Portimão

Travel Guide
Portimao showing food
Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade, wander around the shop-lined pedestrianized streets of the old quarter and dine on fresh seafood at outdoor cafés.

The biggest town in the Western Algarve, Portimão is packed with shops, appealing restaurants and cafés, and a handful of historic sites and attractions. Explore the city streets on foot and absorb the laid-back atmosphere, then hit the beach just south of town for a fix of sun, sea and sand.

Up until the 1980s, Portimão’s docks would have been packed with fishing boats, with the town serving as a center for sardine fishing and processing. Today, however, the fishing industry has been overtaken by tourism and retail, and the town draws visitors who want to shop and dine amid pleasant surrounds.

Start by strolling around the historic center of town, where much of the architecture dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Look for historic religious buildings such as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, parts of which date back to the 15th century. Venture inside to inspect the hand-painted azulejo tiles up close.

Find out more about the town’s fishing heritage at the award-winning Museu de Portimão. Set in the building that once served as the town’s fish cannery, the museum tells the story of the town’s fishing industry as well as documenting the human history of the region from prehistoric times to the modern day.

If you need somewhere to rest, stop for a break in the Jardim Visconde Bivar on the riverfront. Many restaurants along the riverfront Ribeirinha serve delicious fresh seafood. Grilled sardines are considered a local specialty.

Just south of town is Praia da Rocha, one of the most well-known beach resorts in the Algarve. Spend days on the golden-sand beaches, sunning and swimming, then experience the resort’s nightlife in its many bars and clubs.

The nearest commercial airport to Portimão is in Faro, about 43 miles (70 kilometers) away. Trains and buses connect Faro to Portimão. Portimão itself is walkable, with the beach of Praia da Rocha just a 30-minute stroll or a short bus ride from town.

Where to stay in Portimão

Hotel Da Rocha
Hotel Da Rocha
4 out of 5
Ave Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, 8500-802
The price is €108 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
€108
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the comfy beds in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (776 reviews)
"Location, room layout, view and restaurante"

Reviewed on 25 May 2023

Hotel Da Rocha
Hotel Algarve Casino
Hotel Algarve Casino
5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro, 8500-802
The price is €121 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
€121
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (894 reviews)
"Great pools and parks for the kids and adults. I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 27 May 2023

Hotel Algarve Casino
Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort
Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort
5 out of 5
EM531 - Quinta da Amoreira, Alvor, Portimão, Faro, 8500
The price is €292 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
€292
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Tres Irmaos Beach and Pestana Alto Golf ...
8/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
""I want to share my review of Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort. Firstly, the check-in process was very efficient and the staff members were friendly. They kindly introduced me to the room and provided me with all the necessary information, which made me feel very comfortable and excited to start my vacation. ..."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2023

Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mirachoro Portimao
Mirachoro Portimao
3 out of 5
Rua João Simões Tavares Lote 58, Portimão, 8500-293
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (24 reviews)
"Good apartment. The only thing we were missing was a kettle."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2022

Mirachoro Portimao
Tivoli Marina Portimao
Tivoli Marina Portimao
4 out of 5
Marina Portimao, Portimão, 8500-843
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the quiet rooms and the overall value ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (615 reviews)
"Overall, a very nice place to stay. The staff was friendly and helpful. Our only criticism is that the breakfast didn't have many items for those who want to eat fresh, healthy and low-carb food."

Reviewed on 27 May 2023

Tivoli Marina Portimao
Turim Algarve Mor Hotel
Turim Algarve Mor Hotel
3 out of 5
Av. Tomas Cabreira, Portimão, 8500-802
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy an outdoor pool, WiFi and on-site parking. Popular attractions Rocha Beach and Praia da Marina are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (9 reviews)
"Sea view was spectacular, close to restaurants and shops! The front desk staff, were accommodating and helpful!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2022

Turim Algarve Mor Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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