Albufeira comes from Arabic Al-Buhera, which means "Castle of the Sea", a name which may be linked
because of its proximity to the sea or pond formed on the lower part of the city
In the first decades of the twentieth century there was a sharp increase in export of fish and nuts. The village then had five factories employing 700 to 800 people, mostly wives of fishermen.
However, from the 1930s to the 1950s, there were times of decadence, the frames were ruined fishing, factories closed, the boats disappeared and many houses were abandoned. The population was reduced to half and fishing became again a subsistence activity.
In the early 1960's saw the awakening of Albufeira to the tourism phenomenon, when it was visited by domestic tourists, but it was mainly with the British that prospered.
The coast is dotted with beaches, cliffs markedly Mediterranean climate: hot dry summers and mild winters, with low rainfall, especially between the months of
October to March, with an average annual temperature of around 17.5 º C. One of the main tourist areas of the country, Albufeira almost no introduction. Tourism is the most important activity of the municipality of Albufeira.
In the 60's began a real economic boom in the city. With the arrival of international tourism, Albufeira has become part of the main tourist routes. Albufeira currently is without a doubt, one of the major tourist centers in the country.