Travel Guide of Portimão in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers
Portimão is a town and a municipality in the district of Faro, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 55,614, in an area of 182.06 km². It was formerly known as Vila Nova de Portimão. In 1924, it was incorporated as a cidade and became known merely as Portimão.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Portimão
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha is a beach and built up area on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern section of the concelho of Portimão, Algarve, southern Portugal.
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2 - Carvoeiro
7 km away
Carvoeiro, or more commonly Praia de Carvoeiro, is a town and a former civil parish in the municipality of Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Lagoa e Carvoeiro. The population in 2011 was 2,721, in an area of 11.66 km². It is located about 5 kilometres south of Lagoa.
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3 - Stand up Paddle in Armação de Pêra
11 km away
Exploring the Algarve coast is something you can't miss when visiting southern Portugal. Blue Xperiences will take you on an amazing SUP excursion to the Benagil Cave, the highlight of the area! SUP, short for stand up paddle, is one of the most rela...
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4 - Fortaleza de Santa Catarina
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5 - Silves Cathedral
11 km away
The Silves Cathedral is a former cathedral in the city of Silves, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. A mosque, built during the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula, was originally located in its current place, and was later mostly restructured and converted into a Catholic cathedral after the Reconquista.
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6 - Jet Boating in Lagos
12 km away
Experience Lagos on this ultimate jet boating tour that's packed with thrilling slides, spin-outs and power stop splashes! This 45-minute Jet Boat ride combines breathtaking scenery with thrilling slides, spin-outs, and power stop splashes! Enjoy the...
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7 - Praia do Carvalho
11 km away
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8 - Praia da Marinha
12 km away
Praia da Marinha is one of the most emblematic beaches of Portugal with Mediterranean climate, located on the Atlantic coast in Caramujeira, in Lagoa Municipality, Algarve, and considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world.
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9 - Surfing in Lagos
16 km away
Enjoy surfing like a pro and learn how to nail those crystal turns in Praia da Luz surf lessons, thanks to the heroes of the coast.Forget the winter and head south, you'll find a place where the sun never sets and the surf never rests: Portugal's Alg...
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10 - Praia da Batata
12 km away
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11 - Ponta Da Piedade
13 km away
Ponta da Piedade is a headland with a group of rock formations along the coastline of the town of Lagos, in the Portuguese region of the Algarve.
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12 - Boat Tours in Portimão
Join our Private Full Caves Circuit and Coast Sightseeing from Portimao to Benagil Caves. Discover this magnificent journey through the unique Algarve Coast. Discover the most beautiful caves in the world, the Benagil caves in southern Portugal. ...
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13 - Lagos
13 km away
Lagos is a municipality at the mouth of Bensafrim River and along the Atlantic Ocean, in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, in southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 31,049, in an area of 212.99 km². The main town of Lagos has a population of approximately 22,000.
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14 - Praia Dona Ana
13 km away
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15 - Tours & Sightseeing | Benagil Caves Boat Tours
12 km away
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the most breathtaking wild beaches in the municipality of Lagoa. Marvel at the awe-inspiring rock formations and intriguing sites like the "Rock Lady" Chapel and the Praia Nova Tunnel. Explore iconic landmarks such as Praia da Cova Redonda and Praia da Marinha. This tour includes a stop to relish the sight of the Marinha Arches, the whimsical “Yellow Submarine”, and the captivating Albandeira Arch. The boat is specially designed to navigate through all the caves, featuring the spectacular Captains Cave and the renowned Benagil Cave. This 1.5-hour tour beautifully distills the best of the coast into an adventure that will linger in your memory for a lifetime. So why wait? Secure a ticket for this dazzling coastal escapade today!
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16 - Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
14 km away
Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a small fishing community and beach on the Atlantic coast of the civil parish/freguesia of Porches in the municipality/concelho of Lagoa in Portugal.
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17 - Praia dos Salgados
17 km away
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18 - São Rafael Beach
24 km away
Praia de São Rafael is a beach on the Atlantic south coast of the Algarve, close to the village resort of Sesmarias which is within the Municipality of Albufeira, Portugal.
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Pictures and Stories of Portimão from Influencers
9 pictures of Portimão from Etienne Girardet, Humphrey Muleba, Mihail Kostov and other travelers
- For blue, blue skies Portimao, Portugal ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Myriam Olmand | ©Unsplash
- end of season on this portuguese beach ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Etienne Girardet | ©Unsplash
- sunbath in stormy weather ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Etienne Girardet | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Portimão ?
Travel to Portimão if you like:
🏖️ Beach 🏨 Resort ️🏜️ Natural archHow to visit Portimão ?
Why traveling to Portimão?
Portimão, located in the stunning Algarve region of Portugal, is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of culture, beautiful beaches, and adventure. With its rich history, picturesque marina, and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this charming coastal town.
How to get there?
The closest airport to Portimão is Faro Airport (FAO), which is around 70 km away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation (bus or train) to reach Portimão. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your mode of transportation. Alternatively, you can also fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take a train or bus from there, which takes around 3-4 hours.
