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Top 42 things to do and attractions in Portimao
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedSep 29, 2025
Updated • updatedSep 29, 2025
Nestled in the heart of the Algarve, Portimão is a vibrant city that beautifully blends rich history with stunning coastal scenery. With its bustling marina, picturesque beaches, and charming streets, this southern Portuguese gem invites you to explore its unique offerings. Whether you're lounging on the golden sands of Praia da Rocha or wandering through the fascinating exhibits at the Museu de Portimão, there's something here for everyone. The city's lively atmosphere is complemented by a mix of traditional and modern attractions, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.
As you stroll through Portimão, you'll discover hidden gems like the historic Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the breathtaking views from Fortaleza de Santa Catarina. The local dining scene is equally enticing, with a variety of seafood restaurants and cozy cafés waiting to be explored. From the serene beauty of Praia do Vau to the lively ambiance of the Marina, Portimão offers a delightful array of experiences that will leave you wanting more. So pack your bags and get ready to uncover the treasures of this captivating coastal city!
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We scoured through the internet and read through 31 reputable sites and blogs like The Culture Trip and algarve-tourist.com. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these: 
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Other best of categories in Portimao
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Cheap eats
Breakfast and brunch
Romantic places
Family restaurants
Shopping
Bars
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Praia da Rocha is a bustling beach with impressive rock formations both in and around the water, as well as a variety of hotels and dining options nearby. The area boasts several extraordinary beaches, including Praia do Vau, Praia do Carvoeiro, and Praia dos Caneiros, each offering unique features such as safe shores, ample sand for sports and sandcastle building, and calm waters suitable for children.
Long and wide sandy beach, there are sunbeds with umbrellas for 16 euros for two. Gentle entry into the ocean, a paradise for children, there are also water activities such as catamarans, jet skis, etc.
Tasha M — Google review
Beautiful beach with clear water and stunning cliffs. Lots of bars and restaurants nearby. A must-visit in Portimão!
One of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal!
Wow. This beach exceeded expectations. Walked it for about 2 km and loved every part of it. Dramatic waves and beautiful cliffs. Easily accessible and there's a viewpoint after about 1km where you can watch the sunset over the cliffs.
Woweeee!!! This was THE beach to be at in Praia da Rocha!! We were there in August and even though it LOOKED busy it’s such a large area that it was an amazing experience. To see the beaches, jump the waves, rent a cabana, walk along the boardwalk and eat lunch at one of the beaches restaurants. We were lucky enough to watch the sunset from the best window seat at Casa da Rocha that overlooks the beach.
Beautiful soft sand and the sea was significantly warmer than in Lagos. Just an absolutely long stretch of beach with sun loungers. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Beautiful beach and sand. Water is not clear and quite a lot of algae.
October still hot enough for beach days, water is quite cold so do not recommend to swim. Gets quite windy as the day goes on. During off season a lot of space. Beautiful rock formation nearby.
The most famous beach in the Algarve, the most chic and trendy and the busiest as well ... This large beach, bordered by imposing ochre and red cliffs, carved out by caves, is a favorite destination for Germans and English tourists. Unfortunately, the seafront buildings overlook these same cliffs and somewhat spoil our enjoyment!
Festivals, parties, and DJs in season delight a young, cosmopolitan crowd. Restaurants spread along the new wooden walkway, aimed at tourists. Whether you like this setting or not, the atmosphere is there. You can always take a stroll along the beaches, from Praia da Rocha to Praia da Vau, passing by Praia dos Três Castelos at low tide ...
This popular beach, located 8 to 10 minutes by car from Portimão, is ideal for sun worshippers. The peaceful views create a serene atmosphere. The beach is spacious enough to accommodate most visitors looking to relax in the sun. It is highly recommended to rent a lounger with shade or use an umbrella to shield against the intense sun. Prices for loungers range from 13 to 17 euros, depending on the time of day.
To the left of the beach, the shopping area features many tourist traps and less-than-ideal dining options. It's only worth visiting for its elevated views of the beach and surrounding area. The Atlantic Ocean water is quite cold — some may find it too icy to swim comfortably. Ultimately, whether it’s tolerable depends on personal preference.
There are limited activities on the beach aside from sunbathing and relaxing. Although I'm not typically a beach lover, I enjoyed resting on the loungers. The beachside restaurants and bars that mainly serve lunch offer the best food and drinks. It's a nice place to unwind, but it's helpful to have some knowledge of where to go to fully enjoy the experience.
Outdoor Activities
Beach & Pool Clubs
Portimão, a port city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, is renowned for its charming old quarter, bustling marina, and close proximity to numerous beaches. The city boasts the Museu de Portimão, housed in a restored 19th-century cannery showcasing local history, as well as the Gothic-style Nossa Senhora da Conceição church adorned with azulejo tiles.
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Marina
Nature & Parks
Marina de Portimão is a picturesque marina located at the eastern tip of Praia da Rocha, offering stunning views of the Arade estuary. The area is bustling with activity, featuring a boardwalk lined with seafood restaurants, pizzerias, and shops selling swimwear and sports apparel. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Sao Joao do Arade Fort and Portimao Museum.
At reception very helpful stuff. All well organized. Toilets were clean all the time - all week with an event of 200 and more people. No litter around. Cleaners did great job! Beautiful.
Alenka S — Google review
Very nice, tranquil area with plenty of restaurants. Parking is free in the off-season. Parking spaces difficult to find in the high season.
Marina de Portimão — Big, beautiful, and full of life!
This marina is huge and absolutely stunning. With luxury yachts, colorful boats, and a variety of restaurants and shops, it’s a perfect place to stroll, enjoy the views, or just relax by the water.
The atmosphere is vibrant, and there’s always something going on. Whether you're into watching the boats or grabbing a bite at one of the waterfront cafés, it’s a great spot to spend your day.
Highly recommend checking it out!
We did a sunset tour with champagne
It was a lovely 2 hours and enjoyed it a lot.
It was with alvor boat trips
Great Marina with all the facilities and amazing staff.
Just be aware in the South Basin there are some Loud Bars and occasional music festivals on the beach at various times of year.
North Basin quieter and has own clean shower block.
Easy to enter and nice long reception pontoon to starboard when you enter before the fuel and pump out pumps.
Huge marina, reasonably priced, well maintained, polite staff. We enjoyed our stay. They pack 'em in, channels are narrow, be prepared to monitor both sides as you enter the slips.
Amazing views and people at Portimao Marina.
Staff at the marina have been friendly, helpful and quick to respond to any requests and information. Even offering to call for a doctor should it be needed and even fixing a water leak before morning that happened at night - that is going above and beyond.
We absolutly love the berth that they kept for us on our next booking, making us feel very much at home. We would have loved to stay for the whole winter but have to go to Gibraltar to reset our VAT. We always look forward to returning - Thank you
Fantastic place to chill if you are in the area. The marina is lovely and you can take many boats from this area. The food is fine, good for a snack or breakfast. There is a massive beach nearby, not the most glamorous in Algarve but clean and huge space. You would definitely enjoy spending half a day here.
