PORTIMÃO
Once the centre of the region’s fishing industry, Portimão is better known today as a vibrant tourism hub. The old town’s 18th-century veneer, the landscaped riverfront and several highly regarded visitor attractions help to showcase this busy port. Leisure options, meanwhile, include a fabulous beach, an international marina and a fascinating offshore diving site.
NEED TO KNOW
Visitor information: Teatro Municipal de Portimão, Largo 1º de Dezembro; (282) 402 487; open 9:30am–5:30pm Mon–Fri
Teatro Municipal de Portimão: Largo 1º de Dezembro; open Tue–Sat
Museu de Portimão: Rua D. Carlos I; open Aug: 3–11pm Wed–Sun, 7:30–11pm Tue; Sep–Jul: 10am–6pm Wed–Sun, 2:30–6pm Tue; adm; www.museudeportimao.pt
Igreja do Antigo Colégio da Companhia de Jesus: open 8am–12:30pm & 3:30–5:30pm Mon–Fri
Monumentos Magaliticos de Alcalar: Mexilhoeira Grande; (282) 471 410; open Aug: 10am–1pm & 2–6pm Tue–Sat; Sep–July: 10am–1pm & 2–4:30pm Tue–Sat; adm
- Sightseeing cruises along the Rio Arade and to the coast depart from the esplanade.
- The 17th-century Fortaleza da Santa Catarina, at the eastern end of Praia da Rocha, offers fine views.
- For a romantic dinner, book a table at Vista Restaurant (Avenida Tomás Cabreira, Praia da Rocha; www.vistarestaurante.com).
1. Marina de Portimão
At the mouth of the Rio Arade, the marina provides 620 pontoon berths for watercraft up to 50 m (165 ft). Shops, restaurants and bars line the boardwalk near the beach.
The Marina de Portimão
2. Museu de Portimão
Occupying a former cannery, this award-winning museum traces the town’s prehistoric, Roman and Islamic heritage (see Museu de Portimão). Its fish-canning industry is also explored.
Museu de Portimão
3. Teatro Municipal de Portimão
This first-class performing arts venue stages regular music concerts, theatre productions and contemporary dance acts. There is also a café upstairs.
4. Monumentos Megalíticos de Alcalar
One of the region’s most important archaeological sites lies 10 km (6 miles) away at Alcalar. A 5,000-year-old megalithic burial chamber is the main sight.
5. Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
Prestigious motorsport tournaments and a classic-car festival are hosted at this racetrack, 15 km (9 miles) north of Portimão.
The racetrack at Portimao
6. Quinta da Penina
Guided tours of the winery (see Quinta da Penina) followed by tastings can be booked in advance at this highly regarded vineyard, situated 8.5 km (5 miles) northwest of Portimão. Prices vary depending on the number of participants.
7. Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha is named after its beach (see Praia da Rocha, Portimão), one of the most impressive in the Algarve. The resort’s plethora of hotels, nightclubs and restaurants is a magnet for Portimão residents and holiday-makers.
The festive beaches of Praia da rocha
8. Ocean Revival Park
Submerged 4 km (2 miles) off the coast are four decommissioned navy vessels sunk to create a fascinating artificial reef. You can explore the site through diving centres certified by the park (see Portimão).
9. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Little is left of the original church, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The portico, however, survived and remains a fine example of 15th-century architecture.
The portico of what remains of the church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
10. Igreja do Antigo Colégio da Companhia de Jesus
The imposing pyramid-like façade of this remarkable 17th-century structure provides the old town with a unique architectural reference point. The interior features Baroque altarpieces and the tomb of Diogo Gonçalves, the church’s founder.
MARITIME HERITAGE
Portimão’s history is bound up with the river and the sea. The Romans settled here for the Arade Waterway, a valuable gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. In the modern era, a prosperous fishing and canning industry developed. Inevitably, the passage of time saw fish stocks depleted and factories closed down. The tide turned, however, with the rise in tourism. Today, a fleet of sight-seeing boats navigate the estuary, and the town welcomes cruise liners from around the world.
