Portimão

Portimao is a tourist city in the Algarve; it is very popular among tourists during the summer season. Find out what to see and eat and its best beaches
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Located on the banks of the Arade River, Portimao is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and for its calm and warm waters which make it a perfect holiday destination.

The town carries a long fishing tradition, which developed especially during the 19th and 20th century with the advent of the industrialisation and tourism. Many buildings located in the old town were built during this time, when Portimao received several economic investments.

What to see in Portimão

The Portimao Museum is about the history of the city and its residents who have dedicated their life to the sea for centuries.

The Chapel of Sao José de Alcalar is an example of unique style, just like the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which was built in the XV century at the top of a hill in order to dominate over the town. Still today, despite the earthquake of 1755, it is possible to admire its original Gothic gate.

Enjoy some quiet and relax in the shade of the trees of the Manuel Bivar Garden, where it is still possible to spot some small fishing boats. The area of Portimao built along the coast is known as Marina; here is where you will find most of the shops, restaurants, and night clubs.

Those who want to enjoy the sea can’t miss Praia da Rocha. Located about 3km from the city center, it is the most famous beach of the Algarve region. Praia da Rocha offers so many things to do and it is often crowded with tourists.

Portimao played an important strategic role during the 15th century; during this time, indeed, the Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar was built with the purpose of defending the port and the local population from the pirates.

The coast and its beaches

There are several beaches near Portimao offering different types of landscapes; among the best ones, Careanos, Vau, Barranco das Canas, Prainha.

In order to explore the very best of Portimao it is possible to join a one day boat tour along its coast; this way you will have the opportunity to discover all its beautiful beaches, some of which can be reached only by boat.

What to eat

Most of the restaurants in Portimao are located near the port and offer grilled sardines, a local specialty.

Although sardines are typical within the whole Algarve region here in Portimao they are particularly popular, to the extent that in August a sardine festival is organised. There are also other fish specialties such as mussels, fish and beans stew, other types of stews, corn flour based dishes, and so much more.

How to get to Portimão

Just like the rest of the Algarve region, in order to visit Portimao you need to land in FaroPortimao is located about 60 km from this airport connected with Lisbon, Porto and several other European cities.

If you want to travel by train, the Largo Sàrrea Prado station offers several trains from Lisbon. Bus services run by Eva Bus and Rede Expressos connect Portimao to the rest of the Algarve region.

Portimão Weather

What's the weather at Portimão? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Portimão for the next few days.

Tuesday 3
14°
19°
Wednesday 4
13°
20°
Thursday 5
13°
20°
Friday 6
14°
19°
Saturday 7
15°
19°
Sunday 8
15°
20°

Where to stay in Portimão

To see all the facilities and book accommodation in Portimão use the form below, entering the dates of your stay.

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Recommended hotels in Portimão

We offer a selection of hotels at Portimão to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Portimão, sorted by number of reviews.

Hotel
RR Hotel da Rocha
Portimão - Av. Tomás Cabreira - Praia Da Rocha
8.8Fabulous 4.367 reviews
RR Hotel da Rocha provides immediate access to Praia Da Rocha Beach.
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Hotel
Hotel Santa Catarina Algarve
Portimão - Avenida Tomas Cabreira
8.1Very good 3.839 reviews
Situated only 50 metres from Praia da Rocha Beach, Hotel Santa Catarina offers rooms with private balconies, some overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
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Hotel
NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club
Portimão - Morgado do Reguengo Resort
8.7Fabulous 3.403 reviews
The NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club is surrounded by golf courses and overlooks the Monchique Mountain.
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Apartments and vacation homes in Portimão

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Portimão. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Portimão are in high demand.

Residence
Flor Da Rocha
Portimão - Rua das Conchas
8.7Fabulous 2.545 reviews
Located 600 metres from the Praia da Rocha beach, the Flor da Rocha offers spacious apartments with kitchenetes and balconies.
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Residence
Vitor's Plaza
Portimão - Av. Henry Cotton, Quatro Estradas de Alvor - Portimão
8.7Fabulous 1.826 reviews
Located 1.
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Residence
Mirachoro Portimao
Portimão - Urb. Alto Do Quintão, Rua dos Poetas Populares
8.0Very good 1.450 reviews
Located between Praia da Rocha Beach and Portimão town, this property offers an outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace and a lush garden at the Mirachoro Complex.
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Where is located Portimão

Location around