Albufeira Town & Marina holiday apartment: Albufeira

ORA-3B one bedroom penthouse apartment. My husband and I stayed in this fabulous apartment during the second week of June 2009. Everything was as described but the rooms and huge terrace were more spacious than appeared in the photos. I think that it is best suited for 2 people to stay here due to the limited bathroom facilities (1 bathroom, no separate loo or shower). The wraparound terrace was where you wanted to be all the time, sunny and shady areas all day and terrific sunsets. The pleasure of returning here from a busy day out has to be experienced. The top floor catches any breeze that is available making it airy and comfortable and with views to gladden any heart. The pool area was immaculate and the gardens and grounds well maintained. The main road runs at the back of this block (where the bedroom window is) and the road noise was a bit of a nuisance, but with the window closed and the shutter down it was not intrusive. Overall, it's a beautiful place for a quiet, relaxing break. Although a car is not necessary it is very useful for getting around to the other small towns and beaches nearby, and to the larger supermarkets, but useless in Albufeira Old Town due to the narrow streets and lack of parking spaces. A taxi from town back to the complex was well worth the 4-5 euros saving the climb up the steep hills in the heat of the day or after a lovely meal out in the evening. We are very grateful to the owners of this apartment who allowed it to be 'ours' for a while and will be very happy to return next year. We either ate out in the evening, or had a late lunch out and returned for a lazy evening on the terrace. Restaurants we enjoyed most in Albufeira were Casa da Fonte ( great kebabs and huge grilled local prawns, a lovely ambience and helpful happy staff) The Beach Basket, (beautiful sea views from their terrace and fabulous pasta with salmon). On the road to the beach at Gale, restaurant Ti Monell for great grilled sardines and salmon, any fish really, informal and busy (loads of Portuguese families)but great friendly service. Favourite wine was Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Branco, light, refreshing and slightly effervescent. It was particularly enjoyable sitting on the terrace of the apartment, afternoon or evening!