Why I recommend Albufeira, Portugal for Triathlon Training and Other Athletic Disciplines |

Happy training in the sun!

Sick of training in the UK/Ireland? Why not try an active holiday or training camp abroad to mix it up and keep your fitness journey interesting. First thing that comes to many peoples mind will be the financial cost of going away. Secondly will be the other factors such as temperatures, facilities and general safety.

Below are the 10 main reasons why I would recommend this location ☝🏼, however as with everyplace you travel to there are positives and negatives to take into account.

Stunning scenery!

The Positives:

1.) Every second person you pass outside is either walking, running or cycling- this is refreshing. Fitness is in the air!

2.) The beaches are very clean and the environment is also well looked after by the council- there are flowers everywhere.

Clean beach!

Blue skies and white sands!

3.) The Sport resorts have great facilities for athletes- including indoor hydrotherapy pool, outdoor pool, indoor jacuzzi, sauna and steam room enabling good recovery post-training.

Victoria Sport and Beach Resort running track

Spent some mornings on the track, most of the time we were swimming, cycling and running!

4.) Great scenic coastal trails for running/walking, and a few outdoor running tracks to choose from.

Trails for running- up and down, great for ankle and lower limb strengthening.

5.) Bicycle rental shops and also bike paths in the town centre and loads of flat and new scenic road routes.

6.) Plenty of sea for swimming, the sea is rough and cold resembling home- beneficial for UK/Irish triathletes. There is an indoor olympic sized pool in the town centre which is only €2 for 2 hours use (there is also a running track beside it).

7.) Good food for refuelling- especially by the port. The fish was delicious and so too was the steak.

8.) Very multi-cultural- we met people training there who were from Germany, Holland, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Northern Ireland, USA and Canada.

9.) Cheap package deals available for non-peak time of the year and Albufeira is only 30 mins drive from Faro the airport.

10.) Ideal location for small kids/families as its very safe and full of lovely little playgrounds.

This was Victoria Sport and Beach Resort

The Negatives:

1.) Some areas were pretty run down looking so if you are after super modern sports facilities you will have to pay the extra few bobs.

2.) The variable weather conditions this time of the year, some rainy windy days followed by dry scorchers.

3.) The restaurants can be expensive, most of all the drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are over priced in the town centre.

4.) Bus routes are poor in comparison to the UK and Ireland therefore if you need transport you may need to hop in a taxi, which is pricey. There was no buses or shuttle buses leaving the airport when we arrived late into Faro (approx 10.35pm) therefore paid €52 to get to our resort which was 30 mins drive.

All in all the positives certainly outweigh the negatives. We will be back 🤞🏼. If you are interested in travelling to this location please get in touch for more in depth information, advice and recommendations for restaurants, where to stay and the best routes for cycling and running.

Chilling in the sun with my Hoka ones stealing the show!

I love Palm Trees! There are plenty to enjoy here!