Portimão

Travel Guide

Tres Irmaos Beach which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Portimao showing food
Rocha Beach showing general coastal views and a beach
Rocha Beach which includes a beach
Portimao Museum which includes interior views

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

Rocha Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha

Travellers to Praia da Rocha praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Três Castelos Beach and Algarve Casino.

Praia da Rocha
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Torralta

While visiting Torralta, you might make a stop by sights like Alvor Boardwalk and Tres Irmaos Beach.

Torralta
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes night scenes

Prainha

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Prainha. A stop by Tres Irmaos Beach or Prainha Beach might round out your trip.

Prainha
Portimao featuring food

Portimão City Centre

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Portimão City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Algarve Racing or Portimão Harbor.

Portimão City Centre
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Alcalar

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Alcalar might not have many top sights, but Algarve International Autodrome Raceway and International Kart Circuit are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Alcalar
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Alagoas

While Alagoas isn't home to many top sights, Alvor Boardwalk and Tres Irmaos Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Alagoas
Hotel Algarve Casino
Hotel Algarve Casino
5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
The price is €224 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
€224
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, in a perfect area! Beach, restaurants, shops"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
RR Hotel da Rocha
RR Hotel da Rocha
4 out of 5
Ave Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Very convenient to the beach and restaurants"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

RR Hotel da Rocha
Tivoli Alvor Algarve  Resort
Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort
5 out of 5
Avenida José Saramago, Amoreira, Portimão, Portimão
The price is €428 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
€428
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (135 reviews)
"Everything was perfect. Food, rooms, amenities and service were all great!"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

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
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Portimão Marina and Rocha Beach are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (116 reviews)
Nice, clean and fresh place
"Nice and very clean and fresh hotel. Free parking next to the hotel. Firm beds, good for my taste. Small pool, but lovely Roscha beach 20min walk or 4min by car. Long queue at checkin. Too few power sockets at room to charge your equipment. Dont know if it's a local habit but also this hotel wash ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Mirachoro Portimao
Flor da Rocha
Flor da Rocha
3 out of 5
Rua das Conchas, Sitio dos Castelos, Portimão
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (236 reviews)
"This hotel had a lot of space, with nice apartment style rooms. The front desk staff were very kind and helpful. We enjoyed the terrace and the view from the room. There is a great pool. This is walking distance to the ocean and beaches but we didn't love the area because it is so busy and touristy. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Flor da Rocha
RR Club  Amarilis
RR Club Amarilis
3 out of 5
Edificio Amarilis Avenida V3, Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Rocha Beach and Portimão Marina ...
8/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"The buffet breakfast was excellent. It was nice to have a kitchen available to use."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

RR Club Amarilis
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Portimão

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
40
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
40
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely place, I have been there six times now and will return

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

PLENTY OF PLACES TO EAT AND A FAIR AMOUNT OF FOOD CHOICE.MOST PLACES LIKE THE AQUA SHOPPING CENTRE ARE WALKABLE,ALBEIT UP THE ODD HILL CATHEDRAL AND MUSEUM IN THE TOWN.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Parts are stunning & parts are very trashy Bit of a ghost town out of season, but that’s ok. ✅

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful beach at Praia da Rocha - only 15 minute walk or shuttle bus from hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything was so easy to get to. Transportation was great and hotel were very helpful in giving us directions . We are already looking to book up for next year to meet up with family from ireland ... DEFINITLEY the best place we have ever visited ..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Dockside nice. Lots of trips available