Edifício Administrativo - Ponta da Areia, 8500-345 Portimão, Portugal•
Museum
Local history museum
Specialty Museums
The Museu de Portimão is a regional heritage museum located in a restored 19th-century cannery, offering an immersive experience into the sardine fishing and canning traditions of the area. The museum showcases the evolution of Portimao from its prehistoric origins to becoming a significant fishing and canning center in the 20th century.
We had a very good experience.
In addition to the educational experience, we have seen modern art exhibitions and an art exhibition with tiles and ceramic material.
The works looked very attractive and bright, you can see the artist's effort in each one of them.
The history of the sardines was extremely interesting, I loved the development of how in the industrial era, everyone worked and had a place to take care of the children.
The process and how everyone had a function was very interesting and I loved it.
The toilets in the museum were clean and the price was super affordable, 6 euros per adult.
We also saw the process of sinking a fishing boat and how it became a habitat for marine life.
Laura F — Google review
Very nice little museum! We visited with our 2 kids (5 and 7 years old) in August '25 and spent about 1,5 hours there. Very cheap, we paid 4,5€ for 2 adults and kids entered for free. Very interesting to learn about how the sardine factory worked. The museum is located inside the old factory and there are still many original machines there. The old black and white movie explains very well the process from catching fish at sea until the packaging process. Very much recommended.
I enjoyed my visit to the Portimão Museum. It’s housed in a beautifully converted old cannery and gives a fascinating look into the town’s industrial and fishing heritage. The exhibits are thoughtfully put together, with a good mix of visuals, artefacts and interactive elements that really bring the stories to life.
Unfortunately, our visit was unexpectedly cut short when the building suddenly lost power, everything went completely dark and we were kindly asked to leave. I assume it was an electricity trip or something similar, which was a real shame as we were only partway through and keen to see the rest.
That said, what we did see was excellent, and we’d definitely go back if we’re in the Portimão again.
Housed in an old sardine factory, with some local history focusing on the sardine industry. Very interesting, but not very large and the staff are a little unfriendly but worth a visit in a lovely part of Portimão.
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century sardine canning factory, the Museu de Portimão offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial and maritime heritage of the Algarve. The exhibits are well-curated, blending historical artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations that bring the region’s past to life. Highlights include the detailed exploration of the fishing and canning industries and the immersive reconstructions of local life. It’s a great stop for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit. It’s free for students. Recommend it!
Very interesting museum reproducing the production process of canned sardines in the first half of the 20th century, along with a reconstruction of other historical periods of the Algarve. Definitely recommend.
This is very nice local museum. We were positively surprised by the quality of the exposition. The overall disposition of various items is very chaotic and there is no red thread, but items itself are very fascinating. Definitely, it is worth visiting.
This is a great little museum with insights into historical sardine catching and tinning. Most displays are translated into English and there is a wonderful old film showing the history of production.
Rua D. Carlos I Zona Ribeirinha, 8500-607 Portimão, Portugal•
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Praia do Vau is a picturesque beach known for its unique rocky cliffs and clear turquoise waters, making it a popular destination. The area also includes other stunning beaches like Praia da Rocha, Praia do Carvoeiro, and Praia dos Caneiros, all offering safe shores and clean environments for swimming and sunbathing. With crystal-clear waters and golden sands, these beaches have earned Blue Flag status for their impeccable hygiene conditions.
The beach was absolutely stunning! It was clean, well-maintained, and offered plenty of space to relax and swim comfortably. The magnificent views were a sight to behold, making the detour completely worthwhile.
Lenny S — Google review
Beautiful and nice beach ( really nice )
There are better beach then there as well!!
Mind blowing stunning views here , the geology is so interesting. Great beach with those beautiful cliff formations. Water is so clear and was so warm to dip. Also a nice spot to kayak. Worth visiting.
Beautiful beach in a stunning area. Not very crowded compared to the famous beaches in the area of Algarve. We enjoyed the space, cleanliness and the proximity to the city Portimão and not far from Lagos. Ok shallow waters for a relax swim, although the water is very cold early in the season. General tip: look up the tides online and base your visit to the beach. Car can be parked on the parking lot and on the street next to the beach. There are restaurants on the beach and also hotels next to it.
Praia do Vau is located about a 10-minute drive from Portimão. Although it is smaller than some of the neighbouring beaches, it features impressive cliffside and rock formations. The beach's lovely golden colour provides a stunning backdrop for both sunrises and sunsets. Like other beaches, you can rent loungers and umbrellas here. There are also a few beachside bars and restaurants available.
Additionally, a viewing point is available that offers stunning views of the beach and its surroundings. Although Praia do Vau is not as long or as crowded as other beaches, it offers unique and breathtaking views. It is definitely worth a visit.
I liked the beach! There’s umbrellas and chairs to rent at 20Euro and we can take any other place. There’s a restroom nearby and and snack bar. Its a very calm beach.
We went to a boat tour to see these beautiful caves and stones around the area. It was breathtaking. We were able to get into and see the caves. We even saw a big jellyfish in the water. Strongly recommend a boat or kayak trip.
This beach is stunning. It has a large stretch of sand and cliffs and rock faces around. You can walk from one beach to the next, and through the rocks/coves. It wasn't busy. There are bars and restaurants around all with bathrooms and toilets available.
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Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Cultural landmark
Historical landmark
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Forte de Santa Catarina, also known as Santa Catarina Fortress, is a historic military structure located in Portimao, Portugal. Built during the 17th century to protect the area from pirate raids, it offers picturesque ocean and sunset views. The fortress was occupied by various authorities throughout history and is now open to visitors. Climbing to the top provides an opportunity to walk around the battlements and enjoy stunning vistas of the Arade River and Praia da Rocha cliffs.
Beautiful views and well maintained. A little dark and scary at night, bring a flash light for the stairs.
Gib — Google review
Beautiful views, fort is well maintained and has toilets 👏😆
Beautiful area with great history. Some stairs to walk up if you at the beach side.
Very pretty. Not busy. Toilets available and they were clean. Steps down to the lower port beach area. No access ramp possible for wheelchair.
A terrific vantage point to view Praia Da Rocha beaches and the entrance to the marina. You won’t find much historical information here on the fort, but there are many stairways, some hidden by trees, to go from it to the beaches. They are beautiful walks.
Awesome view! If you are in Portugal as a tourist, it is necessary to go there especially at night and enjoy the view of the city lights and the sound of the ocean, during the day it is still beautiful because you can see huge long beaches and water, a great observation deck
When we first approached the Castle, I thought, "It is smaller than I had imagined!" Until you are inside! It is a vast castle! Covering a huge area! Great place to walk around and the view is tremendous!
Nice place for tourists
Av. Tomás Cabreira, 8500-802 Portimão, Portugal•
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Praia dos Três Castelos is a stunning beach located near Praia da Rocha, known for its captivating rock formations that create secluded coves and nooks, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing beach day. The area features various other beaches such as Careanos, Vau, Barranco das Canas, Joao d'Arens, Prainha and Tres Irmaos beaches.
I liked this long beach full and In the sea, there were large rocks of different sizes and shapes, open like a tunnel, where you can take beautiful photos and pass through . It’s connected to the others beaches around you only need to walk and go through the open caves or walk in the water when it’s low.