What to book in advance?
It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season (June to September), as Portimão tends to get quite busy. If you plan on taking any guided tours, attending events, or trying water sports, it's a good idea to book those in advance as well.
What are the costs?
Portimão is considered a relatively affordable destination compared to other European cities. Accommodation prices range from €30 to €150 per night, depending on the type and location. Meals at restaurants typically cost between €10 and €30 per person. Public transportation is quite affordable, with single bus tickets costing around €2, while a taxi ride within the city usually costs between €5 and €10.
Best things to do
1. Relax on the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters.
2. Stroll around the picturesque Marina de Portimão and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
3. Visit the historic Fort of Santa Catarina for stunning views of the coastline.
4. Explore the Algarve's caves and coastline by taking a boat tour.
5. Try your hand at various water sports, such as kayaking, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.
Where to eat?
1. Restaurante F - Known for its delicious seafood dishes and stunning views of the marina.
2. A Tasca - A cozy restaurant offering traditional Portuguese cuisine.
3. NoSoloÁgua Portimão - A beachside restaurant with a diverse menu and beautiful views of the ocean.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Algarve Casino - A luxury beachfront hotel with a casino, spa, and various dining options.
2. Tivoli Marina Portimão - A 4-star hotel located near the marina, offering spacious rooms and excellent facilities.
3. Jupiter Marina Hotel - A stylish and modern hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, located close to the city center.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual and authentic experience in Portimão, head to the nearby village of Alvor. This charming fishing village offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with narrow cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and a stunning estuary. Here, you can spend a day exploring the local shops, indulging in fresh seafood at the harbor, or taking a peaceful walk along the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve's boardwalk.
Learn More about Portimão
Portimão is a port city located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It is known for its old neighborhood, its lively marina, and its proximity to many beaches. Although the beaches of Portimão are the main reason why many travelers come to this city, the truth is that when you visit Portimão, you will be surprised by its hidden gems!
Although its origins remain mysterious, the fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar is said to date back to the 15th century. To discover the remains of this fortress, you will have to walk. But this makes the visit even more enjoyable! Once there, you can admire a splendid view of the marina, the Praia da Rocha, and in the distance, the village of Ferragudo.
It would be unthinkable to visit Portimão without enjoying the gently animated atmosphere of the docks. The Ribeirinha offers a very pleasant walk along the Silves. During the day, you can walk from the docks to the Praca de Bivar, walking along the palm trees and stopping on the benches to enjoy the scenery. It is without a doubt one of the liveliest places in the city.
Visit this former 19th-century canning factory to learn more about the city's history, which now houses the Portimão Museum. You will find relics dating from prehistoric times to the industrial development of the city.
Visiting Portimão is an opportunity to discover the architectural heritage of the Algarve, a mixture of Arab and Iberian influences. The Matriz church is an example located in a charming square that is worth a visit.
It is impossible to visit Portimão without stopping at the beautiful beaches along the coastline. After all, most visitors come here to enjoy it! The beaches of Portimão are a credit to the beauty of the Algarve. Here are the most beautiful ones: Praia da Rocha: this is one of the most famous and lively beaches in Portugal. The Praia dos Três Castelos, protected by golden rocks, offers more privacy and Praia dos Tres Irmaos is an idyllic beach is dotted with ocher cliffs, which contain unique fauna and flora.
Explore the surrounding landscape of Portimão. Varandas Sobre o Mar is a hiking route not to be missed during your vacation! It takes you to the heart of the golden cliffs of the coast, to discover the coastline. You will come across rich biodiversity, without forgetting the superb views of the Atlantic Ocean. A real moment of escape.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Portimão
The city of Portimão offers various modes of transportation, bus, cab or car, as you wish.
The public transport network of the city of Portimão is the Vai e Vem. The network is made up of 10 bus lines, ideal for getting around the city. The company Taxiarade Rádio Táxis Arade de Portimão allows travelers to move around the city. However, the traffic is difficult in the old city because the streets are narrow.
You have the possibility to stay in the historical center of Portimão. You will find hotels and many Airbnb such as Next Inn. This solution allows you to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the city, without forgetting its nightlife.
But you will also find a wide range of accommodation in Praia da Rocha. This is where resorts and all-inclusive hotels like Hotel da Rocha or Hotel Algarve Casino are located. Finally, renting a villa on the coast is a great option, allowing you to enjoy everything the Algarve has to offer.
To go to Portimão from Faro is possible via different transport, by car it will take you 45 minutes. The bus 57 takes 1h40 from Faro hospital to Portimão, and the train Re takes 1h30 and passes very frequently.
Where to Stay in Portimão
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More Travel spots to explore around Portimão
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Portimão
🏖️ Beach spots ️🏜️ Natural arch spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏨 Resort spots 🚢 Lighthouse spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🌊 Ocean spotsTravel map of Portimão
Explore popular touristic places around Portimão
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