The city of Portimão, formerly known Vila Nova de Portimão, is situated in the district of Faro, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal; exploring this old fishing and shipbuilding town will be a breeze to experience. The city offers plenty of leisure activities, historical monuments, beautiful landscapes, and immense sunshine! Depending on what you wish to do, there is an activity for all, from adventure and watersports that are vastly popular in the Algarve region, to full relaxation activities such as shopping, light sightseeing, and indulging in the delicious, and fresh seafood and fish cuisine, the city of Portimão has to offer.
You will be bound to love the area of Portimão, whether it be for a weekend escape in the sunny Algarve or settling down in this coastal region of Portugal permanently!
What used to be a 19th-century fish cannery, is now an ultra modernist, and award-winning museum; showcasing exhibitions in archaeology, underwater findings, and an exhibition recreating fish canning assembly line. A perfect museum to experience with children, learning about the fishing sector.
This wonderful beach is surrounded by cliffs, golden sands, and crystalline waters, this 1 km stretch of beachline is adored by fellow Portuguese and tourists alike, as it not only is a perfect spot for a beach day but it is also is within close proximity of many bars, restaurants, and nightlife!
Considered the first fortification in the region of Portimao, a watchtower for the Castle of Arade, located in a hillock, overlooking the left margin of the Portimao estuary of the Arade River, surrounded by two popular beaches, the Praia da Angrinha and Praia Grande.
The Marina of Portimão is within the Arade River estuary, over 25-hectares of the marina, surrounded by the historical fortress of Santa Catarina, and luxury condominiums with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops. Marina of Portimão has been honoured with a 5 Anchor rating from the International Gold Anchor Awards by the prestigious Yacht Harbour Association of the British Marine Federation. A lovely area to enjoy a stroll on a sunny day!
Transportation Getting around the city of Portimão can be easily made on foot, if you are venturing towards the outskirts of the city, best to grab a taxi, or uber service to get around. It is always best, to wear comfortable shoes while sightseeing through the city, as you may be roaming around all day, especially in the summer season. Portugal has great transportation options with buses and trains that connect you to major cities in the Algarve region, see here for more information.
Weather The Algarve offers 3000 hours of sun per year and a weak average precipitation rate. Winter exists but is normally short, rainy, and soft, with temperatures going from 10ºC (min) to 18ºC (max) on average. Spring is always uncertain in terms of rain, but temperatures normally go from 12ºC (min) to 22ºC (max).
Summer in the Algarve is long, hot, and dry, extending from the middle of May to the end of September, with temperatures oscillating between 19ºC (min) and 30ºC (max), on average. The interior is much hotter than at the coastline. The highest ever recorded temperature in the Algarve was 44ºC at the Faro Airport region in July 2004. Autumn normally begins with the first rains of October and an average temperature drop to about 16ºC (min) and 25ºC (max).
Restaurants & Bars Portugal may not have had the same media attention as Spain or Italy or France in Europe, but its gastronomy is world renown and all Portuguese locals know the true value of a proper meal paired with the right wine and with the best table with friends and family. The Algarve is no exception. Dive into the local dishes and let yourself be blown away. Here follow a few of our recommendations for a few fantastic dining and bar experiences in Portimão:
Airport The closest airport to Portimão is Faro International Airport (FAO). It is currently the third-largest airport in terms of traffic in Portugal just after Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon) and Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto). Currently, most of the movements registered at the Faro International Airport are due to the large increase in the low-cost connections, increasing its influence in the southwestern corner of the country. To cope with increased traffic, the airport has been expanded and substantially modernized in recent years featuring a track with 2,490 meters of length and 45 of width by which can receive all types of airplanes.
Beaches The whole Algarve is known for its stunning vivid beaches. This region is blessed with an astonishing coastline of towering cliffs, hidden coves, and vast expanses of pristine sands. There are beaches for anyone: family beaches, sunbathing beaches, and wind-swept beaches for surfers; the most popular beaches within Portimão are: Praia dos Tres Castelos, Praia do Vau, Prais da Rocha, Praia da Marina de Portimão, Praia Grande, Praia do Submarino.
Shopping Shopping in Portimao is amongst the most fun things that you can do on your Algarve trip. For centuries the city's seaside traditions have influenced local craftsmen and in their shops, you find real art pieces. Imaginative shops display ceramics, arts, and decorations created by local designers, while clothes retailers offer sophisticated designer items. The closest major shopping spots in Portimao are Aqua Portimao shopping center and Portimao retail park.
