Portimão Algarve – Holiday tips and favourite sights
Portimão (Algarve) tips and recommendations
Beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs and a bustling boulevard full of delicious restaurants. You will find this and much more in the coastal town of Portimão . Thanks to its central location in the Portuguese Algarve, this city is an excellent base for your holiday or long-term stay as an expat or digital nomad, Portimão is a 50-minute drive on the A22 toll road from Faro airport and a 45-minute drive to the west coast.
Discover the wide Praia da Rocha beach, located at the foot of the typical rock formations that the Algarve is rich in and relax under the warm Portuguese sun. Then walk to the marina , where many water activities are organized daily, ranging from kayak tours to dolphin spotting excursions. Hungry? On the Avenida Tomás Cabreira you will find every type of cuisine from all over the world, so you can eat something different every day. This way you can alternate delicious Portuguese meals with Italian or Indian.
Check out my personal recommendations and tips for the most interesting sights, the best activities and hotel tips for Portimão below and get the most out of your visit to this vibrant city! Welcome to Portimão!
🚗 Support a local business: rent your car in the Algarve with Luzcar. Click here to open this panel and read more.
The best car rental company in the Algarve is Luzcar: a small family business with a super score of 4.8/5 on Google Maps. The rental prices always include full insurance, you pay no deposit and the car is ready for you at the airport or in Lagos. Moreover, you do not need a credit card!
Discover all the great conditions and excellent prices on this page. Moreover, you will receive free extras from us if you make a reservation directly.
💬 My experiences in Portimão (click to open)
Portimão is one of the places I like to take family and friends when they fly over when it gets too cold in the Netherlands. A walk along the cliffs and the boulevard above is a nice way to spend the afternoon before we watch the sun set from a lounger on the beach. Of course while enjoying a cocktail.
The morning is an excellent time to explore the nearby Benagil cave and take a walk on the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (the 7 hanging valleys route) where you can see the beautiful rock formations that are depicted on many a postcard. The advantage of being there early is that it is still very quiet and the low hanging sun offers excellent photo opportunities.
The Aqua Portimão shopping centre is where I do all my clothes and electronics shopping as it is the largest shopping centre in the western Algarve. You can easily spend half a day here and pick up cheap clothes, so make sure you leave enough space in your suitcase for the return journe
Portimão top 15 sights
Portimão is an excellent base for exploring the rest of the Algarve thanks to its location between Lagos and Albufeira . Although the focus is mainly on accommodation and restaurants, there are a number of nice sights within walking distance. However, if you want to see more than the old town, the beaches and the atmospheric boulevard, I recommend a car for rent.
These are the top 15 sights in and around Portimão that I recommend visiting
1. Praia da Rocha
Portimão’s main beach is the wide Praia da Rocha . Popular with sun worshippers in the summer and surfers in the autumn, this versatile beach is also the location when a festival is organised. Dotted along the beach you will find a number of restaurants and cafés where you can flop down in a lounger for a cocktail in the sun.
To the east lies the mouth of the Arade River with the adjacent marina (harbour), from where the many water activities that can be found here depart.
2. Avenida Tomás Cabreira
The main street & promenade of Portimão is the Avenida Tomás Cabreira . This one and a half kilometre long road runs into the Rua da Falésia in the west and is full of restaurants, shops and cafés where you can find something to eat and drink from early morning until late at night.
Spread along the street you will find a number of beautiful viewpoints over the beach and the sea, which also make it a magical place for a romantic sunset, or sunrise for the early birds.
3. Museu de Portimão
The Museu de Portimão is an old sardine factory that has been transformed into an interesting museum, while retaining the original factory hall. For just 3 euros you can enter and see all the old machinery, learn about the canning industry of Portimão, a bit of history of the region and the ships that arrived here.
Short films explain how the production of canned sardines and anchovies worked in those days and there are a number of changing art exhibitions. A nice destination for a change from sun & sea
4. Mercado Municipal de Portimão
The largest fresh market in Portimão is the Mercado Municipal de Portimão . This is where the city’s residents do their shopping, from fruit and vegetables to fresh fish and meat.
Directly next to the market hall is a (free) parking lot where you can park your car and then explore the market and the rest of the old center.
The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 07:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 20:00.
5. Igreja Matriz de Portimão
The Igreja Matriz de Portimão , also known as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a 15th century Catholic church in Baroque style.
