The 11 essential things to do in Portimão • Wanderlix

You stay in Algarve and the envy takes you to discover the beautiful city of Portimão? In this article, discover all the visits not to be missed!

Portimão is a seaside resort in Algarve. Despite her tourist success, she was able to maintain a form of authenticity. You will see this through its white alleys, typical churches and beautiful fortress facing the Atlantic Ocean.

All around, the beaches surrounded by golden cliffs offer an idyllic setting for days placed under the sign of the ociosidade (the Portuguese farniente)... A real wonder!

What are you looking for in Portimão? Discover the 11 essential things not to be missed during your stay!

1. The fortress Santa Catarina

Although its origins remain mysterious, the fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar would, according to some sources, come back to the 15th century. For a long time, it protected the peninsula from pirates, corsaries and military invasions.

To discover the remains of this fortress, you will have to walk. But it makes the visit even more enjoyable! Once on site, you can admire a splendid view of the marina, the praia da Rocha And away, Ferragudo.

2. La Ribeirinha

It would be unthinkable to visit Portimão without enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the docks. The Ribeirinha offers a very pleasant ride along the Silves. On the day, you can leave the docks to reach the Praca de Bivar, along the palm trees and stopping on the benches to enjoy the landscape.

But in the evening, the atmosphere is always at the rendezvous! This is undoubtedly one of the most lively places in the city.

3. The Museum of Portimão

What to do in Portimão to learn more about its history? Visit this ancient 19th century canned factory, which now houses the Portimão Museum.

Here you will find vestiges that go back from the Prehistory to the industrial development of the city, through testimonies of the Roman and Islamic presences. Another part of the museum is dedicated to the conservatory. A journey in time not to be missed!

The Portimão Museum also houses temporary exhibitions, which often honour Portuguese artists.

4. The church Matriz

Visit Portimão is an opportunity to discover the architectural heritage of the Algarve, a mix of Arab and Iberian influences. The Matriz church is a tasty example, located on a charming square that is worth a visit alone.

Dating from the 15th century, this Gothic building is visited both for its façade and for its interior. Renovated after the Lisbon earthquake, it remained very well maintained. Still today, it is often decorated with flowers... A real pleasure for the eyes!

5. The beaches

It is impossible to visit Portimão without stopping on the beautiful beaches along the coast... After all, the majority of visitors come here to enjoy it! And it is not for nothing: the beaches of Portimão make honor to the beauty of the Algarve. Here are the most beautiful ones:

• La praia da Rocha : it is one of the most famous beaches in Portugal. Very animated both day and night, it offers great views. You can access it from the fortress;
• La praia dos Três Castelos : attached to the previous, this pretty beach, protected by golden rocks, offers more privacy;
• La praia dos Tres Irmaos : this idyllic beach is sprinkled with ochre cliffs, which contain a unique fauna and flora. At low tide, it offers a beautiful walk... especially during sunset!
• La praia do Vau : a beautiful beach typical of the Algarve, lined with bars and restaurants. It is known for the virtues of its icy land and is quite frequented;
• La praia de Alvor : this beautiful beach has the peculiarity of being crossed by a wooden walkway, ideal for walking. Close by, the estuary of the Alvor ria contains a rich biodiversity;
• La praia do Alemão : still a nice beach, surrounded by golden rocks and bathed with limpid water. You will find a bar and a few sun loungers. The atmosphere is family.

6. The megalithic monuments of Alcalar

If you are looking for what to do in Portimão to dive into the origins of the region, you are in the right place! Located on a strategic rock, the Alcalar site is a testament to the presence of an important prehistoric community, especially between 2,000 and 1,600 years before our era.

It is composed of a village, a necropolis and a wide range of artifacts. Two funeral rooms have been restored, offering a didactic and moving visit.

To learn more about these megalithic monuments, visit the Alcalar interpretation centre in the Portimão Museum.

7. The Church and College of Jesuits

Visit the beautiful square of the Republic of Portimão to visit the church and the Jesuit college. The ensemble was built at the end of the seventeenth century under the orders of Diogo Gonçalves, thanks to the reception of the Jesuit Company during a storm at sea.

Today, the latter rests in a mausoleum inside the chapel. We advise you to pass the doors of this monument. The architecture is sober and elegant, a real ravishing for the eyes.

8. El jardim 1 de diciembre

What to do in Portimão during a walk? Visit garden 1 of December, located in the center of the city. In addition to its pretty fountains and shaded spaces, it houses a set of azulejos That's worth the detour.

Indeed, the latter illustrate the tumultuous history of Portugal. A nice stop during your stay!

9. Varandas sobre o Mar

It would be a shame to visit Portimão without enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Varandas sobre o Mar (" balconies on the sea" in Portuguese) is a hiking route not to be missed during your holidays!

It trains you in the heart of the golden cliffs of the coast, to discover the coast. You will cross a rich biodiversity, not forgetting the great views of the Atlantic Ocean. A real time of escape...

10. Portimão from the sky

Portimão is located on horseback between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, in the heart of preserved and wild landscapes. This is why it can be interesting to take height to observe its surroundings...

Several activities allow you to succeed this prowess, such as panoramic flights or parachute jumps . Ideal for allier discovery and strong sensations!

11. Surroundings near

Are you wondering what to do in Portimão once you have visited the city? It's fine, the surroundings are full of pears... In particular, do not miss visiting :

• Ferragudo : this former fishing village is an immanquable in the region. White houses, stone canals and sailboats anchored in the marina draw a real landscape of postcard;
• Alvor : this charming seaside resort was once a fortified city and a fishing port. Its typical streets and beautiful beaches make it a destination of choice for holidaymakers;
• Silves : Former Algarve capital, Silves has a historical heritage that you need to discover – one thinks of Silves Castle. The visit will take you a full day, between discovering the city and relaxing on the sunny terraces.

How to get to Portimão?

By car

Visiting Portimão by car is an ideal solution. You will have the opportunity to discover the other treasures of the Algarve, without having to anticipate your means of transport every time. You will not encounter any problems to reach the Algarve: the motorway network is very well developed.

A tip: fill in Irun at the France/Spain border. This is where he is the cheapest!

By train or bus

Portugal is crossed by a dense network of train and bus lines. To find the ideal route, focus on big cities like Lisbon , Porto or Faro . You will have no trouble finding!

However, this solution will be more consistent with those already on the Iberian Peninsula... Or have time! From Bordeaux , the duration of the journey exceeds 20 heures .

By plane

To visit Portimão, you also have the opportunity to fly. Lisbon International Airport is very well served, but it is located in 4.30 a.m. Road. It is Faro Airport which is closest... However, it will still be necessary 2 h 30 to reach Portimão once there. Bus lines allow you to travel at a reasonable price.

To find flights at the lowest prices based on your dates and departure airport, use our partner's website Skyscanner . In a few clicks, you will have access to the best offers!

Where to stay in Portimão?

You have the possibility to stay in the historic centre of Portimão. You will find hotels and many Airbnb . This solution allows you to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the city, without forgetting its nightlife. It also evacuates transportation problems, since you are close to everything!

But you will also find a wide range of accommodation in Praia da Rocha. This is where all-inclusive resorts and hotels are located. Finally, renting a villa on the coast is a choice option, which will allow you to fully enjoy everything that the Algarve can offer.

Anyway, you will find the best accommodation offers on this Compare hotels . Depending on your criteria, it selects the best accommodations!