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The Algarve has long been a favourite destination for travellers seeking sun, sand, and culture, and Albufeira, with its picturesque coastline and vibrant energy, is at the heart of it all. But for those wanting to embrace a more deliberate and intimate connection with the region, a slow travel experience offers a refreshing alternative. Staying at the luxurious Real Grande Santa Eulália Resort presents the perfect backdrop for a leisurely escape, blending relaxation with meaningful exploration.
Slow Travel in Albufeira
Real Grande Santa Eulália
Arriving at the Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort for the first time felt strangely like revisiting an old friend, it’s a place that seems to anticipate your every need before you even have the chance to voice it. My Dad had only died a few months previously and I was in desperate need of some peace and quiet. I booked my stay and then began hearing of its reputation, the whispers of its understated elegance, of how it was more than just a resort. And yet, nothing prepared me for the way it would seep into my senses, becoming part of my experience of Albufeira itself.
It was early afternoon when I arrived, a of warm October day where the sun hangs low in the sky, but it was the torrential rain that really welcomed us all. The resort sits perched on the edge of Praia de Santa Eulália, one of Albufeira’s finest beaches. As my shared airport transfer wound its way down the palm-lined drive, I caught glimpses of the ocean between the trees, stretching endlessly toward the horizon, even my fellow passengers let out a low impressed sigh.
The entrance of the resort was grand yet inviting, the kind of space that manages to be luxurious without feeling pretentious. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the coolness of the marble floors beneath my feet and the faint scent of sea breeze. The lobby was expansive, its high ceilings and large windows offering sweeping views of the beach below, as if the sea itself was part of the décor.
I had arrived long before the check-in time and the room wasn’t ready so my luggage was collected and taken to be stored and I was invited to sit in the bar and wait. With a stunning view of the frenetic waves I wasn’t going to complain. My eventual check-in was smooth, almost effortless, and I was whisked away to my room.
The room itself was simple yet elegant, designed with an eye for detail that suggested someone had thought carefully about how a guest would inhabit the space. The soft, neutral décor gave the room a sense of calm, while touches of wood and stone connected it to the natural world just outside the window. Then there was the view… The sliding glass doors opened onto a private balcony overlooking the gardens, with the beach and ocean just beyond. I stood there for a long time, letting the cool breeze wash over me, feeling the sense of anticipation dissolve into contentment. I had made it here, and there was nowhere else I needed to be.
If there’s a central focus to life at Grande Real Santa Eulália, it’s the water. The resort spills down toward the beach in a series of terraces, each one offering a different vantage point of the sea. There are pools, of course—three, to be exact—each more inviting than the last. But it’s the beach that calls to you, that siren song of the Atlantic whispering in your ear, coaxing you to leave the confines of the resort and sink your toes into the sand.
I should mention here that I am not a beachy person, generally I feel no need to go near the sea, but this beach is different. A secluded cove, sheltered by cliffs and lined with soft golden sand. It was never too crowded, even as the day wore on, and I often found myself drifting into a kind of meditative state as I walked along the shore, the waves washing over my feet in time with my steps.
One my first morning I headed down for a stroll along the shore, stopping to sit for a while on the soft powdery sand, letting the warmth of the early morning sun seep into my skin as I read a book I’d packed for this very trip. Occasionally, I’d glance up from the pages and watch the ocean, the horizon stretching endlessly before me, the waves rolling in and out like the steady inhale and exhale of some ancient, gentle giant. Time seemed to slow in a way that felt deeply restorative, as though the ocean itself was breathing life back into me.
The evenings at Grande Real Santa Eulália were perhaps my favourite time of day. As the sun began to set, the resort took on a different kind of energy, soft, quiet, with a sense of intimacy that felt almost private. I would sit on my balcony, watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange as the day slipped into twilight. The sounds of the ocean were still there, of course, but they seemed quieter, more subdued, as if they, too, were preparing for the night ahead.
Dinner at the resort was an event in itself. One evening, I dined at one of their signature restaurants, sipping a glass of crisp rose as I watched the stars begin to appear. The food was exquisite, fresh seafood, delicate risottos, and plates that looked like works of art. Yet it wasn’t just the food that made the experience memorable; it was the vibe. The restaurant was perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, and the soft glow of lanterns cast a warm light over everything, making it feel as though you were dining in a world suspended between the earth and the stars.
By the time my stay at Grande Real Santa Eulália came to an end, I felt a kind of melancholy I hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just the resort I would miss—the luxury, the views, the indulgent meals—it was the feeling of having truly unwound, of having found a pocket of peace in a world that so often moves too quickly. The staff bid me farewell with the same warmth and grace with which they had greeted me, and as I stood on the terrace one last time, looking out at the beach below, I realized that this place had become part of my memory, part of my story.
The Old Town
In the heart of the Algarve, Albufeira’s Old Town is a treasure trove of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. For travellers seeking more than just a quick beach getaway, this cobblestoned district offers an enchanting experience for those embracing the art of slow travel. It’s a place where time seems to stretch, inviting you to explore its winding streets and sun-kissed plazas at your own pace, savouring every sight, sound, and flavour.
Begin your day early, when the Old Town is still bathed in the soft golden light of the morning. The streets are peaceful, and the shops and cafés are just beginning to open. Here, the pace of life moves gently, reflecting the timeless rhythm of this once-sleepy fishing village. Walk past whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant blue and yellow tiles, their rustic charm recalling centuries-old traditions.
The Old Town is the perfect place to pause with a morning coffee. Sit at one of the quaint outdoor cafés, perhaps ordering a fresh pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart. As you sip and savour, watch the town come to life, locals chatting in low voices, the faint smell of sea salt on the breeze, and the soft chatter of birds in the air. This is where you truly begin to feel the soul of Albufeira.
Wander further into the heart of the Old Town, where each street reveals something new. Narrow alleys give way to unexpected courtyards, where you might find an artist’s studio or a tiny boutique selling handmade ceramics. Take your time meandering through the maze of streets, peeking into traditional shops selling cork products, linen, and local handicrafts. Engage with shopkeepers and artisans who are always happy to share the story behind their creations, offering you a more meaningful connection with the place.
A visit to the Church of São Sebastião, with its bright white façade and blue accents, is a must. Dating back to the 18th century, this small but beautiful church reflects Albufeira’s deep religious roots and offers a moment of quiet contemplation amid the town’s hustle.
As the afternoon sun warms the streets, make your way down to the seafront for a leisurely lunch. Restaurants with outdoor terraces overlook the beach, offering stunning views of the Atlantic’s deep blue waters. Choose a table under the shade of an umbrella and indulge in fresh, local seafood. With no rush to leave, enjoy each bite, the flavours enhanced by the salty air and the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore.
End your slow travel day with a sunset stroll along Albufeira’s iconic Praia dos Pescadores. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the town’s cliffside homes, the scene becomes almost magical. Walk along the shoreline, feeling the sand between your toes, and reflect on the day. There’s no need to hurry—here, time is yours to savour.
Albufeira’s Old Town isn’t just a destination; it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the beauty of travel at your own pace.
Leaving Albufeira, I carried with me the quiet mornings, the sound of the waves, the soft glow of the evenings. But more than that, I carried the reminder of what it means to slow down, to be present, to let yourself sink into a place and let it transform you. Albufeira had given me that gift, at a time when I needed it the most, and for that, I will always be grateful.