Alice A — Google review
Absolutely beautiful beach! The golden cliffs, soft sand, and clear turquoise water make it one of the most stunning spots in the Algarve. It’s clean, spacious, and great for swimming or just relaxing with a view.
Incredibly beautiful. Not too busy in late spring.
Breathtakingly beautiful beach, however there's no WC or showers
Undoubtedly, one of the places that you must visit and spend at least a day. A great visual spectacle of rock formations that will accompany you along its entire length. Clean water and the beach are standard here, so there is nothing else to do but enjoy every moment of this place!
This place is beautiful, but there are many sharp rock submerged beneath the water when the tide comes in. I’m writing this as a note of caution for tourists visiting this beach- to be careful of the stones beneath their feet and hopefully not get hurt. This experience occurred to me when I was playing in the shallow area of the sea. I thought it was just plain sand, but no - there were MANY rocks underwater in that area. When the wave came, I stumbled in to a sharp rock and my knee was bruised. Please take caution on this beach, especially for your children. I think there is a lack of safety awareness on the beach. The lifeguards should take more care and clean the beach every morning for any sharp stones and objects lying in the coast. I have written this review to make the safety better at this location so that everyone can enjoy their time at this beautiful beach.
Great place to visit!
Praia dos Três Castelos boasts stunning landscapes, making it a gem for sunset lovers. The breathtaking sunsets here paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, offering a serene end to the day. Outside the summer months, it's a haven for dog owners, as pets are welcome to enjoy the vast, scenic beauty alongside their humans. A perfect blend of natural charm and pet-friendly vibes.
R. da Falésia, Portugal, USA•
We walked from Portimao to Alvor mostly along the coast, although some paths were a bit tricky, so we took some roads. Once in Alvor, we explored the area and headed down to the bay which was really nice. We thought about grabbing something to eat but felt that all those places seemed too touristy (yes, we are tourists), so we went back into town and wandered up a few streets until we found this place.
Ferragudo, located at the western edge of Lagoa in Portugal, is a charming civil parish with a population of 1,973 as of 2011. Covering an area of 5.41 km², this picturesque destination offers visitors a glimpse into local life and culture.
Mentioned on
Jardim 1º de Dezembro is a tranquil garden located just a couple of streets away from Ribeirinha. This charming square offers a perfect spot to take a break and relax under the lush foliage while immersing yourself in Portuguese history.
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Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Slide & Splash, situated near Lagoa in the Algarve region, is a top-tier seasonal water park that offers an exciting escape from the sun-drenched beaches. It's a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. The expansive park features a wide array of water slides catering to both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a more relaxed experience. In addition to the thrilling slides, visitors can unwind in the vast wave pool or leisurely float along the lazy river.
Great time here, although we visited during the uk school holidays it wasn’t too busy. You can’t take your phone with you so difficult with photos etc. As you enter the park on the left is a large garden with trees which offer shade. I would definitely recommend setting up some towel as it can get hot! Slides were great fun with relatively small queues!
Jordcro — Google review
Fantastic day at the water park under the blazing summer sun!
Despite the heat, the park was surprisingly not very chaotic. We were able to take full advantage of every slide available. Had no trouble wearing my water shoes throughout the park apart from the 90-degree drop slide. Parasols and Sunbeds are available to hire. Had our lockers but eventually found it more convenient to bring everything close to our Sunbeds.
Used the spa facilities, The back massage was relaxing.
Overall, it was a great experience, but with a few remarks:
- There are very few shaded spots on the grass, so it’s wise to bring your own sun umbrella.
- Only a limited number of loungers are available for those who arrive right at opening time.
- If you wait for your kids at the end of the slides, be prepared to stand in full sun.
- Waiting lines can range from 10 to 40 minutes.
- It is better to book a locker when purchasing tickets.
- The paths between slides are either on smooth sidewalks or in shallow water channels, so flip-flops or water shoes aren’t necessary as in many other parks.
- The parking area is very large but offers practically no shade.
We had a good day at slide and splash - we booked in advance and got there at 9:45am (15 minutes before opening) when the queue to get in was already huge! As soon as 10am hit the queue went down very quickly and didn't take long to get in at all.
We were thinking of hiring one of the cabanas but all of the 4 people ones had gone by the time we got there. We got 2 sunbeds instead which were in a great place with shade.
The lockers are great - you get a wristband that you scan to open the locker, really easy to use all day. Toilets were really clean all day, and the little rivers around the park are great to walk in instead of on the hot floor.
Although there were a lot of grassy areas around the park there isn't much share, so you definitely need your own umbrellas. It also feels very concrete to walk around unlike others waterparks we have been to.
The pool was a nice size and I was very impressed with the children's area though my kids are too old! There was a nice variety of slides, lots you can do as a pair and a few you can do as a family, however the queues were huge. It is the school holidays and peak season so is to be expected, however at another water park in the Algarve the queues are not this long. We got on a few quickly in the morning but after that it was at least an hour to queue for each slide, when they only last max 1min each it wasn't much fun. There seem to be too many people for the amount of slides.
Although we had a nice day, we won't be coming here again in the holidays, and will go back to our favourite one that although busy, we did not waste a lot of our day queueing.
That was fun..
I thought my days on a slide was over after I turned 50, but it was so much fun sliding with my kids, that we were there from opening to closing.
Food was ok and not that expensive.
Only issue was that many of the slides were not active.
Foam slide was highly addictive.
This is a well laid out park everything is close to one another. There are lots of good rides many accessed from the top. We put our 2 bags in one locker and then put towels and water bottles laid out on the grass, so they can dry in the sun between uses. The ques end October half term were no more than a few minutes for the single rides and ring 2 person rides can take a little longer. I have heard rides taking an hour in peek summer, which would not be fun. Get in early, as it did get busier as the day whet on. Food was basic but not expensive. My family had a great time.
Very well maintained park which is very clean and offers good food whilst most of the staff are happy and friendly.
In terms of rides though I personally feel it’s more for kids than adults offering few rides with a thrill whilst there ride the black hole was the biggest waste of time as it’s a 17M long tunnel with no lighting or any form of colour so it’s literally just a black tunnel which is pitch black.
Minimal rides for me and my three year old son to go on together aswell so if you have any Children under the age of three and are under 1.2M in height I personally wouldn’t bother going.
Came down with my partner after discussing if we wanted to come here or Aquapark, we didn’t know what to expect but it certainly was worth the travel down! so many slides and for all ages. I would recommend you coming down early 10/11 latest as we got there at 12 and even after being there five hours we got on everything once or twice.
Portugal PT, Vale de Deus 125, 8401-901 Estômbar, Portugal•
Church
Convento do Colégio dos Jesuitas is a historical building complex in Portimao, featuring an extravagant exterior with yellowish tones and a sober interior housing the tomb of Diogo Goncalves, who ordered the construction of the church as a token of gratitude for finding refuge from a storm at sea. Built in the 17th century, it served as one of Algarve's main educational centers until the expulsion of Jesuits from Portugal in 1759.
Stoning! Beautiful peaceful place to visit.
Liz S — Google review
Easy to get to from portimoa train station , nice and peaceful inside.
Nice place to rest for a while, bright and airy
(Translated by Google) The church of the Jesuit College dates back to the end of the 17th century and is located in the historic centre of Portimão. It has a wealth of artistic architecture.
