Haven't been to Albufeira over Christmas Wiz I think Sagres has however.

You've prob picked one of the best area's as there'll be lots of places still open.

Hello Wizard, having been at New Year more or less the same time as you will be going, my daughter never let us forget that we left her home alone even though she was 18 at the time. We found it to be better weather than at home with some days warm so you could go out in the day with shorts and tee shirts, but had to wear jeans/trousers and a light jumper or coat at night.
As Glynis puts it there are lots of places open, I found that about half the bars and restaurants were in fact shut but it did leave half open and that is a lot of choice as there are so many. The local council put on some good free shows in the main square, and as all ways there are lots of sites to go and visit along the Algarve, it can get very hectic around some of the big supermarkets the days leading up to Christmas.

Dave.

Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!
What a lovely time you will have. Are you staying in a hotel or apartment?
We usually go to the Canaries the week before Christmas to get us into the 'Christmas Spirit' - they, like the Algarve, are fond of their decorations and celebrations.
Enjoy!

Remembered that Sagres had been to Lagos over Christmas - I know it's not Albufeira but here are his photo's over that period so hopefully Albu can match them

thanks folks

i didn't realise they went in for decorating the streets

booked a cheap hotel it has mixed reviews so going with an open mind

haven't been to alberfura for about 7 yrs that was in may

any other info much appreciated

wiz

We haven't been for Christmas but we did go over New Year. Here's my friends photo of some of the lights in the main square but there are lights and decorations all over the place, and very nice they are too!



If you're staying over New Year, there's a fantastic fireworks display at midnight and a free concert at Fishermen's Beach. There's a good atmosphere and lots of places should be open, provided they've survived the downturn in visitor numbers this year. The weather will be a lot better than at home!

You must make sure you're booked in for Christmas lunch somewhere. It's not easy as most places are closed on Christmas Day. The one lots of people go to is The Cottage, where they serve the traditional roast turkey. I think you can get lunch (or it may just be dinner) on Christmas Day at Clube Praia da Oura too, but it would definitely be wise to book something well in advance.

Have you committed a great error? I don't think so!!

Hiya Brian,
Albufeira's great at Christmas - lots of places still open and plenty to do. We stayed at the Paraiso a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. They do a Christmas Gala Dinner which is open to non-residents, but it's absolutely essential to book well in advance because many ex-pats book to go there rather than cook at home. As Rosemary said, Pete Knopp at the Cottage restaurant usually does a traditional Christmas Dinner too, but, here again, advance booking is also essential. Either Rosemary or I can let you have his contact details by p.m. if you need them.
Portuguese bars tend to close early on Christmas Eve as the Portuguese tend to have their family 'feast' on Christmas Eve rather than on the 25th, so don't get taken by surprise. They don't have a Boxing Day holiday over there, so everything -transport, street cleaners, even the dreaded timeshare touts, are working as normal.

Can only echo what everyone else has said, you will love it! Which hotel are you staying in Wiz?

not one of the best unfortunately but as a bonus holiday especially 9 days over Christmas it looks a reasonable deal.. we are stopping at the Auramar beach resort just outside of town price including flights [squeeze jet] transfers baggage and flight charges and 9 nights AI [but we will be eating and drinking out some times [recommendation's within walking distance welcome] all for less than £800 for myself and the Pendle witch

one of our favorite eateries use to be the Caves Do Vinnho Do Porto [is it still there ?] and i would like to find Perry's bar and give it a try if its open

wiz

Auramar is alright Wiz, and in a good position between the Strip and the Old Town. Floyd's will be open form Dec 20/21st onwards, I will PM you with directions if you remind me nearer the time.

will do

wiz

Don't go there it's fully of Addicks How yer doing AA?

Hi Big M!

Well thanks - how's the island?

Not missed much here - v. quiet this summer...

Hope England can do their bit to boost next summer's takings tonight!

P

Hi, Don't know if it will be open over Christmas, but a restaurant I love is the Sizzling Stone. Turn left at bottom of strip, its a short walk to it. You might have to book, we've always been lucky and not had to, but never been over Christmas.
Have a great time.

for myself and the Pendle witch

Couldn't help but respond to this.
I am related back to Alice Nutter of the famous Pendlebury Witches

Was gonna post you some new year links from my family site but I have not done enought posts yet lol...
You will have a great time I am sure

Alice Nutter of the famous Pendlebury Witches

but I think that there's some confusion evident here - Alice Nutter was indeed tried as a witch along with others from the Pendle area in northeast Lancashire and at the same assizes there were three alleged witches tried from the nearby Samlesbury area. However, Pendle is probably close to 30 miles north of Pendlebury which is now part of Salford - they are two very distinct and different districts.

SM

Hi we are looking at maybe going to the Auramar for 3 days from the 13th-16th Dec AI for my partners birthday, really good deal for less than £200!

Noticed that they have good deals for Auramar on Lastminute - B & B, 3 days £56.

Please punters, don't go AI, us bars and restaurants need the business badly. There will be no bars and restaurants if everyone does the same. And if you go to the right places, you wouldn't spend that much more than the £150 extra, and you would have your choice...

Have to agree AA. All inclusive is killing many areas. When were were at Olhos d Agua, restaurants and bars were dying on their feet. Some people never leave the hotels their entire holiday. It's a great shame, trouble is All Inclusive's are cheap.