The town centre is simply perfect for those who love to shop. It is jam packed full of shops, offering a wide choice.
There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and café’s where you can sit for a bite to eat or a drink, and watch the world go by around you.
There are also Portimão Events throughout the year to be enjoyed, like powerboat racing or jet-skiing on the river, fantastic fireworks and live music to celebrate the New Year, and various exhibitions and sports events at the Expo-Arade centre. The most popular place for events in Portimão has become the Autodromo do Algarve, the motor racing circuit for which Portimão (and the western Algarve) is now famous for!
Alvor
Alvor offers the perfect combination of traditional fishing village charm and modern resort amenities. With natural parks and historical sites right on its doorstep, it is not surprising that Alvor is such a popular choice for visitors from all over Portugal and beyond.
Visitors return to Alvor time and again, entranced by its traditional village charm, delightful waterfront eateries, and high quality accommodation.
Many of these streets now boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants, however leading off from these there are still memories of the older fishing village.
Practice your swing on one of the world-class golf courses in the area, explore the historical attractions at nearby Portimão and Lagos, or explore further afield to discover the many secrets of the hidden Algarve.
Ferragudo
Ferragudo is a traditional fisherman’s village on the eastern side of the estuary of the River Arade, with views across to Portimão. For a relaxing holiday - good beaches, plenty of places for an evening meal and scenic walks, then Ferragudo is hard to beat.
There are three lovely sandy beaches. The nearest to town is the smaller Praia da Angrinha.
Then a short walk past the 17th-century São João de Arade – a fort turned private residence – is Praia Grande, a long wide beach with sunloungers, parasols and beach cafés/restaurants. There is also a well equipped kids play area should they get bored with the sea!
Next door is Praia do Molhe – you’ll need to bring your own towel and sunshade for this little beach – and right after that is the sheltered cove of Praia do Pintadinho.
The picturesque town square, Praça Rainha Dona Leonor, is lined with cafe's where you can enjoy a delicious pastry and coffee for a breakfast in the morning, or something more substantial at lunch. Take a walk around the corner onto the quay and there are some more restaurants with a lovely view across the Arade, and offering delicious fresh fish dishes. The aroma from the barbecues is irresistable!
As you move away from the town centre there are many beautiful villas higher up and a lighthouse down a one-way track towards the coast on Ponta do Altar. To get up this far and to travel around Ferragudo you may want to have a car because it is quite spread out, but if you like to get out and about on foot you can walk from the town, to the furthest beach, Praia dos Caneiros. There are painted arrows from the town and out along the coast to help you.
There are also lots of fun activities that will keep families of all ages entertained close to hand. The calm waters of the river are particularly good for windsurfing and other water sports and Slide and Splash water park is just a short distance away at Lagoa - ideal for cooling off on a hot summer's day! There are all sorts of boat trips from the river front in Portimão - fishing, trips around the coastline and caves, dolphin watching or even a trip up the river to Silves.
If you are a bit of a golfer, then there are numerous golf courses nearby. One course has been designed by Nick Faldo and the other by Christy O'connor Jnr. If tennis is your game there is Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis at Sesmarias, which is conveniently positioned between Ferragudo and Carvoeiro.
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha, situated next to Portimão marina, is a bustling holiday resort for people of all ages, and a favoured summer resort for families. Ideal for anyone who wants to be close to a fantastic beach, it also offers plenty of places to wine and dine, plus a casino along the avenue that hosts a nightly show.
The beach is vast, so even in the middle of summer there is always plenty of space. There are all sorts of water sports available on Praia da Rocha, and a variety of boat trips are available from Portimão river front (along from the marina at the eastern end of the beach).
Events go on throughout the year - fantastic fireworks and live music to celebrate New Year, powerboat racing or jet-skiing on the river, and lots of beach sports and events during the summer.
The avenue which runs along the top of the beach is paved and landscaped with seating areas to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Car access is restricted along a lot of the road, making it safer for pedestrians.
There are many restaurants, cafes, and shops to choose from and is lively at night with a variety of bars, and clubs to choose from.
Praia da Rocha is centrally located for lots of the attractions the Algarve has to offer but also has plenty to keep you entertained without leaving the resort!
View our selection of Properties in the Portimão area