It has several chapels dedicated to various saints, including Our Lady of Fátima.
The church is just one part of the large space connected to the Jesuit College and the funeral chapels.
(Original)
Igreja do colégio dos Jesuítas do final do século XVII, fica no centro histórico de Portimão e tem uma arquitetura artística muito rica.
Tem várias capelas correspondentes a vários santos, onde não falta a Nossa Senhora de Fátima.
A igreja é apenas uma parte do grande espaço ligado com o Colégio dos Jesuítas e as capelas mortuárias.
(Translated by Google) This building complex is probably not only a church, but also a convent. The church itself has a beautiful altar that attracts the visitor's eye. Here you can do some inner contemplation in just a few minutes. A lady sits at the entrance to call visitors to order if necessary.
(Original)
Dieser Gebäudekomplex ist wohl nicht nur eine Kirche, sondern auch ein Konvent. Die Kirche selbst hat einen wunderschönen Altar, der den Blick des Besuchers anzieht. Hier kann man in wenigen Minuten innere Einkehr halten. Eine Dame sitzt am Eingang, um ggf. die Besucher zur Ordnung zu rufen.
(Translated by Google) During the visit to the city we came to visit that Church that also suffered the rigors of the earthquake of 1755. This Jesuit Church and College Complex was built at the end of the 17th century, by order of Diogo Gonçalves, who is buried inside in a polychrome marble mausoleum that remains in the presbytery. It is the largest church in the entire Algarve, and is declared a Property of Public Interest. What stands out is its majestic façade and the main altar, decorated with an altarpiece in polychrome and gilded wood from the 18th century.
(Original)
En la visita a la ciudad nos acercamos a visitar esa Iglesia que también sufrió los rigores del terremoto de 1755. Este Conjunto de Iglesia y Colegio de los Jesuitas fue construido a finales del S. XVII, por orden de Diogo Gonçalves, quien se encuentra enterrado en el interior en un mausoleo de mármol policromo que permanece en el presbiterio. Se trata de la iglesia más grande de todo el Algarve, y se encuentra declarada como Inmueble de Interés Público. De ella destaca su majestuosa fachada, y el altar mayor, decorado con un retablo en madera policromada y dorada del siglo XVIII.
(Translated by Google) Beautiful church from the outside, unfortunately I couldn't go inside because of a funeral
(Original)
Mooie kerk van buiten, helaas kon ik niet naar binnen vanwege een begrafenis
(Translated by Google) I really liked this church, both rich and sober.
(Original)
Gostei muito de esta igreja, simultaneamente rica e sóbria.
Praça da República 25, 8500-594 Portimão, Portugal•
13Alvor
Alvor is a charming and unspoiled destination that may not be as lively as other places in the Algarve, but it offers plenty to see and do. A typical half-day trip would include exploring the town center, visiting the fishing harbor, and strolling along the Ria de Alvor Estuary nature trail. The area also boasts footpaths within the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve and beautiful Praia de Alvor beach.
Alvor, Portugal is absolutely charming — quiet, relaxing, and full of coastal beauty. At this time of year, it’s wonderfully peaceful, perfect for a slow stroll or a cup of coffee by the sea. The weather is just right, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Jim F — Google review
This is our third visit to alvor which is quite unspoilt. Although not as lively as some places on the algarve we find it has either plenty to do or just take it easy. Lots of good eating places to cater for all tastes and prices. If you want somewhere mad it's not for you, if you want to relax enjoy the sunshine and the beaches give it a go
Nice little seaside town. Plenty of bars to enjoy a drink and stroll around.
Beautiful place
Just a day visit, nice place
Amazing place with lovely seafood.
Loved the boat ride
(Translated by Google) A small and humble fishing village, yet picturesque and full of charm.
The streets are lined with cozy restaurants and cafés, giving the place a relaxed holiday vibe.
It's lovely to walk along the coast, enjoy the sea breeze, and end the day with freshly grilled fish—simple but perfect.
It's a small and humble fishing village, but every street is beautiful and charming. The charming restaurants and cafés create a resort atmosphere. An hour or two stroll along the sea and a meal of freshly grilled fish is the perfect way to end the day.
(Original)
A small and humble fishing village, yet so picturesque and full of charm.
The streets are lined with cozy restaurants and cafés, giving the place a relaxed holiday vibe.
It's lovely to walk along the coast, enjoy the sea breeze, and finish the day with freshly grilled fish - simple but perfect.
작고 소박한 어촌 마을이지만, 거리 곳곳이 아름답고 매력적이에요. 아기자기한 레스토랑과 카페들이 즐비해 휴양지 분위기가 가득합니다. 바다를 따라 한두시간 산책하고 신선한 생선구이로 하루를 마무리하면 정말 완벽할듯해요
Public beach
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Praia dos Três Irmãos is a secluded beach in the Algarve, known for its towering rock formations and caves that are accessible at low tide via a staircase. The area also includes other beaches with unique features such as tiny coves, sea-carved archways, and lively sandstrips. Praia dos Três Irmãos and Praia do Alvor are among the most beautiful and popular beaches in the region, featuring big cliffs surrounding the beach area.
I loved this beach. It's beautiful with all the rock formations down one end and there is a wonderful long boardwalk behind it for a beautiful stroll. The beach is full of shells and there are bars to drink and eat. One of my favorite spots during our visit.
Caroline T — Google review
Nice place. Easy to park in September.
Can have sunbeds and umbrellas by paying, or use the beach with just a towel.
Rock formation at the end of the beach that break the waves.
Be careful as the place is handy but when entering there are rocks that hit you with the waves ( I have a blue toe as I was hit by a big rock when entering).
I saw no showers around. Some restaurants are closed on a Monday. The place close to the rocks has like a big step so not easy to come out without help.
This beach is located on a long, wide sandy barrier beach with dunes that are home to various bird species, small mammals, reptiles, and numerous insects.
Facing the sea, you can see delicate plants such as eelgrass, sea alfalfa, and the vibrant sea lily.
On the east side of the beach, the highly sculpted cliffs rise up, with some rocks that jut out into the sea being visible.
At low tide, Prainha Beach is accessible, allowing for cautious hikes through the coves and chasms ...
This is a beautiful beach with beach bars and restaurants close by. It is right at the end of the boardwalk.No sunbeds or toilet in winter but still a brilliant place to take in the sun and scenery. Sea was choppy when we were there so wave hopping was a safer option than swimming. Very handy access from Pestana Praia Alvor hotel. Definitely worth a visit.
Lovely clean beach with lifeguards. Cafes close to the beach. A good boardwalk stretching its entire length affords easy access to the beach.
Beautiful rock formations and cove. A wide, soft sand white beach that stretches all the way to the lighthouse opposite Lagos. Crystal clear water. Lots of pretty shells.
Nice beach near of Alvor! A little bit to many people. For a parking area, be there early.
Little Restaurant/Snack Bar, Massage Place und a lot of sun! Good water for Kids, you can go wide in to it.
