PORTIMAO

Local Tips

The beaches of Praia da Rocha and the old fishing town of Alvor - both close to Portimao - are particularly beautiful and alluring. The variety of beaches, adventure trips like jeep safaris and boat excursions, fishing, events, festivals, and the vibrant nightlife on the coast balance pleasantly with the tranquility of the Mountain, a mere 20 km away. Portimão is a very popular destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts (particularly golfers) with its excellent year round climate, unbroken sunshine and high average temperatures.

Safaris by jeep, bicycle, on horseback or walking can take you along back roads and trails trough the Bio-park Monchique where abundant flora and spectacular views over all of the Algarve await you. Go in the opposite direction and take to the sea. Boats are available in the modern marina that has a plethora of new bars and restaurants to while away the hours watching the yachts and what seems like the rest of the world go by.

The boulevard area along the river have a multiplicity of restaurants, where you can try some of the typical Portuguese dishes like “Sardinhas”, “Cataplanas”, “Cozido à Portuguesa”, fresh fish and seafood, local firewater, chicken piri-piri, homemade bread, cured ham and sausages and others.

You can also go out to the caves along the Algarvian coast, dolphin spotting at Ponta da Piedade or on a scenic trip from Portimão upriver to Silves.

Nature reserves like Ria de Alvor provide shelter for numerous birds, ideal for bird watching. High class shops in “Rua das Lojas” area with traditional buildings and typical Portuguese floor, a rich heritage of historical monuments, take breathing eternal natural beauty, the unique nightlife and Casino makes Portimão a diamond in the rough.

WEATHER

July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of between 20 and 28 degrees centigrade which are made tolerable by Atlantic breezes. June is slightly less hot but with as many hours of sunshine and no rain. September is another good month if you want to avoid the searing heat. The average sea temperatures go between 21 and 24 degrees centigrade. Pleasant holidays are ensured in all seasons because of the warm seawaters, the mild climate of the Algarve and the many sunny days in winter.