'I went to Portugal's worst holiday resort – I wasn't aware how wild it is'

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

YouTuber Wendall says he went to Albufeira, in Portugal, hoping to catch some last-minute sun after returning from Australia and feeling down from the British weather, but found a "holiday hell"
YouTuber Wendall, known for his videos showcasing the reality of life in the UK and abroad, says the notorious Algarve resort of Albufeira is his idea of a "holiday hell."
Once geared towards families, the Portuguese destination now faces growing issues with public nudity, drug abuse, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour. Locals say that the majority of the people responsible for the "wild" behaviour in the town are British – many of them visiting for stag and hen parties.
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In some extreme cases, holidaymakers have suffered serious injuries. Earlier this month, the lifeless body of a 38-year-old British man, Greg Monks, was found in a rocky area just outside Albufeira. He had disappeared around eight days prior while attending a friend's stag party.
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Wendall explained that he had visited Albufeira seeking sunny weather after being dissatisfied with Britain's grey skies following his return from Australia, only for his plans for a restful weekend to turn awry. "It turns out that Albufeira, where I'm staying, isn't exactly chilled-out."
He described the video by saying: "This is either going to be an advert for the best place to come on holiday in Portugal if you're into clubbing and going mental... Brits abroad and getting hammered. Or it's a warning that you should not come here because this is Portugal's worst resort."
He added: "I wasn't aware, until I arrived, how wild Albufeira is."
The first two locals he encountered said that, although they've become accustomed to Brits' unruly antics due to their work in a bar, their families were "scared" by the excessive drinking and mess created by British holidaymakers.
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He observed that Benidorm is notorious as the epicentre for 'Brits abroad', rowdy behaviour, but Albufeira could be even more chaotic, attracting a younger and wilder crowd. A young woman he spoke with recounted witnessing numerous brawls among drunken Brits.
Another local told Wendall that while British tourists over 40 tend to behave decently, the younger ones are "not so good."
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Not all British visitors are pleased with the recent transformation of the city. Doreen Burywood told the Daily Mail: "We used to go every year, loved the place, but stopped when the hen and stag parties started arriving – such a shame."
Amidst the prevalent binge drinking in Albufeira, Wendall stumbled upon a deserted shopfront boasting a large vending machine offering "gourmet" burgers and toasties. He described his toast as tasting "exactly how you'd expect," which was, predictably, terrible.
A significant factor in Albufeira's deteriorating reputation is the rampant consumption of illegal drugs in the bars along the city's brightly lit "strip" during the night.
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Even after taking a stroll in the more sedate Old Town, Wendall said that despite its charming looks, "it's still a pretty wild place."
When twilight descended on the strip, the vibe amped up even more and soon enough paramedics had to care for some overly indulgent souls sprawled outside a bar.
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Albufeira City Council is getting tough on unruly holidaymakers with new proposed penalties, including a ban on bikinis and swimsuits on city streets, with potential fines soaring up to €1,800.
Mayor José Carlos Rolo is pushing for the introduction of this strict dress code by mid-July, aiming to polish the area's image.
Reflecting on his choice of Albufeira for a getaway, Wendall confessed it wasn't the tranquil retreat he'd hoped for, lamenting: "I thought it would be a relaxing few days in the sun," before adding wryly, "but this ain't my type of holiday... this is my idea of holiday hell."
Yet he conceded the town might suit those looking to party hard, stating: "If you want to let your hair down and go wild, like Brits abroad, then this is the place."