The beach offers scenic beauty. During low tide, it provides an excellent opportunity for a pleasant walk along the adjacent beaches. ⛱️
R. Praia dos Três Irmãos, 8500-001 Alvor, Portugal, USA•
Shopping mall
Cosmetics store
Fashion accessories store
Fast food restaurant
Aqua Portimão Shopping Centre is a suburban mall located just 20 minutes from Monchique, offering a wide range of retail options. With 117 shops and restaurants, including international brands like Primark, H&M, Zara, and more, it's a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. The top floor houses an excellent food court serving cuisine from around the world. Additionally, the mall features an Auchan hypermarket and ample underground parking.
A great shopping centre located just outside of Portimão town. The centre has Free parking and a good range of shops including Primark, Lefties and a food court with a McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut. The centre is modern and has a good vibe. I recommend a visit if you like shopping or are looking for a special gift. 🛍️
Carl K — Google review
Aqua Portimão Shopping Mall truly offers something for everyone. Its wide variety of stores, delicious dining options, and excellent facilities make it a one-stop destination for leisure and shopping. Whether you're looking for a day of retail therapy, a place to enjoy a meal, or simply a space to unwind, Aqua Portimão delivers on all fronts.
With its modern design, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient location, this shopping mall is a standout choice in the Algarve region. I highly recommend visiting Aqua Portimão for a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Lots of stores for mobile phones, Primark and Lefties as well as a nice food court. They also have a Auchan Hyper market. The parking is under ground.
It's advertised as a pet-friendly center, which is probably a bad joke. We went there with our little Yorkie and wanted to go on a big shopping trip, but we were thrown out of the shops because the dog was in our arms. Afterward, we put him in his bag. We were even thrown out of the shops (clothing/decoration) with the dog IN THE BAG. Avoid this center with your pets; it's a complete scam! I can spend my money elsewhere if my dog isn't welcome, even though they're so pet-friendly.
Very nice shppping center with a lot of variety, i like its architecture as well with the half opened and half closed
Went there today with my disabled son who has mobility issues and is partially sighted. There was no electricity so lifts and escalators were not working. Some shops were non operational also. After about an hour power was restored. We went upstairs to food court. The power then was went off again. My son was not able to descend the escalator as he has very poor vision. Also elevators were not operational. I asked was there just an ordinary stairs and was told no. So we were stranded on the top floor with no escape route that I was aware of. If the building had been on fire we had no escape route. Thankfully 2 nice young gentleman came to our rescue and were able to give my son a piggy back down the stationary escalator. Very scary stuff. I won’t be back
Do not use this shopping centre if you are in a wheelchair or partially sighted.
Very nice shopping centre. Good selection of shops. Alot of parking. A taxi rank outside, so it's easy to get to by taxi. A bonus is that it has a lot of food places as its top floor is a food court. There's sushi, salads, hamburgers, pizzas and more so there's something everyone will eat.
Modern, clean, tidy and well presented shopping mall with a very good selection of shops and a very good supermarket?
There is a decent food hall on top floor offering KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and a number of other similar offerings where you can order food and take it to a large seating area which is mostly under cover with some seating in the sun.
R. de São Pedro 72, 8500-448 Portimão, Portugal•
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Beach
Outdoor Activities
Praia dos Careanos is a small and intimate beach located in Portimao, featuring unique rock formations and a stretch of sandy shoreline. It is sheltered by beautiful cliffs and offers calm, crystal-clear waters for visitors to enjoy. Accessible via a steep staircase, this hidden gem provides a quiet escape from the crowds, making it perfect for those seeking a more secluded beach experience.
On the ocean, I love how the tides can change the look and feel of the coast. We were here on a trip and I took pictures of the rock at both low and high tide. First we went through a dry leg, then it became an island. I think it was worth coming back. Beautiful, isn't it?
Radim L — Google review
Definitely the place to go for a quieter beach trip. Loved going there in the morning and late evenings. The water is a lovely temperature (often yellow from the sand at the shore), with great rock formations.
Do make a note of which exits are and are not available. If the tide comes in, and you're next to an exit which is out of order, you might be stuck there for a while.
It's a bit busy but not as busy as the other beaches. Small beach bar to get things but take cash. It's also not cheap. Lifeguard is there. Plenty of parking nearby.
fantastic rock formations, white sand, water at a nice temperature, not too crowed, walking distances to town and if you go there early in the morning you may even have a chance to have the whole beach to yourself, there are lifeguards and some wooden shacks where you can buy a drink, also the beach is impeccably clean, not a piece of plastic to be seen, which these days is a sad exception World wide
One of the many beaches that you will see while walking along the cliffs. Small, but in this scenery, it is perfect for a quiet relax away from the crowds.
Come in the morning at 8-10, if you want to get an experience of an empty beach and make some nice pictures. At ~10 people started coming and it wasn’t as nice anymore
A very beautiful beach with not so many people like the the other ones that I visited. The ocean was kinda warm and I took a long walk along the coast.
We were there in February and although 19 degrees it felt like a UK summer all week. Jumper or light jacket for the evenings.
Museum
Art Galleries
Casa Manuel Teixeira Gomes is a historic museum and cultural center located in Portimao, Portugal. It is the birthplace of Manuel Teixeira Gomes, the 7th president of Portugal, showcasing his life as a respected writer, traveler, and diplomat. The museum features first editions of his works and regularly hosts exhibitions by local artists and photographers. While primarily in Portuguese, visitors can use translation apps to fully appreciate the information provided.
Manuel Teixeira Gomes House, the building where Manuel Teixeira Gomes, a remarkable politician and writer, was born. Municipal heritage since the mid-1990s (20th century) and Property of Municipal Interest since 2007, the Manuel Teixeira Gomes House was subject to restoration and requalification works, having been inaugurated on December 12, 2009, by the Mayor of Portimão, Dr. Manuel da Luz. Property of the Teixeira Gomes family since the 19th century, located in a noble area of the city, next to the Arade River and near the Bivar Palace and the Sárrea Garfias Palace, it has represented in the entrance gate the initials of its owner, José Libânio Gomes, a merchant of figs and dried fruits. Built in a simple style, it is a discreet, one-storey, rectangular-shaped house with a pitched roof, typical features of southern architecture. The entrance is made through an iron gate that gives access to a central patio, where a fountain once existed, around which all the bodies of the House develop, and where the twin arched windows stand out, on the right side of the building, the stained glass windows on top of the entrance door and the kitchen, where the stone sink and the traditional fireplace can still be seen. The Manuel Teixeira Gomes House, a meeting place of cultures and arts, is a space of inspiration and evocation to the life and work of the writer President. The House aims to be a meeting point and a place of identification of the community and for the community. Opening its doors to Culture, the Casa dedicates a room to local artists, where they can exhibit their arts. From painting, photography, theatre and music, we seek to present to the community the best that Portimão has to offer. Casa also offers guided tours to groups, by appointment, to help them discover the space and interpret the life and work of Manuel Teixeira Gomes.
Paulo C — Google review
interesting brief exposition about a very interesting writer and politician, born in Portimao. He was the 7th president of Portugal‘s first republic and formerly ambassador in Spain and UK. It is necessary to read info in Wikipedia and use translation facilities (lens) because the exposition text is in Portuguese only, free entrance
Really nice place, tells the story of a late Portuguese president from Portimão
Lovely museum and interesting photos and very colorful paintings.
