Portimao, is a beautiful port city and the second largest city in the western Algarve after Faro. This picturesque city attracts many people each year, mainly because of the Portimao Marina promenade, where the super-rich moor their luxurious yachts and enjoy the excellent fresh seafood offered in the many wonderful restaurants along the harbor. Portimao is known as one of the best places in Portugal to eat seafood, so it’s no wonder so many people come to the city to enjoy the gourmet food and fabulous shopping.
With warm sunny weather all year round and the warm hospitality of the locals, Portimao has a welcoming charm that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
Although Portimao attracts an affluent public and is in a prime location, Praia da Rocha, located 3 km south of Portimao, is considered the main tourist center. Visitors to the Algarve often confuse the two places. Praia da Rocha is best known for its expansive golden beach and as a party town with its many bars, restaurants and hotels. It has a lively nightlife, and many people come here to have fun and enjoy the watersports on offer.
When you’re getting ready to book your vacation, it’s best to decide in advance where you’d prefer to stay. So that you’re best prepared, I’ve given you the following tips.
Table of Contents
Transportation
If you’re staying in Portimao in the Algarve, it’s best to land in Faro, and from here I’d advise renting a car to make the most of your vacation and keep yourself safe. Portimao’s popularity means there are more tourists than cabs, and with busses running irregularly, a car takes the stress out of getting around and allows you to visit some of the harder to reach areas of the region. Discovr cars has been a great help on our search for a rental car. Click here to check them out yourself.
By Car
The beautiful city of Portimao is reachable from Faro via the A22 highway, which takes around 50-60 minutes, however, this is a toll road and will incur a charge. There are no toll booths on the A22 and toll collection in Portugal is electronic.
All vehicles registered abroad must’ve the appropriate vignette or temporary visitor’s permit, which you can obtain at the border crossing in Spain. Vehicles registered in Portugal don’t need to be equipped with a vignette, as there are several ways to pay the toll after the trip, and most car rental companies offer prepaid toll transponders.
An alternative road is the N125, which will save you the 8 cents per km toll but will take longer and can be hectic sometimes.
By Bus
During the week, seven express buses are run between Faro and Portimão, between the hours of 0800 to 1940, however, these buses are not expected at regular intervals and can be a little unreliable. The journey from Faro to Portimao can take 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the one-way fare is €5.50
During weekends and national holidays, fewer buses are running, with only two buses serving the route on these days. The bus service takes over 2 hours on Saturdays and Sundays, including a change in Albufeira. Also, note that the last bus on weekends leaves Faro at 17:45!
Bus schedules and information can be found in English at www.eva-bus.com. The buses from Faro only stop in the city center of Portimão, so unless you are staying in the center you will need to get additional transport to the local areas of Portimao.
By private Transfer & Taxi/Cab
There are a few options when booking a taxi service from Faro to Portimao. A licensed private transfer will allow you to book a pick-up and drop-off in advance of arrival. The average price for 1-4 people is 100 euros round trip (return).
A cheaper alternative is to book a shared cab or minibus, where you ride with other people. The cab or minibus is likely to make several stops to let people off. This is a cheaper alternative than a private cab. However, it’ll make your trip from the airport longer.
A cab from the airport (without booking) costs about €67 one-way on weekdays and 20% more on weekends and holidays. Check the Trip Advisor website for current airport transfer prices.
Beaches
Praia da Rocha
On my first vacation to the Algarve, I wanted to explore and enjoy as many beaches as possible. So we decided to spend our free time in the Praia da Rocha area.We stayed at the Algarve Casino Hotel on Praia da Rocha’s main beach, which meant we were at the beach in minutes. Bars and restaurants were within walking distance, which was a plus. Given the number of tourists, we felt safe and comfortable at all times. As Praia da Rocha is the largest beach in the Algarve, it attracts a lot of tourists, so be prepared for large crowds; however, due to the size of this stunning beach, there’s room for everyone and you’ll always find a place to sunbathe.
Praia do Vau
Praia do Vau, located 2 kilometers west of Praia da Rocha and 3 kilometers from the center of Portimão, is surrounded by impressive red-colored cliffs, adding to the allure of this pretty beach and offering visitors a spectacular view. The cliffs act as a brilliant windbreaker making the beach feel more sheltered, and at high tide, the cliff formations create secluded coves. Praia do Vau is brilliantly located just far away from Portimao. It is less crowded than Praia da Rocha but perfectly located to still be close enough to enjoy a lively restaurant and nightlife scene.