Admission is free, but the church is not always open so check the opening hours in advance if you want to look inside.
As in most churches in the Algarve, inside you will find a gilded altar and elaborate decorations and sacred art.
6. 3D Fun Art Museum Portimão
A relatively new and extremely funny museum for young and old is the interactive 3D Fun Art Museum Portimão . Here you can take all sorts of crazy pictures of yourself in strange situations.
Without giving too much away, I recommend bringing a charged camera or phone!
Entrance fee is €13.00 per person.
📆 Order tickets & more info (click to unfold)
7. Castelo de São João do Arade
Across the Arade River estuary lies the well-preserved Castelo de São João do Arade castle. Although not open to the public, a walk around the walls provides some nice pictures and a view over Praia da Rocha.
8. Marina de Portimão
The colorful Marina of Portimão is the starting point for the many water activities that you can do in the Algarve. Here you can board a catamaran, sailboat or yacht to go in search of wild dolphins, visit the Benagil cave or sail towards the Ponta de Piedade .
After your trip you can go to one of the restaurants that can be found in and around the harbour for a delicious Portuguese meal. See further down the page all the activities that you can undertake from the harbour.
9. Centro Comercial Aqua Portimão
Book hold luggage because once you start shopping at the huge Centro Comercial Aqua Portimão , one suitcase probably won’t be enough. In this spacious shopping centre you will find all the well-known clothing brands but also a number of boutique shops spread over the three-storey outlet centre.
The extensive food court is the perfect place for a quick bite to eat while shopping, and there is a large covered car park under the shopping centre where you can park your rental car for free.
10. Benagil Cave
One of the most iconic sights in the Algarve is the domed Benagil cave. There are many boat trips organised daily to visit this cave that can only be reached by water. When the sun is in the right position and there is a bit of sea mist, the cave lights up through the hole in the ceiling, which makes for magical pictures.
It is advisable to visit the cave early to avoid the crowds. Further down the page you will find some nice boat trips that go to the Benagil cave.
11. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos , also known as the seven hanging valleys walk , is a walk just outside Portimão where you can walk along the Algarve coastline and view the impressive cliffs from above.
The walk is about 5.7 kilometers one way and runs from Praia de Vale Centianes beach to Praia da Marinha . Near the Benagil cave is a large unpaved parking lot where you have the best chance of getting a parking space in high season.
12. Alvor
Alvor is a small fishing village situated between Lagos and Portimão, next to the mouth of the Odiáxere river. By car it is less than ten minutes from Portimão towards the west.
Small but nice, this village has a number of delicious fish restaurants and a pleasant boulevard from where you can see fishing boats and yachts passing by and mooring.
On the south side you can walk over a long wooden boardwalk through the dune area, which is a popular activity for bird watchers.
13. Ferragudo
Ferragudo is a picturesque fishing village in the Algarve, located at the mouth of the Rio Arade . It is less known and therefore less touristy than some of the other places in the Algarve, which adds to the charm and authenticity of this village.
Ferragudo may be small, but it is rich in traditional Portuguese culture. For example, you will find those typical Portuguese cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses. The village square, Praça Rainha Dona Leonor , has several cozy cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy local dishes, including fresh seafood unloaded that morning from the fishing boats moored along the quay.
14. Sand City Lagoa
If you like sand sculptures, you’re in the right place at Sand City Lagoa . The largest sand sculpture park in the world has multiple themes, from Asia to Disney, from famous people to fictional characters. For the kids there is also a playground and trampoline.
Tip: come in the evening when it is a little cooler and the artworks seem to come to life thanks to the colourful spotlights.
Order tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. The entrance fee is only €12.00 per person
15. Monchique
A short half hour drive north from Lagos you will find the small mountain village of Monchique. Situated one kilometre above sea level, this town and the surrounding hilly landscape are definitely worth a visit.
From the top of Monte Foia you can see for miles across the Algarve on a clear day and see both coasts.
The route itself is reason enough to set off to this mountain village, as you wind your way up past meadows and through forests.
there is also the Caldas de Monchique with a hot water spa and the water spring where the famous portugese bottle water monchique water comes from.
Portimão top 7 activities
Portimão’s beaches and the marina to the east are the perfect hubs for water activities. Dolphin-spotting tours, Benagil cave tours and other sporting activities such as SUP and diving depart from here.
