A Local’s Guide to Portimão, Portugal
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Portimão, the second largest city in the Algarve, has a long history, having been first settled during the Neolithic age. Since then, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and the Moros used this strategic location as a trading post. Some even claim that Vikings tried to capture it at some point.
As a coastal town, Portimão has a deep connection to the ocean. In the 19th century, what was once a tiny fishing village was transformed into a small city by the creation and subsequent prosperity of the canned fish industry. Nowadays, Portimão is best known as a beach destination, for both domestic and international tourists.
It’s a pleasant place to while away a few days in the sun. Wander the Old Town's cobblestones, admire medieval churches, browse the local shops, eat some tasty seafood, and, of course, hit the beach! While the fabulous Praia da Rocha is top of most visitors’ lists and some may essentially never leave the beach, you also have the chance to get an adrenaline rush at thenearby racetrrack or by skydiving over the Alvor coastline.
Portimão also makes for a good base to explore the region, especially the Monchique mountains and the historic city of Silves, home to very Islamic-influenced architecture.
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Table of contents
Where is Portimão
How to get there
What to do in Portimão
Restaurants & dining in Portimão
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Where is Portimão
Portimão is located in far southwest of Portugal. It’s part of the Algarve region, and it is located on the western side of it. Lisbon is 280 kilometers (170 miles) away whereas the regional capital of Faro is 65 km (40 miles).
This part of Portugal is mostly flat, dry, and fairly arid. The coastline is rocky and cliffs run along much of it - breaking periodically to reveal beautiful wide sandy beaches.
The Costa Vicentina Nature Park is just northwest of Portimão, while to its immediate north you have the low Monchique Mountains.
How to get to Portimão
By plane
If arriving from outside of Portugal, getting to Portimão will usually mean first flying to Lisbon and then catching a connecting flight to Faro, the regional capital of the Algarve. If you’re in Europe, many cities have direct flights to Faro.
No matter how you arrive to Faro, you’ll need to then take a car, train, or bus to get to Portimão. Flights from Lisbon to Faro take 45 minutes and the 70 km journey from Faro to Portimão takes about one hour.
If you fly into Lisbon, you can also catch a bus or train to Portimão.
If you’re coming from North America, Faro Airport has direct flight connections with Toronto, Canada and Newark, New Jersey. For Americans, beginning in May 2024 United Airlines will offer 4 weekly direct flights between Newark Airport and Faro Airport.
By bus
From Lisbon, direct buses to Portimão run daily, with multiple departures. Two companies operate the route: Flixbus and Rede Expressos. The journey takes about 4 hours and tickets cost from 10-20 euros.
From Faro, you have local buses to Portimão that depart frequently throughout the day. The journey takes 1-1.5 hours and tickets cost 2.99 euros. If you fly into Faro and then want to take the bus to Portimão, know that they depart from the city center, not the airport, so you’ll have to take a taxi to the bus terminal to catch your ride.
By train
From Lisbon, you can take the train to Portimão via the national rail service, Comboios de Portugal. There are no direct trains though, so you will have to make a change in the city of Tunes. The journey takes 3.5-5 hours and tickets usually cost around 30 euros.
From Faro, you have many daily train departures to Portimão. The journey takes 1.5-2 hours depending on the train and tickets cost 6.00€. Like with the bus, the Faro train station is in the city center, so you’ll need to get into town from the airport.
Shared shuttles
There are plenty of private, shared shuttle services that go from Faro airport to Lagos. available for booking Faro to Lagos you have other more convenient transportation options. Tickets cost about 20€ and they’ve available all throughout the day. You can book online in advance or directly on arrival.
By taxi, uber, or private transfer
Uber/Bolt, taxis, and private transfers are also always available from Faro Airport, Faro city center, and just about anywhere else in the Algarve. From Faro to Portimão, figure that a ride will cost from 90€, one way. Also, keep in mind these rates increase when traveling during nighttime or carrying heavy luggage.
By car
From Lisbon, getting to Portimão by car is very easy. You just drive the A2 highway the entire way. The journey takes a bit less than 3 hours.
From Faro, the drive to Portimão takes about 50 minutes. You can pick up a car rental directly at Faro airport or in the city center. When driving, you have two routes - the A22 highway and the EN125 national road. The highway is quicker, but the national road is more scenic and better if you want to stop at towns along your route. It also has no tolls.
Renting a car
Portimão has a few rental agencies in town, but the selection can be limited, especially in high season. Faro, where the international airport is, has far more rental agencies and usually better prices too.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites:
DiscoverCars includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
AutoEurope tends to be more expensive, but they only list options from large, well-reviewed companies and their customer service is excellent. Their deals often include “zero deductible” (i.e. full coverage) rental insurance.
Best time to visit
Summer - Too crowded (and hot!)