Attended a concert. Very comfortable place with a mini museum.
(Translated by Google) Beautiful exhibition by Mr. Aitor Bal
It's worth going to see, something never seen before on planet Earth! Something that opens your mind and makes your eyes shine
(Original)
Exposição lindíssima do sr. Aitor Bal
Vale a pena ir ver, coisa jamais vista no planeta terra ! Coisa de abrir a mente e brilhar os olhos
(Translated by Google) My works exhibited at Casa MTGomes.
(Original)
Obras minhas expostas na Casa MTGomes.
(Translated by Google) The Casa Manuel Teixeira Gomes in Portimao is an excellent art gallery and where I usually hold my photography exhibitions. There are also women from Sao Passos who really like to exhibit their paintings here. All the staff are wonderful and attentive. The only shame is that it closes so early, in the afternoon, at 4:30 pm. Given the number of exhibitions it has on, it should only close at 6 pm and be open on Saturdays at the weekend.
(Original)
A Casa Manuel Teixeira Gomes, em Portimao ė uma galeria de Arte por excelência e onde costumo realizar as minhas exposições de Fotografia. Ai há mulher Sao Passos também gosta bastante de expor as suas pinturas neste local. Todos os funcionários são magnificos e atenciosos. Só é pena fechar tão cedo , à tarde , pelas 16h30. Pelas exposições que tem permanentemente deveria fechar só as 18horas e ao fim de semana deveria estar aberta aos Sábados.
R. Júdice Biker 1, 8500-531 Portimão, Portugal•
Beach
Nature & Parks
Praia do Alemão, also known as Praia do Barranco das Canas, is a stunning and unspoiled beach in Portimao, Algarve. It is famous for its natural beauty and can be accessed easily from Praia do Vau. The beach offers breathtaking views of rocks, caves, and nature especially during low tide when visitors can walk along the 3 km stretch or climb the rocks for an even more spectacular view.
Stunning sea views from the cliff tops overlooking a picturesque, family-friendly beach. Easily accessible with a small car park nearby.
Carlos S — Google review
Awesome little beach. Plenty of free parking (especially if you show up before 9am). A walk down the hill takes you down to the beach. Just be aware of whether it is high or low tide! The further to the east you go, the harder it may be to leave the beach during the high tide.
Beautiful beach. It does get busy, we hired two chairs and an umbrella for €20 for the day. The bar has alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks for sale. Under €10 it’s cash, over and you can use card. If you hire a chair you get to use a portaloo which is normally locked to the public. Much nicer than the other public one.
Lovelly clean beach with deep soft sand for lieing on. Plagued by sandals dispite having spray to ward them off. Water is deep in a short space of time so it was very good for a quick cool off. Don't forget your insect repellant
Gorgeous walk on the cliff right on the beach. The views from the top are breathtaking, and one can see a number of caves below. The different formations as a result of water runoff, wind, and waves make it a very interesting walk.
It is a bit of a hike but definitely worth the views. One can visit any time of the day, but watching the sunset from the top is definitely something else.
Incredible serendipitous find. An Uber driver recommended this in Alvor for a short hike to see the sunset and we were not disappointed.
Lovely short 2 KM walk to the edge of the cliffs through shrubs, woods and places overlooking caves. The edge of the cliff at the end of the walk also leads to a Naturist beach that you have to climb down to.
You can swim in the cove and then walk to the cliff to see the sunset, all in a few hours. There are no sunbeds or places to get food or drinks which for me was even better.
Hidden grottos, caves, arches, cliffs, the sound of the ocean waves and its blue and a walk on soft golden sand from beach to beach! Unforgetable!
Love this place. The view is spectacular ...I love to go up onto the cliff and watch the sun rise. A photographer's dream when the sun hits the rocks.
Catholic church
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, also known as Igreja Matriz de Portimao, is a historic 15th-century church located within the walled perimeter of Portimao. The church showcases a blend of architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo, and Manueline due to renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It's very beautiful from the outside. I loved it inside too. Decorated with red flowers for Christmas just looked amazing. Little statue of John Paul 2 .
Agnieszka J — Google review
We were on a very long cruise on NCL last year and one of the stops was Portimao. We got off the ship and walked around the old town using google maps. Lots of beautiful buildings and we took lots of pictures including this 15th century catholic church.
This is a lovely, traditional, and welcoming Catholic church in Portimão. It offers Mass on Sundays at 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the area. Although the Mass is conducted in Portuguese, regular churchgoers find it easy to follow. There are many altar servers, and the choir is quite good. The seating is comfortable; however, the kneelers are made of solid wood and can be quite uncomfortable for kneeling. Locals are fortunate to have such a wonderful church, and it is definitely worth a visit for visitors.
A beautiful historic church in the center of Portimão. Not large, but full of charm and peaceful atmosphere. The interior features traditional Portuguese azulejos and a lovely altar. Worth a short stop while exploring the old town.
We spent here Christmas and two week days. The local priest helds the mass in a beautiful, full of honor way. The choir sings nicely. The church itself is pretty as well. The community seems to be engaged in the igreja’s life. I would say you can pray here and take part in a mass with no worries something will dissapoint you.
Free entrance.
Cute
Very nice inside
Beautiful and peaceful! A must visit
Igreja Matriz, R. da Igreja, 8500-597 Portimão, Portugal•
Market
Mercado Municipal de Alvor is a bustling local market known for its excellent selection of seafood and fresh produce. It's a popular spot for purchasing fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. The market offers a relaxed atmosphere with a great community vibe, making it an enjoyable place to shop. Visitors can also indulge in delicious cakes at the onsite bakery or enjoy the friendly service while exploring the variety of offerings available.
What a gem of a place
Food and service excellent
Philip S — Google review
So.e great nights ad here. Very friendly & great service from the Tipperary young man.
Alvor, looking down the hill towards the Leinster House on a beautiful June evening.
I've been here a few times for my fruits and veggies. Great quality. And I like the fact that it is very relaxed, not too many stalls and not crowded.
Went there to buy fresh fish. Very fresh indeed... But also way to expensive. Anyway, a good place for fruts, vegetables and other related grocery.
Cake Away! Fantastic little cake shop. Try the cherry liquor in chocolate cup and all their delicious cakes 😋
All fresh meats,fish fruits in the heart of the village.A great community atmosphere.
Fresh fish and vegetables at great prices. Would definitely recommend.
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Boat tour agency
Tours
Boat Tours
Experience the Ferragudo Boat Trips for a unique adventure along the Arade River and to Silves. Join Captain Luis, a retired local fisherman, on his converted open fishing boat, the Reis Jorge, for an authentic and informative tour. Marvel at the stunning cliffs and sea caves while learning about the area's history and ecology from your entertaining guide. Departing from Ferragudo, this trip offers a delightful experience with plenty to see in this charming fishing village.
Great trip to Silves during the high tide. The captain is very knowledgeable about the route and the history and facts along the route. Great opportunity to see Silves before heading back.