These are the top 7 activities you can do in Portimão:
1. Boat trip to the Benagil cave
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Climb aboard this rugged speedboat and feel the sea breeze in your hair as you cruise along the beautiful Algarve coastline on your way to the famous Benagil cave .
This iconic dome-shaped cave has a round hole in the ceiling through which the sun’s rays shine, magically lighting up the cave.
During this 2-hour tour you will visit several caves and learn all about the natural history of Lagos, Portimão and the surrounding area.
2. Spotting wild dolphins around Portimão
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Have you always wanted to spot wild dolphins ? These fantastic animals can be found daily off the coast of Portimão. Get on board this cool speedboat with the whole family and go in search of Flipper and his friends.
During this 2.5 hour trip there is also time to snorkel in the clear blue waters of the Algarve.
3. Slide & Splash water park
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
If no calendar appears, than the park is still closed for winter.
Slide & Splash Algarve is a huge water park paradise with a total surface area of no less than 10 hectares. Within the fences of this day-filling park you will find various aquatic amusements for all tastes and ages, as well as lawns with sun loungers, areas for animal shows, massages and fish spa, various restaurants and a shop.
4. Arade River Discovery Tour to Silves by Solar Boat
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Explore the beautiful Arade River on an amazing eco -friendly solar powered boat . Embark on a journey full of history from Portimão to Silves, with approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the beautiful medieval town.
On board you can enjoy the explanation about the history of the Arade River while enjoying a glass of wine or soft drink while you hear the birds singing in the background.
The entire excursion lasts approximately 4.5 hours and the departure point is the port of Portimão.
5. Skydive from 10 or 15 thousand feet
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Get an exciting introduction to the world of skydiving with a 10,000 or 15,000 foot Skydive for the ultimate adrenaline rush! Ideal for beginners and those with little experience, the dive will be completed with professional instructors who have thousands of dives under their belt.
Jump with an instructor and a large parachute specially designed for the activity. Experience the thrill and excitement of a free fall of up to 70 seconds and get breathtaking views of the Algarve coastline.
The departure point is the small airport of Alvor, a short ten minute drive from the centre of Faro
6. Vineyard tour and tasting
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
The Algarve is known for its excellent wines produced here. Discover how wine is made on a tour of the Morgado do Quintão vineyard, watching every step of the process.
After the tour you will take a seat in the tasting room and get to taste three of their wines. Of course it is possible to take a bottle or two home with you as a souvenir!
7. Visit Aqualand Algarve
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
If no calendar appears below, the park is still closed for the winter break.
Aqualand Algarve is one of four fantastic water parks that the Algarve has to offer. This water park in Alcantarilha guarantees a day of water fun, which is a popular escape from the heat, especially in high season.
Float in one of the relaxation pools, slide down the (steep) slides and then order a cold ice cream at the snack bar.
Aqualand is the ideal place to visit if you are looking for a change from the beach.
Portimão accommodation tips
Portimão is one of the largest cities in the Algarve, which means there is a wide range of great accommodation options. From huge hotels and resorts where you will want for nothing, to small apartments and cute guesthouses. Most of the action takes place close to Praia da Rocha , but the old town is also a great place to stay to explore the historic city centre. If you are looking for peace and quiet, there are also some nice rural accommodation options just outside the city.
These are my accommodation tips for Portimão:
1. Villa Prana Guesthouse
Villa Prana is a charming and modern guesthouse in the heart of Portimão. The friendly owners are always there for you and organize yoga and provide Ayurveda massages. There are a number of common areas that you can use if you want to cook for yourself, for example.
2. Villa Mariazinha Charming Hotel
Close to the main beach Praia da Rocha lies the super centrally located Villa Mariazinha Charming Hotel. The word ‘charm’ in the name is justified, because it is a converted country house that has managed to retain its atmospheric architectural style. In the morning they serve an excellent breakfast here, so you can start the day full of energy.
3. A.TI.TUDO Nature
Want to stay near Portimão, but away from the hustle and bustle? Then A.TI.TUDO is a little paradise just outside the city. With only a handful of rooms, you can completely relax in one of the cheerfully decorated rooms or at the pool with a view of a hilly landscape. On site there is a restaurant where you can go for breakfast (excellent scrambled eggs!).
Affordable car rental in the Algarve
The best way to discover all the beauty in the Algarve is with a rental car. By renting a car for a few days you can much more easily reach the sights and activities that are not always accessible by public transport.
