Summer is fast approaching which can only mean one thing if you’re a student: a much-needed break from uni! Leave your school books and exams behind in the UK, grab your swimming costume and a few of your closest mates and start your holidays off on the right foot – specifically a foot in sandals walking down the Strip in Albufeira, Portugal.
Mornings on the Beach
What better way to start your days in this Portuguese paradise than by lounging around on the sandy shores of one Albufeira’s many balmy beaches? Deciding this is how you’d like to spend your mornings in the easy bit – the hard part is choosing which beach you’d like to visit first! Here are two of my favourites:
- Praia da Oura is located in an incredibly lively area, making it a top spot for students. There’s always something to do here, whether you’re looking to make a splash diving, windsurfing or trying one of the many other available water sports or stay on dry land sampling food and drink at the local restaurants and bars.
- Praia dos Pescadores is perhaps the most popular in all of Albufeira. The name translates into ‘Fishermen’s Beach’, likely because it features fishermen’s boats placed decoratively in the sand. It’s an urban spot, filled with everything a young tourist could ever want: shops, restaurants and, of course, great weather conditions.
Afternoons at Sea
After you’ve had your lunch, you’ll probably be feeling all lazed out from your time lounging around on the sand. Kick your afternoon off with a party cruise, complete with an on-board bar and DJ. Climb aboard, have a drink and get your boogie on to today’s top hits (yes, there’s a dance floor!) as you float across the ocean. You’ll be able to party it up with your mates, stop for a quick swim in the warm Portuguese sea and take in all the beautiful views this part of the world has to offer – without the boredom that often comes from a cruise.
Evenings on the Strip
As day seeps into night, you’re probably ready to lose your sea legs and head to dry land once more. Most young people looking to party head to the Strip. No, I’m not talking about the one in Las Vegas – I’m referring to the lively Monte Choro Strip (a long road officially called Avenida Sa Carneiro). Here you’ll find cafes and restaurants during the day – it’s the place to be if you’re missing a full English – and all the best nightclubs and bars during the night. It’s no surprise this area is a favourite for stag dos, hen parties and mates breaks.
You won’t find any shortage of places to drink here, and many of them offer great deals (such as two-for-one cocktails and free shots) that students are sure to love. Staff members are known to stand outside attempting to lure in patrons, and some even wander around to hand out cheap drink promos. The most popular bars are Wild & Co., Matt’s Bar (complete with a bucking bronco) and Sunset on the Strip. Don’t worry if none of those are to your taste – they’ve got something for everyone: karaoke, Irish and gay bars and loads more, so you’re sure to find one that’ll suit you.
Top Tip: More in the mood for a club than a bar? Check out Vida or Heaven or, if you don’t mind a ten-minute walk, Kiss.
Where to Stay
Luna Hotel da Oura – This aparthotel is the perfect place for you and all your mates to stay. You’re located close to Praia da Oura and the Albufeira Shopping Centre. However, when you’re looking to spend a bit of time closer to your home-away-from-home, you’re well catered for as well – save a few pounds and bond in the process by cooking meals together in the fully-equipped kitchenette, eat out at the restaurant or get a little tipsy at the onsite bar. There’s even a hot tub – what more do I need to say?
3HB Golden Beach – If a central location is your jam, this could be the aparthotel for you. 3HB Golden Beach is just 300 yards away from a selection of restaurants and bars (if you stay here, you won’t have far to stumble home), and is also quite close to the city centre. If you want to stay in and cook a meal, there’s a full kitchenette in this accommodation option, as well as an onsite bar and an outside pool with sunbeds. It’ll be hard not to feel comfortable here!
How to Get There
You can get from the UK to Faro Airport (FAO) in less than three hours – which, in my opinion, is just enough time to down a few drinks and get in the right mind set for a perfect Portuguese party holiday. Once you land, getting to Albufeira couldn’t be easier. Just hop in a pre-booked airport transfer and you’ll be at your accommodation’s door in 40 minutes flat.
If you don’t know who to book a ride with, I’ve got you covered: pick Shuttle Direct. They offer budget-friendly vehicles that can hold you and all your mates. Some are even shared transfers – who knows, maybe you’ll make some more friends along the way!
Overview
- UK to FAO Flight Time: 3 hours
- FAO to Albufeira Distance: 46 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 40 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we have one passion: getting you where you need to go as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you’re travelling somewhere in Europe or North Africa, give us a shout so we can help you start (or end!) your holiday right.
