Tourism and commerce are the main activities in Albufeira. Most tourists arrive via nearby Faro Airport, a short 40 minute drive away. At night the centre of Albufeira comes alive with bars, restaurants to suit most tastes from authentic Portuguese fare to an international flavour. Albufeira is a good base to explore the region with many smaller and less well known beaches within a short drive. A local culinary speciality is cataplana (steamed shellfish), a very well known dish from the Algarve region. Caldeirada (fish stew), and the simpler but also popular, grilled sardines, are also very appreciated and are traditional dishes across the entire country.