Portimao
Portimao is one of the loveliest spots on Portugal's Algarve coast. The town itself is a charming old fishing port, which has become a fully-equipped but still relaxed resort. Head down to the harbour district to sample some of the area's famous seafood as fresh as it can be, and time a trip to fit in with the Sardine Festival in August for an extra delicious time. There are fine local beaches at Ferragudo (where sunbathers can also tour the Castelo de São João), while outdoor enthusiasts can kayak, try caving or just hike along the beautiful Arade River. Visitors will find excellent golf courses, motor sports facilities and every imaginable water sport available at local resorts, while staying in Portimao opens up the whole Algarve coast for exploration.
As with any popular tourist area, the Algarve around Portimao has some poor hotels, along with some truly exceptional ones. The Bela Vista hotel in nearby Praia da Rocha firmly fits into the latter bracket, with its fabulous sea views, great pool and renowned service. For a more offbeat, but still excellent accommodation option, Tipi Algarve offer a new twist on the hotel with fully-furnished luxury tents, while there are great complexes like Clube Vilarose for younger people to enjoy, with their vibrant nightlife and pool culture. Families might also want to investigate renting an apartment in Portimao, which can deliver great savings. A fine apartment can be found at Praia da Rocha or the Oasis Parque resort, both near Portimao.
Portimao is a gateway to the Algarve which specialises in making tourist experiences as easy and fulfilling as possible. So staying at a hotel or apartment in Portimao makes it that much easier to access tours to nearby beaches, rent cars to explore the rest of the coast, and to enjoy the local seafood catch. The town is a charming destination for families, offering something a little different to bustling resorts while retaining all of the attractions a beach lover could need.
What to see or do in and around Portimão
Petrica, . Portimao (Faro)
Amazing place
Amazing place
Claudia, . Portimao (Faro)
Beautiful beaches and landscapes
The beaches are beautiful, the food is fantastic, and the landscapes are wonderful.
Jéssica, . Portimao (Faro)
Incredible location
Incredible! Very close to Praia da Rocha, a super attractive area, with the marina next door and beach bars.
Enrique, . Portimao (Faro)
Well-structured city
Well-structured city. Nice beaches. Many shopping centers.
Jorge, . Portimao (Faro)
Excellent beaches and great restaurants
Excellent beaches, nautical activities, and great grilled fish and meat restaurants. Lots of nightlife fun.
José Antonio, . Portimao (Faro)
Praia do Vau and Alemão
Praia do Vau and Alemão.
José Antonio, . Portimao (Faro)
I recommend the walk to Vau
I recommend the walk to Vau and climbing the cliff. Stunning.
Paulo, . Portimao (Faro)
Good beaches and nightlife
Good beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
Mariana, . Portimao (Faro)
Portimão: Incredible Tourist Destination
The municipality of Portimão is an incredible tourist destination. Its beautiful beaches offer days of great leisure and fun. Praia da Rocha stands out for its central location and variety of dining options. Those looking for a more natural and preserved environment have Praia de 3 Castelos as a perfect option. Portimão also stands out for a large number of cultural activities during the bathing season. Many of these activities are held outdoors and at no cost to visitors. The city's structure is also one of the positive aspects for tourists. Shopping centers, supermarkets, and gyms can be easily found in the streets of Portimão.
Juan Manuel, . Portimao (Faro)
Very good and recommended
Everything very good and recommended for dining at Moments Snack, very kind woman and excellent food.
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