A lively Algarve city with a vast golden-sand beach and dramatic orange cliffs, Portimao rewards visitors with a stunning seafront, rich maritime history, and fresh seafood.
What to see:
- Stretch out on Praia da Rocha, one of the widest beaches in the Algarve
- View the harbor and coastline from the Santa Catarina Fortress, built in 1621
What to do:
- Visit the Portimao Museum, housed in a former 20th-century sardine canning factory
- Stroll the scenic Arade River waterfront, lined with restaurants and fishing boats
What to eat:
- Taste freshly grilled sardines at the waterfront restaurants along the Arade River
- Order percebes (barnacles) or clams at a local seafood restaurant near the port
Take note:
- The Portimao Museum is closed Mondays; check local listings for current hours
- Praia da Rocha is approximately a 20-minute walk from Portimao's historic center