Praia de Alvor
This blue-flag beach is located 8 kilometers west of Portimao in the historic fishing village of Alvor, one of the most significant towns in the Algarve. However, this pristine sandy beach with crystal clear waters is relatively quiet in terms of crowds despite its size. This beach is also very popular with watersports enthusiasts, with windsurfing, waterskiing, and kite surfing on offer for you to try out if you are tired of sunbathing all day. The Praia de Alvor is also located next to the Alvor Estuary, an important area for wildlife, explicitly migrating birds.
Praia dos Três Castelos
Neighbouring Praia da Rocha, the beach at dos Três Castelos is just as stunning and impressive, with picturesque rock formations leading out to sea. The name for this beach translates to ‘three castles’ named after the three largest rock formations seen in the glittering ocean, adding to the unique landscape of this beach.
Lying above the tall cliffs that back this beach are many tourist accommodations and a pretty coastal pathway, which you can walk while admiring the beach view. You could easily spend the whole day at this beach, swimming, exploring rock pools and secret caves, and enjoying the view.
Praia do Alemão
Another beach recognizable by its scenic rock formations in the sea is Praia do Alemao; however, unlike the dos Três Castelos beach above the cliffs of this dramatic beach lies a large pine forest and it neighbors Praia do Vau. This beach is quite popular in the summertime, and its rock formations in the water are great for snorkeling and exploring underwater scenes.
Due to the way the cliffs and the rock formations have been eroded, there are many rock arches, hidden sandy mini coves, and secret passageways to discover on this famous beach.
Praia de Benagil
This small beach is sheltered by glorious gold cliffs and has some of the softest sand in the Algarve, however, the sand is not what people come to see at this little idyllic beach. Praia de Benagil is home to one of the most breathtaking coastal caves called Algar de Benagil, which is often listed as one of the number one attractions in the Algarve. This magnificent sea cave features a skylight hole in its roof, allowing sunlight to stream through and illuminate the stunning rock formations. You can take a boat tour to see this cave, and it does get very busy during peak summertime, so go early to avoid the crowds.
Watersports
The beaches in the Algarve are excellent for watersports, with surfing being one of the more popular at beaches such as Sagres in the western area of the Algarve. Praia de Alvor is excellent for wind-related watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
However, if you are looking for a more relaxing watersport, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are very popular, and even beginners can enjoy these activities.
Stand-up paddleboarding is a much more accessible sport than surfing and involves the paddleboarder sitting or kneeling on a large thick board and pushing themselves along using a paddle. It is very similar to kayaking, except you have the option to stand up rather than only sit down.
There are many tours in the Algarve that offer kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding available via TripAdvisor that offer full or half-day boat excursions, including all the equipment needed, around the coast of the Algarve, with the caves of Benagil being one of the most popular locations to explore via paddleboard or kayak.
Sightseeing
Although Portimao is home to some truly stunning beaches, we wanted to make time to enjoy and experience the rich culture of this beautiful port town. With seven days to explore Portimao, we wanted to dive into the areas beyond the beaches and experience true Portuguese life, and its interesting history.
Marina de Portimao
Portimaos harbor is a great place to spend an afternoon, and we enjoyed walking around the attractive marina and watching the large super yachts come and go. You can walk to the marina from Praia da Rocha, and once there, you can see the small fishing town of Ferragudo. There are also some great restaurants and bars that line the marina, and the nightlife here is very lively. There are also lots of shops here, and there is a luxurious vibe to the whole area.
Museu de Portimao
As I mentioned earlier, Portimao is known for its brilliant seafood, which we will come to later, but it is specifically famous for its sardines and is nicknamed the sardine capital of the Algarve. Knowing this makes the fact that the museum in Portimao (Museu de Portimao) is housed in a former sardine factory a little less odd. The museum is a great place to discover how this historic town formed and is dedicated to the fish canning industry in Portimao. The entrance to the museum is only 3 Euros and the information is in both Portuguese and English.
Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas
Walking through the centre ofPortimao city you will find a large open square known as Praça Da República and a grand building called Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuitas, translated to The Church of the Jesuit College. This 17th Century church is exquisitely decorated with gold gilt carvings and is one of the largest churches in the Algarve. Inside the church are many gold-carved altarpieces dating back to the mid-1600s making this church an important part of the history of the town.
Fortaleza de Santa Catarina
Exploring the eastern side of Praia da Rocha, we discovered this 16th-century medieval fortress, Fortaleza de Santa Catarina. Accessible via a staircase carved into the cliffs, this striking fortress was built to defend the estuary of the Arcade River from pirates and military invasions. A climb to the top of the fortress offers fabulous views over the Praia da Rocha beach and also up to the marina.
Excursions
With some spectacular beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique rock formations the Algarve is one of the best places to book an excursion and explore secret coves and hidden gems along the coast. Due to its sunny year-round weather, Portugal is also a great place for waterparks and there are a few to choose from located in the Algarve. Here are some of the leading excursions you can go on during your stay in Portimao.
Benagil Cave
Taking a tour around the stunning sea caves at Benagil beach can not be missed. You can take a boat tour setting off from Portimao, or for true adventures like us, and you can rent kayaks and paddle around some of the most breathtaking caves and coves that can not be accessed by foot. Also, you can see the spectacular tavern-like cave at Benagil beach, where the sun streams dramatically through a skylight hole in the roof, and if you are lucky, you may even be accompanied by wild dolphins as you dip into secluded coves that are impossible to access from the coast. Book your adventure Cave Tours from Portimao here.
Algar Seco Caves
If you enjoy exploring striking natural wonders, head to Algar Seco to marvel at the beautiful caves, tunnels, and rock formations that have appeared following years of wind and sea erosion. Located in Carvoeiro, you can either take a boat trip around the cliffs to view or hike around the boardwalk path starting at Carvoeiro beach, which will give you an up-close view of the famous doll head formation and allow you to enter some of the rock tunnels. If you choose to view the Caves on foot, plan to get there early as they attract big crowds, and it will be hard to take memorable photos without queuing.
Water Parks
The Algarve has some amazing water parks, which are great for adults and children. Some of the best waterparks include:
Slide & Splash, located in Lagoa near Portimao, is a popular waterpark that is also the biggest in Portugal and includes epic slides, such as the Tornado and the Disco River. Private sun lounging areas can be booked and the park has a restaurant on site.
Aqualand is located in Alcantarilha and has one of the tallest waterslides, the Kamikaze, which stands at 36 meters. The waterpark has an array of waterslides, chutes, and a large swimming pool.
Aquashow is located west of Faro and includes a fun rainbow slide, a Twin Space Shuttle slide, and even a roller coaster that ends in the water. This waterpark is more of an amusement park with small animal shows and several restaurants on site.
Restaurants
The area surrounding Portimao is alive with a combination of authentic Portuguese culture and a bustling dance and clubbing scene. It is the best place to try tasty local dishes and sample some of the best seafood and fish in the region, as well as enjoy brilliant bars and sip on divine cocktails. Here are some of the best places we went to for food and drinks during our trip:
Resturant Taberna da Mare
Located next to the Portimao riverside, this rustic tavern restaurant serves authentic Algarvian food and is known for its excellent seafood and fish dishes. In summer it is the perfect place to grab a table and people watch while eating delicious dishes such as fried sardines and baby squid, and enjoying a glass of wine. As it is really famous for its Seafood dishes it can happen that you will find a long cue so i advise you to bring along a lot of time.
Café da Rocha
If you appreciate a good coffee as I do then head to Cafe da Rocha for your caffeine fix. This cafe serves great coffee, small plates and has a brilliant ice cream menu. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat you can grab a toastie or burger here or you can indulge with an ice cream sundae or a banana split. A great place to fuel up before hitting the beach at Praia da Rocha.
Grill Chicken Take Away (Piri Piri Chicken)
When you catch the aroma of delectable grilled chicken there is little you can do to fight the craving, which is why we had to stop at Grill Chicken Take Away. There are many places selling grilled chicken by the beach near Portimao, but this place had a small queue so we had to see what the fuss was about. The chicken was seasoned and grilled to perfection and the fries were fresh and crisp.