By renting a car from Luzcar, you are helping a local family business run by Portuguese entrepreneurs. This way you support the local economy and you also get top service, which is often a stark contrast to the large corporations. Luzcar is based in Lagos, but they also offer cars at the airport in Faro. This way you can pick up the car immediately upon arrival and return it at the airport upon departure.
Luzcar’s reputation speaks for itself. Almost 5 out of 5 on Google Maps.
Restaurant tips in Portimão
Portimão has every type of cuisine in the world represented. From excellent Portuguese dishes to sushi that will make you lick your fingers. Most restaurants are located on the promenade overlooking Praia da Rocha, but also hidden behind the apartment buildings you will find a number of hidden gems.
These are my restaurant tips for Portimão:
- NUMA Restaurante. For a refined Portuguese gastronomic experience, NUMA is the place to be. Run by the hospitable owners NUno and MAnuela, a visit to this restaurant will be a highlight of your Algarve adventure. Not only are the dishes of excellent quality, they are also beautifully presented. Reservations are a must.
- La Bruschetta. Fancy a different Southern European cuisine than Portuguese for an evening? Then go on an Italian tour at La Bruschetta. This super small restaurant serves excellent lasagnas, pizzas and of course bruschettas! Takeaway or ordering is also possible.
- Fogo de Chão Portimão. For a luxurious Brazilian all-you-can-eat evening, Fogo de Chão is the place to be. You can help yourself to the salads at the salad bar, but the meat is cut off the spit by the chefs at your table! The tender steak and spare ribs are highly recommended.
Parking in Portimão
Finding a (free) parking spot in Portimão can be a challenge during high season. The streets directly behind Praia da Rocha are all paid parking during high season by means of a ticket. If you don’t feel like searching, I recommend driving straight to a parking garage.
Free parking near Praia da Rocha:
- Av. das Comunidades Lusíadas (approx. 600 meters walk to Praia da Rocha)
- Beco do Sol (400 meters walk to Praia da Rocha)
Free parking near the center of Portimão:
- Av. das Comunidades Lusíadas (200 meters walk to the center)
- Estacionamento Marina Portimão (30-300 meters walk to Praia da Rocha)
- Castelos (600 meters walk to Praia da Rocha
Free parking near the center of Portimão:
- The stadium carpark (200 meters walk to the center)
Paid parking near the center of Portimão :
- Parque de estacionamento Saba Largo 1º de Maio (50 meters walk to the center)
- Parking at the quay (50 meters walk to the center)
- Estacionamento Ribeirinha de Portimão (100-250 meters walk to the center)
The brief history of Portimao
The history of Portimão dates back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by archaeological remains in the region. Already in classical antiquity, the port of Portimão was used by Phoenician and Greek sailors, among others, who used it as a trading post or stopover on the trade route between the Mediterranean and North Africa. Artefacts including gold coins have been found at the bottom of the Arade River that flows past Portimão.
The city has had various rulers over the centuries, including the Romans, Moors and Christians. The name Portimão probably comes from the Latin Portus Magnus , meaning ‘large port’.
During the Moorish rule, which lasted from the 8th to the 13th century, Portimão became known as “Porto de Ibn Arruna”. The Moors contributed to the agricultural development of the region and left their mark on the architecture, such as the Castle of Silves, which served as an important strategic point.
In 1249, Portimão was conquered by the Christian king Afonso III during the Reconquista. The city was repopulated and began a new phase of growth. Seafaring and trade were given a boost, and the castle of Silves lost its military importance.
In the 15th century, Portimão became an important fishing port and trading centre. The Portuguese explorers’ voyages contributed to the city’s prosperity. The Arade River, which flows through Portimão, played a crucial role in trade.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Portimão witnessed periods of economic decline, caused by wars and natural disasters. Despite this, the city continued to develop as an important maritime centre.
In the 20th century, Portimão began to evolve into a tourist destination. However, fishing remained of great importance. In recent decades, the city has developed with modern amenities, tourist infrastructure and a thriving fishing and maritime sector. Portimão’s historic charm, combined with its beaches and cultural heritage, makes it an attractive destination on the beautiful Algarve coast.
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
Magical Portugal
Welcome to Magical Portugal. Your #1 tourism guide to Portugal
Inspiration in your inbox
Highlights