As a local, and as a hotelier, I always recommend that travelers avoid the peak season of July and August. This far and away the busiest period of the year and you’ll find crowds everywhere and sky-high prices. If you’re looking for a relaxing time soaking up the sun, summer is really not the time to come.
Spring and early fall - Best time to visit
The best of year to visit the Portimão (and the Algarve in general) is between April and early June and from the second half of Spetember to early November. These months are what we refer to as mid-season. It’s still fairly busy, but nowhere near what you get in summer.
The weather is also warm enough for swimming and other outdoor activities, but not scorching hot. Hotel rates are also much better than over the summer.
Winter - Surprisingly nice
Visiting Portimão during winter is always a great alternative. It won’t be beach weather and you’ll need to pack a sweater, but you’ll find mostly sunny days with temperatures around 15C (60F), perfect for hiking, cycling, beach walks, and golf.
However, if you come in winter you should know that most restaurants and hotels are closed for the season and will only reopen in springtime.
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How long to spend in Portimão
Although Portimão is the second largest city in the Algarve, it’s population is still just 50,000. It’s a small city, so three days is enough time to visit the main landmarks and see some of the surrounding area without rushing. That said, if you’re planning to visit more of this part of the Algarve, Portimão’s good location and access to amenities make it an excellent base for a week (or more) of exploring.
If you have three days in Portimão you should dedicate your first to exploring the town itself, your second to enjoying the local beaches, gorgeous Praia da Rocha chief among them, and your third for a day trip to the surrounding coast and nearby villages of Alvor and Ferragudo.
In Portimão town proper, you should go for a wander in the Old Town and visit, stopping to go inside two churches, the Igreja Matriz de Portimão and the Colégio dos Jesuítas. As you wander, you’ll come across plenty of restaurants, local shops, and cafés where you can have a quick bite and a look around. I also always recommend walking along the city’s Arade River and visiting the city museum. The museum is small, making for a quick, but interesting visit.
Where to stay in Portimão
With so many places to choose from, I know what a nightmare it can be trying to pick hotels. So, here are a couple of my recommendations.
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux - Set in an early-20th-century estate, this was the first hotel in Portimão. It has three distinct buildings that have rooms for guests: the Palace, the Blue House, and the Garden House. Inside the Palace, each room has it’s own unique decor, styled to represent the character of the building.
For a perfect luxury experience, book a massage at the hotel’s spa, the only L’Occitane Spa in the Algarve, and enjoy dinner at their Michelin-starred Vista restaurant. Accommodation rates start at 450€ per night during the high season.
Hotel da Rocha - Located on the busy Avenida Tomás Cabreira in Praia da Rocha, this is a beachfront hotel with spacious suites and stunning ocean views. The location is fantastic, and the rates very reasonable. Within five minutes walking distance you'll find several restaurants and bars. The beach is just outside your door.
Accommodation rates range from 100€ to 200€ per night for a standard double suite.
NH Marina Portimão Resort - Located in Marina de Portimão, the colorful buildings of NH Marina Portimão Resort stand out even from afar. This hotel is perfect for travelers who want all the facilities and the beach within walking distance. Enjoy an afternoon by the pool or sit and admire the views of Ferragudo across the Arade River.
Rates here vary significantly depending on the season, with summer prices between 150 and 300€ and winter prices as low as 70€.
What to see & do in Portimão
1. Visit Portimão’s town center
In the city center, you’ll find pleasant streets lined with café and stores. Have a wander and then stop and do like everyone else you’ll be seeing - grab an expresso and snack on a pastel de nata. I like to sit for a bit in the Jardim 1º de Dezembro garden and browse little local shops for traditional Portuguese handicrafts, produce, and wine.
If you get hungry again, stop at Casa da Isabel and delight yourself with the homemade Algarvian sweets.
2. Visit the Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas
Built in the 17th century by the Jesuits, the grand facade of this church is deceiving; the interior is quite austere and humble. Over the years, the city council and Portimão parish have worked together to restore the church to its glory.
3. Visit the Igreja Matriz church
Within a short walk from Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas is the Igreja Matriz. Built in the 15th century, this is the oldest church in Portimão. After it was severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake, the church was rebuilt with only one bell tower instead of two as it was originally designed. The church’s varied architectural styles reflect its construction and renovations over different time periods.
4. Take a boat tour to Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha
In Praia da Rocha’s marina, boat tour companies leave almost every hour. Join one and go on a tour of the famous Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha. I recommend you book with Algarve Cave Captain. Ricardo’s experience and knowledge of the coastline will surprise you.
Benagil Cave
5. Go to the city’s museum
Located inside an old canned fish factory, the city museum is the place to go to learn more about the region’s history. The permanent exhibitions show visitors several artifacts dating back to the Neolithic, Roman, and Moorish occupation as well as some neat medieval cannons retrieved from the Arade River nearby. You’ll also find a dedicated section showing how the factory used to operate.