Caip&Bar
This wonderful bar located in Praia da Rocha serves some of the most delicious cocktails we had in Portimao. Caip&Bar has a great lively atmosphere and is a brilliant place to sip one of their superb caipirinha cocktails before dancing the night away.
Groceries & Malls
The shopping malls and boulevards in the Portimao area offer some of the best shopping in the Algarve. If you are staying in Portimao for longer than a couple of days you might need to grab a few food essentials or some delightful Portuguese treats. Head to these supermarkets in the Portimao area for everything you need.
Continente Portimao
A great local supermarket that stocks everything you could need from food to wine. It has a fresh bakery and sells freshly made cakes as well as including a small cafe. It sells a great selection of deli meats and you can pick up some great Portuguese treats here.
Aqua Mall Portimao
This popular shopping mall has many well-priced stores, familiar high street brand names, and a food court. The mall has free parking and is open-air so you can still enjoy the beautiful sunshine while window-shopping.
Aldi & Lidl
These well-priced supermarkets are the best places to go to pick up food, drink, and toiletries. Aldi and Lidl are popular within Europe and offer cheaply priced good quality food and alcohol. They often have a fresh bakery where you can pick up pastries and some also have a deli counter.
Accommodation
As a busy tourist area, there are plenty of places to choose from when it comes to accommodation. From luxury resorts to private AirBnB accommodations here are the best places you can stay in the Portimao area.
Airbnb
This wondrous superhosted, penthouse AirBnB offers panoramic views over Praia da Rocha beach. The apartment has been decorated beautifully with white and earthy-toned decor and has all the amenities you require including a roof-top terrace to watch the sunset.
Rocha View is a well-decorated AirBnB located in the western area of Praia da Rocha beach. It includes everything you will need during your stay plus the added benefit of a private balcony overlooking the city and access to a shared swimming pool.
Beny´s Beach House is a spacious AirBnB property located next to Praia da Rocha beach, with high ceilings and clean scandi-style decor. It has views over the marina, two bedrooms, and many restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Hotels
Water Green House in Portimao is a stylishly decorated private apartment fully equipped as self-catering accommodation. The apartment has sweeping views of the ocean, a private garage, and a rooftop pool.
If you are seeking the ultimate in luxury then the 5-star resort of Bela Vista might be what you’re looking for while staying in Portimao. This elegant chateaux-style hotel and spa includes a wellness centre, a palm-tree-lined pool, and direct access to Praia da Rocha beach.
Pestana Alvor Park Hotel Apartments are away from the crowds of Portimao and Praia da Rocha, located in the equally beautiful beach town of Alvor. This 4-star holiday apartment complex has indoor and outdoor pools and is sophisticatedly designed.
We decided to stay at the Algarve Casino Hotel, which was excellent because of its location. The 5-star hotel had the beach right outside the door, which made it an excellent choice for those who wanted a beach-only vacation. Unfortunately, that was the only positive experience for us as we didn’t get a 5 star hotel experience at the Algarve Casino Hotel. I recommend you read the reviews before booking a hotel room to be sure.
Nightlife
Portimao has one of the most lively nightlife scenes in the Algarve of Portugal, from all-night exclusive beach club parties to bars and dance clubs. The Avenida Tomás Cabreira boulevard stretches thelength of the Praia da Rocha beach and is full of bustling pubs, dance clubs, and cocktail bars. It is here you will find some of the best places to party in Portimao. For the thrill-seekers make sure you check out the following venues;
Katedral Dance Club
Open until dawn this popular dance club attracts locals and tourists looking to dance the night away. With live DJs, themed nights, and a central location on Avenida Tomás Cabreira, if you are in Portimao to party make sure to visit Katedral.
Oceans Club
This great sea-view bar is a great destination for laid-back drinks and cocktails on Avenida Tomás Cabreira. This bar has a great atmosphere with excellent music and a view across the ocean to enjoy while you party late into the night.
NoSoloÁgua Beach Club
For a more sophisticated experience, check out the NosoloAquabeach Club on Praia da Rocha beach. Here there are two secluded areas where you can fully enjoy yourself. One is a beach access area and the other is a pool area with a private saltwater pool. This luxurious place is an idyllic beach club where you can sunbathe in peace while listening to the music played by live DJs across the waves. There are restaurants on both sides where you can enjoy delicious food. Visit their website here.
Festivals
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