large gardens, visitors
can easily imagine themselves in the open countryside. A footpath leads down to the
beach. All accommodations have a view of the sea and a private bathroom. In the 1980s,
the hotel was converted from a Moroccan-inspired private villa built during the 1970s.
Praia da Galé (Abdo. Postal 120), 8200-917 Albufeira. & 28/959-17-95. Fax 28/959-12-01. www.vilajoya.
com. 17 units. 330€–810€ double; from 1,080€ suite. Rates include half-board. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar; airport transfers (235€); babysitting; outdoor heated pool; room service;
sauna; outdoor tennis court (lit). In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar.
WHERE TO DINE
Expensive
O Cabaz da Praia (The Beach Basket) FRENCH/PORTUGUESE The Beach
Basket, near the Hotel Sol e Mar, sits on a colorful little square near the Church of São
Sebastião. In a former fishermen’s cottage, the restaurant boasts a large, sheltered terrace with
a view over the main Albufeira beach. The food’s good, too. Main courses, including such
justifiable favorites as cassoulet of seafood, salade océane, monkfish with mango sauce, and
beef filet with garlic and white-wine sauce, are served with a selection of fresh vegetables.
Praça Miguel Bombarda 7. & 28/951-21-37. Reservations recommended. Main courses 22€–26€. AE,
MC, V. Fri–Wed noon–3pm and 7:30–11pm.
Moderate
Alfredo ITALIAN/PORTUGUESE Just a minute’s stroll from the market square,
Alfredo is in a century-old building that looks as if it has always been an inn. It’s full of
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