6. Enjoy an evening walk along the riverside
The boardwalk along the Arade River is perfect for an evening walk during a hot summer night. Enjoy the night breeze and stop for artisanal ice cream at N’Ice Cream near Visconde Bívar gardens.
7. Admire the Santa Catarina Fortress
Overlooking the Arade River at Praia da Rocha, the Santa Catarina Fortress was built in the 17th century to protect Portimão and nearby Silves. It’s open year round and is a great spot to catch views of the area.
8. Lounge on Praia da Rocha beach and wander its cliff walk
Praia da Rocha is the most well-known beach in Portimão. Its fine golden sand stretches begins at the marina’s pier to and stretches out to a fabulous viewpoint at its far tip.
On the cliffs, there are many bars, restaurants, and hotels ready to cater to all your needs. If you’re thinking about a night out or some drinks, this is where to do it.
To enjoy the coastline from a different perspective, head up onto the cliffs at Praia da Rocha and take a scenic 5 kilometer walk to the nearby town of Alvor. The cliffwalk starts at Santa Catarina Fortress. Follow the trail and you’ll pass by small beaches and towering cliffs as you make your way to the path’s end at Alvor’s amazing Torralta beach.
Praia da Rocha. Photo: Peter K Burian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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9. Go kayaking or paddle boarding in Joao D’Arens
João D’Arens is the beautiful cliff formation between Praia do Alemão and Alvor, and the last natural seascape in Portimão. Although you can walk along the cliffs, the best way to visit is on a kayak or paddleboard. You can find guided tours leaving Portimão harbor daily.
10. Join a hot air balloon ride at sunrise
Floating above the clouds and watching the sunrise over Alvor’s coastline is a sight to feast your eyes upon. Join this relaxing experience and see the Western Algarve from a different point of view.
11. Go skydiving in Alvor
Skydiving above Alvor is the ultimate adrenaline rush! Whether you’re an experienced skydiver or a beginner, there are options for everyone. Book your skydiving experience, observe the striking views, and land on a golden sand beach!
12. Drive a race car
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a race car? At Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, you can choose the racecar you’ll be driving and experience the ups and downs of an F1 racetrack professional drivers nicknamed “The Rollercoaster”.
13. Go scuba diving
If you’re an experienced diver, Portimão is the right place for you. The Ocean Revival is the largest artificial reef in Europe, made of sunken warships from the Portuguese Navy Fleet, sitting at a maximum depth of 30 meters.
14. Try local oysters and join a wine tasting tour
In Alvor, you’ll learn how the oysters are produced and later taste them with a bottle of the local Negramole grapes.
15. Visit nearby Monchique and Silves
Monchique is a small village, secluded in the mountains you see north of Portimão. At Fóia, the highest point in all of Algarve, you’ll find astonishing views of the mountain range extending to the ocean.
In Silves, you’ll find a fairytale castle and its red walls surrounding the oldest part of the city. Wander the streets and visit the Sé Catedhral, the museum, and the Castle.
16. Head out to Ferragudo
While staying in Portimão, you’ll notice a small village across the Arade River. It’s Ferragudo, a 500-year-old fishing village with plenty to visit. Enjoy the views from the church’s entrance, wander the narrow cobbled streets of traditional Portuguese houses, and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
17. Take a day trip to Alvor
This is another fishing village located west of Portimão. There, you’ll find a charming location, stunning beaches, and a boardwalk along the riverside, perfect for birdwatching. If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, Alvor is the place to go.
At Pedro Alvares Cabral Street, you’ll find many bars and restaurants (some with rooftops) for a memorable night out.
Ferragudo
Restaurants in Portimão
In both Portimão city and in all of the nearby villages, you’ll find many excellent restaurants serving good local food. Below I’ve shared 3 of my favorites.
Casa da Rocha
Located at Praia da Rocha, this traditional Portuguese house hides one of the best restaurants in town. Besides the typical cataplanas and seafood rice, Casa da Rocha offers a great variety of the freshest local fish.
Pair some homemade food with a stunning view over the ocean, and you’ll have the recipe for an unforgettable meal.
Caniço
Carved onto the cliffs at Praia do Caniço, near Alvor, this restaurant combines a striking beach view with the most exquisite local fish and seafood. I advise booking in advance to guarantee availability, especially during the summer.
Taberna da Maré
At Portimão old town, Taberna da Maré depicts the traditional small, family-run restaurant. The unpretentious menu offers homemade food cooked by the most experienced hands.
Try the Carapaus Alimados, Grilled Sardines or Açorda de Marisco. You’ll see how difficult it’ll be to decide which is your favorite.
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