Portimão Holidays

Portimão Holidays

Deals from £140 per person

Nestled on the banks of the Arade River, the laid-back city of Portimão offers a tranquil retreat away from hectic life. Portimão Portugal is so much more than a classic beach resort. Once an industrial fishing hub, it’s now a relaxed tourist centre boasting architectural treasures, ancient sites and exquisite restaurants.  

Located on the Western Algarve, this charming destination attracts all sorts of holidaymakers, from families to couples and groups of friends. Whether you want to enjoy the party atmosphere in the lively marina or relax in one of the quieter coastal villages to the west, Portimão holidays offer something for everyone.    

Best Beaches in Portimão  

You won’t have to journey far to find a picturesque beach in Portimão. As one of the best beach destinations in the Algarve, it’s home to vast stretches of golden sand perfect for soaking up the warm sunshine.   

Spend an afternoon on Praia da Rocha Beach, a spectacular 2-kilometre-long area of limestone pebbles amid a sea of yellow sand. Here, the coastline slopes gently into calm, crystal-clear waters. However, the waves are slightly rougher a little further out – ideal for windsurfers. 

Get involved in a range of watersports, including jet skiing and paragliding, or simply relax on the soft sands and watch the world go by. Situated only a short distance from Portimão, Praia da Rocha resort boasts a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to discover when the sun goes down.  

Day Trips to Lagos  

A 20-minute train journey along the coast will take you to Lagos, a bustling Algarve town with many things to see and do. Explore Lagos' marina or embark on a dolphin-watching tour where you'll spot these elegant creatures swimming in the Atlantic.  

You could also wander around Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, an impressive maritime fort that dates back to the 17th century. For something a little more adventurous, why not go kayaking along Lagos’s coastline? Join a kayaking tour and witness beautiful views of the surrounding landscape while enjoying a spot of exercise.  

When visiting Lagos, indulging in a traditional Portuguese meal should be at the top of your list. From feijoada (bean stew) to Conquilhas à Algarvia (clams), there are plenty of tasty dishes to try.   

Cave Exploring  

Step into adventure with a day of cave exploring during your holiday. Situated close to Portimão is the tranquil fishing village of Benagil, renowned for its spectacular sea cave.  

Popular with tourists and local residents, it’s the most famous cave in the Algarve and is often referred to as the Benagil Cathedral due to its impressive arches. Its huge walls boast many colours, from pale yellow to bright white. The cave is accessible by boat, or you could always rent a kayak or standup paddle from Benagil Beach and travel there yourself.  

After your tour of the cave, spend a couple of hours on Benagil Beach, where you can unwind on the sands and enjoy a refreshment from the snack bar. And if you fancy staying for dinner, Benagil is home to an impressive selection of restaurants, many of which offer wonderful views over the coast and clifftops.  

Map of Portimão

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10-27 ℃

Portimão’s Algarve location means the city experiences warm summers and mild winters.

3 hours

Faro Airport (FAO) is the nearest airport, located around 52km from Portimão.

Portimão is best for…

Retail therapy: The cobbled pedestrianised streets of Portimão are a treasure trove for any shopaholic. Find stylish clothes in boutiques, try regional delicacies in delis or buy souvenirs for loved ones back home.  

Relaxed holidaymakers: If you want to do some exploring but without hiking boots, this is the place for you. The scenic walk from the old harbour of Ribeirinha to Jardim Visconde Bivar features idyllic views of the docks and marinas.  

Sun worshipers: The city’s most famous beach, Praia da Rocha, can be found just 2km from the centre. The vast beach can accommodate plenty of tourists, and many amenities are nearby.  

Fast facts for Portimão

Language: Portuguese is Portimão’s official language. 

Currency: The currency used in Portimão is the Euro (EUR).  

Local time: The local time in Portimão is the same as GMT/UK time.  

Fly to: Faro Airport (FAO) is the nearest airport, located around 52km from Portimão.  

Flight time from UK: 3 hours.  

Tourist information: Further Portimao tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Portimao.  

Visa / health: Before you travel, check the latest health advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.  

Getting around Portimão

By foot: The best way to explore Portimão’s centre is by foot. Immerse yourself in the laidback lifestyle and stroll along the cobbled streets and marina promenades.  

By bus: The city has an extensive network of buses serving its centre and suburbs. The Vai e Vem mini-buses run from 7am until 8pm, but there’s limited service on weekends and public holidays. A single ticket costs €1.50, but we’d recommend purchasing a €3.50 day ticket or €7.00 three-day pass.  

By train: If you want to explore the rest of the Algarve, take advantage of its train network. From Portimão, you can catch a direct train to Albufeira, Tunes, Lagos and Faro.  

Events in Portimão

Portimão Sardine Festival: Held annually in August, this event usually lasts a few days and celebrates a fish central to the city’s culture. Take a seat and enjoy delicious food, entertainment and fireworks.  

The Portuguese Grand Prix: This event only returned to Formula 1 to fill the Grand Prix calendar during the pandemic. However, the event has since continued on the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. Even if you can’t attend the main event, supporting GP fixtures can be attended in the surrounding area.  

Algarve Classic Festival: Calling all classic car fans! This annual celebration takes place each October and puts retro cars to the test in the Classic Championships. Watch 500 drivers and 300 teams compete on the track to bring home the title.  

Portimão weather

Temperature: Portimão’s Algarve location means the city experiences warm summers and mild winters. August is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging at 23˚C, while January is the coldest, with an average temperature of 12˚C.  

Best time to visit: Portimão’s summer season runs from June to September, although the city boasts pleasant weather throughout the year. If your holiday itinerary includes lots of swimming or watersports, consider visiting in September, when the water is warmest.  

Best hotels in Portimão