Portugal’s Algarve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with its beautiful coastal resorts and sandy beaches.
Over five million people visited the region last year, with Brits accounting for more than 1.1 million.
Many of the resorts offer a great nightlife for those keen on partying like there is no tomorrow, with one in particular a favourite among fun loving Brits.
Albufeira, a former fishing village, has become a major holiday destination that attracts sun seekers and party animals alike.
It is a big hit with hen and stag dos, with partygoers flocking to the bars and clubs that line the famous “Strip” in the resort’s new part.
The Strip is naturally infamous for debauchery and bedlam, fuelled by cheap drinks and whatever else is on offer.
Yet the party zone is starting to put off some tourists, who find the exuberant behaviour of revellers all a bit too much to take.
In a Tripadvisor review, Julie C wrote: “Awful. Gaudy. Loud. Could not get off the strip fast enough.
“At least it’s contained in an area. Nothing Portuguese or local to see here – caters to the party tourists. This is how tourism ruins places.”
Terese S from Dublin recounted a brawl between a bouncer and four men, which left her and her friends in a state of shock: “We were attacked by a load of men too many to even count. We screamed for help nobody would help us out.
“It was a bouncer who started the fight, then men came from nowhere and started throwing punches at the four of us.
“I’m in absolute shock this has happened to us.”
Other travellers complain about the problems of overtourism, an increasingly common complaint about European beach resorts.
In her travel blog, Tina Riegelnegg wrote: “The streets are filled with people, the beaches are overcrowded, and even finding a spot to sit in a restaurant can be a challenge.
“It just takes away from the relaxing vacation vibe I was looking for.”