Fredrik L — Google review
Luis was such a gent - very knowledgeable about the local area, and a great host. We enjoyed the cruise down the river into Silves on his old fishing boat (very comfortable) - we enjoyed 90mins or so on Silves,.a beautiful place. Highly recommend
This is such a great experience. I love how Luis talks with passion about the history of the area and his life as a previous fisherman. It’s very educational and also enjoyable riding a traditional fisherman’s boat. It has all the charm. He took us to Silves where we had enough time to visit the castle and explore the city. To be picked up after and safely brought back to Ferragudo. Great trip!
It’s closed and didn’t change info in Google maps, pity 🤷🏻♀️
It will be open in February .
Great boat trip to silves, very well navigated and narrated with great history and anecdotes. Silves is a lovely town to visit. Would definitely recommend
Unforgettably fantastic experience, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip and all the stories about the history of the area. Highly recommend!
We signed up for the Caves Tour with Luis, a retired local fisherman, who is a one-man captain, tour guide, local historian, and entertaining raconteur.
His converted open fishing boat the Reis Jorge is one of the last wooden craft in Ferragudo and provides an authentic feel to the relaxing two hour tour along the coast to view the beautiful and dramatic cliffs and sea caves up close.
Booking was easy to do on-line; we were greeted quayside on arrival by very cheery and helpful Paula.
A definite must-do when in the western Algarve. Highly recommended.
What a great trip we had today.
Our host was fabulous, funny and knowledgeable. Thanks Louis and Fiona 😊
Rua Infante Santo, 8400-252 Ferragudo, Portugal•
Cruise agency
Seaside walk
Tour operator
Embark on an exciting adventure aboard the Santa Bernarda Pirate Ship, a replica of a 15th-century caravel. Departing from Portimao's harbor, this 23m-long vessel offers wheelchair access and takes tourists along the Algarve coast to explore stunning caves, including the famous Benagil. The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes opportunities to dive into the sea (weather permitting).
The bad: I got a little nauseous when I got back on the ship. I just needed to sit still for a moment. It was windier and colder on the way back. The great: this crew did a great job. They were hospitable, friendly and very helpful. They really wanted to make sure everyone had a great time. The weather on the way there was wonderful. On the way back they played some of my favorite 80s hits, and they circulated twice to make sure everyone was okay and had a good time. ***** well deserved.😊😊😊
Cleta G — Google review
An absolutely fantastic experience, so pleased we went for this. Around 2.5 hours on the boat, including a trip into the caves on a smaller boat. All staff were lovely, very approachable and friendly. The kids absolutely loved this, as did the adults. Highly recommend.
We had a great time aboard the Santa Bernarda. Although the trip was an hour shorter than advertised, it still felt like more than enough and made for a memorable experience.
While I’d read that it would be a pirate-themed adventure with talk of “walking the plank” and a bit more pirate flair there wasn’t much of that in reality. Still, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it was a brilliant way to take in the stunning coastline.
Highly recommended for a scenic and enjoyable outing on the water!
We had a great time on the ship! The crew was fun and professional and even though the sea conditions were a bit rougher, everything that was promised was delivered. The trip on the smaller wooden boats is awesome, and the „captains“ of the boats are very skilled. We spent a great afternoon on this beautiful boat!
We went on the afternoon 1430 trip. My kids were a bit bored, even with the choppy / heavy seas, there wasn’t really much of entertainment for them. Maybe I expected more of a show of some sort? it was mostly one guys talking into a microphone about what we were seeing, but it was hard to understand him due to the poor microphone / speaker quality. The ship goes along the coast passing by several caves, but understandably we couldn’t visit them in the smaller boat due to the waves.
Even though we were in the off season (April) the parking nearby was full so we had to park at another one (along the same street) farther away so account for that in your travel time.
Overall, I say it was interesting to see the shoreline this way, but I probably wouldn’t do it again. The people were nice and seemed to know the area well.
What a great half day out. Lovely drive across from Faro, and the route through the city was beautiful as all the trees were in blossom
Free parking right next to the gangway down to the boat. Once we boarded we grabbed seats and set off pretty rapidly, with only two tourists late and having to be brought across in one of the smaller boats.
We proceed down the river and out to sea with updates from the pirate captain in four different languages!
Passing smaller and slower vessels we got to the caves where the adventure into the smaller motorboats was fun in the choppy waves, but soon we were off into the caves themselves.
The ship caught the attention of every passing boat/yacht, as well as sun seekers on the various beaches. And it was a great experience to walk around the deck seeing the sights from various parts of the ship.
Whilst we didn't sample the bar as we brought our own lunch, there were plenty on board that partook of one or two fresh cold beers.
In summary a great half day out, the imemrsive experience of a pirate ship was fun and the caves were very interesting to see.
In my humble opinion, this was the best way to experience the Benagil Caves with children. Pedro Pirata was an absolute delight—engaging, fun, and fully committed to his pirate-host persona. The kids were captivated, and the adults had a great time too. Highly recommend!
Excellent experience. Recommended.
Motor (with sails up) to the caves then you hope onto smaller boats that take you right into the caves and almost onto the beaches inside, could not ask for more.
Friendly staff, amazing pirates who are very good with kids all on what seems a really old pirate ship.
Cais Vasco da Gama, 8500-000 Portimão, Portugal•
Sightseeing tour agency
Embark on the unforgettable BenagilOdyssey Boat Tour, where adventure awaits along the stunning Algarve coastline. Departing regularly from Portimao Marina, this 2 to 2.5-hour journey covers around 20 kilometers of breathtaking cliffs and hidden beaches that are otherwise unreachable by land. The tour's crown jewel is the iconic Benagil Cave, a magnificent sea cave featuring a unique circular opening in its roof that bathes its sandy beach in natural light.
David was super helpful in planning the trip. Very easy to park if you come by car. The trip was lovely, even saw a group of dolphins on the way back from the cave-tour 🙏
Ninna R — Google review
This was one of the best holiday boat trips we have ever done.
A really interesting, amusing commentary made all the sights really come to life.
The booking process was easy & well organised. David was friendly & helpful but not at all pushy, which we liked.
The boat was comfortable and we felt very safe. Excellent value for money.
We highly recommend.
100% recommend ! Amazing staff , the young gentleman that we booked with was so lovely and friendly. Jesse made the trip fun and memorable and Pedro is an amazing skipper! Best of all we actually saw dolphins! Will definitely book again the next time we are here .
Amazing trip! Thank you Gabrielle and Rui for taking us to see all the caves and sights of the Algarve 🤩 we had a great time.
We were with this tire on May 27 2025 and I really enjoyed it . I would recommend this tour for visitors
This experience was amazing and something unforgettable. I mentioned my medical requirements and the host kindly offered to let me board first to accommodate for this. It was a great tour and they are very knowledgeable and funny and hospitable.
We booked a boat trip after seeing the trips advertised next to Clube Naval at the waterfront in Portimao. We spoke to David who gave us so much info about the different types of boats that they have and what we would see during the trip, we also had the choice of different sailing times so we could fit the trip into our day into Portimao. We had a fabulous few hours, David and the crew treated us so well and told us all about the coast line and caves, nothing was too much trouble and everyone was super friendly. Price was reasonable and the trip was worth every euro! Highly recommend booking this trip directly in Portimao, we will definately go again with more family on our next visit.
Unfortunately the trip is totally not like what is told during selling. You receive an info that you need to pay for baby, because it will have it own seat, and that there will be special place for stroller. Yet the situation is totally different. You receive extremally small place, with no place for your baby, so you have to hold it on your hands all the time. Stroller will be pushed below your legs So you have zero comfort. All the bad opinions are disappearing also, so there might be something behind that too.
Not to mention that the life vest is for a older babies (over 4 years), so smaller babies will drown if anything happens.
Of course guys from the office do not listen to what you have to say, So do not count on any recompensation.
Some photos below.
I totally do not recommend!
Largo do Dique, 8500-531 Portimão, Portugal•
Mentioned on
R. Nossa Sra. da Conceição, also known as Lady of Conception, is the primary Roman Catholic church in Portimao, serving as the main parish church and a vital part of the local community.
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Igreja do Divino Salvador de Alvor, also known as Igreja Matriz de Alvor, is a stunning example of Manueline architecture in the serene town of Alvor, Portugal. The church is renowned for its intricate entrance gates and impressive artworks depicting scenes of war and religious symbols. Inside, visitors can admire 18th-century tiles and a famous picture of Lady on the altar, which was mysteriously found by local fishermen on the beach.
Stunning church both inside and out. On entering we was met by the Priests Mother who was very informative and friendly 🙂
She allowed pictures to be taken inside the church and even turned the lights on for them.
Great church Great village 👍
Wez P — Google review
A delightful church with an interesting interior and unusual portal whose final arch is of octopus tentacles. Please make a donation to support its maintenance. Unfortunately, it is in Alvor which has nothing to commend it despite what the many guides say.
First time going to mass that was in Portuguese. Loved the experience
feels dystopian... but i gave an extra star because looks like greece. 😁
Beautiful Quaint village we fell in love with many years ago. Myself and my Husband had our wedding in this beautiful church and had the pleasure to get married here by the lovely priest Father Marques.
I always drop in when in Alvor,beautiful place
500 years old church with services with mass on saturday afternoon
Very pretty church on the outside.
R. da Igreja 25, 8500-007 Alvor, Portugal•
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Archaeological museum
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
Points of Interest & Landmarks
If you're a history enthusiast, the Alcalar Megalithic Site in Portimao is a must-visit. The site features various types of graves, including megalithic chambers and tombs with false cupolas and side alcoves. It offers a unique experience as it's not heavily visited, allowing for an intimate exploration of the well-preserved passage tomb. Additionally, visitors can witness re-enactments and demonstrations of prehistoric skills.
Small but important cultural and historical site.
I enjoy paleolithic and megalithic sites, and this will be very familiar to people who have visited other such sites around Europe. This one has the bonus of being remote and not many visitors, so it can feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Including being able to go in and on top of the passage tomb. It's beautiful and haunting.
The site is in impeccable condition considering how much access visitors have. Clean and well-preserved.
The old man who runs it is a lovely person. I would gladly pay the small fee in order that people can preserve this site. While it is small, I still feel like there is more to see and learn, especially on the days when they have exhibits and demonstrations.
The best part is I could take my dog!
Vee — Google review
Was looking forward to visiting the site but not a great deal to see to be honest.Interesting for history buffs I expect.Maybe just not my cup of tea.Doesnt take long to look around.There is a video to watch before you look around which fills you in on all the details.
Much as I would love to see more money spent on developing this ancient site, it is really cheap to visit, all the essential information is there, and the staff at the counter are remarkably helpful and friendly.
Amazing quiet place ! Small… but very interesting ! Not crowdy
Fascinating but very small site. The best bit is possibly the introduction in the reception area but the tombs are amazing, staff are great. Highly recommended
Stone age prehistoric site. If you visit here first, you can get a ticket to Portimão Museum for €1. 6 in Portimão
Absolutely recommended to go. Great place to go. Very interesting to see megalithic culture in Portugal being very similiar to wedge tombs in Ireland. Very friendly man at the entrance who had some water for us (even for free) as we were near dying after descending.
The age of this site, and its history are impressive. If you enjoy architecture & archeological excavation, you will enjoy.
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Castle of Alvor, a square-shaped medieval fortress originally built by the Moors over the remains of an ancient commercial center, stands as a testament to Moorish construction resilience. Despite being partially destroyed in 1189 and surviving the 1755 earthquake, it now features a children's play area within its courtyard. The nearby town of Alvor boasts two stunning beaches: Praia de Alvor and Praia dos Tres Irmaos, offering over 3.
Lovely little park, we visited recently while on holiday in Alvor. Not very much in the park, a couple of swings, see-saw and climbing frame with slide. It was quite shaded which was good.
KL W — Google review
A few very old walls, if you're coming looking for history you'll be disappointed, if you're looking for a shady resting spot, a place for kids to run around and well maintained toilets then this is the place for you. Some building work is going on close by at the time of writing.
The picture of the full castle with the palm trees is not in Alvor. It is in Lagos. Someone has uploaded the incorrect photo. The ‘castle’ in Alvor is just the remains of a castle, and has a children’s park inside, and that is all. Don’t be mislead!
Nice playground area with plenty of seating and shade, with a toilet, perfect for kids to play with one parent while the other parent is shopping in the nearby market.
Alvor Castle isn't really a castle, just a few remains that have been converted into a children's play area. Wouldn't make a special visit to the castle, but if you're in the village with children, it's a nice place to stop for a rest, as it's nicely shaded and there are some public toilets here (which were impressively clean when we visited). Good place to stop and let kids play - basic climbing frame, slide and swings.
A lovely little hidden play park for kids to run around safely in the middle of Alvor. There are toilets, too!
Great wee village lovely people and very family friendly
Small castle ruins. Historically, there is nothing much to see. There is a playground for children.
Market
Food & Drink
Pizza restaurant
Farmers Markets
Portimão, a town known for its stunning Praia da Rocha beach, also offers a vibrant local market experience. The municipal market is a modern and large venue where visitors can find fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and pastries. It's the perfect place to stock up on local produce and unique souvenirs like aguardente de medronhos. Additionally, the market provides an authentic taste of Algarve with its variety of regional delicacies.
Clean and quiet. Felt very comfy here. Got some fresh strawberries and blueberries which were amazingly tasty! People were friendly as well. A nice place to feel the local:))
CHEER Z — Google review
Went for a wine tasting and bought some sourdough bread. They had live music. It was fun! Love this Portuguese tradition of municipal markets. Brings the community together 🇵🇹♥️
The Municipal Market in Portimão has been an absolute highlight of our nine months in Portugal. It’s so much more than a place to buy fresh food—it’s a place that made us feel at home. The produce and meats are always top quality, and the vendors are incredibly friendly. It only took a short time before they started treating us like locals.
As we prepare to return to the U.S., this is the place that brings tears to my eyes. Walking through the market, knowing we only have a couple of weeks left of this rhythm—fresh food, warm faces, meaningful moments—has made me realize how much this space has meant to us.
100% recommend. Can’t wait to come back here sooner than later.
Excellent local market selling fresh produce. Great selection of fruits, veg, meat, fish and cheeses. There is also a great shop selling an excellent selection of locally produced alcohol, meats and tinned fish is you're looking for gifts to take home.
Spent a delightful morning shopping the incredible local produce, sipping coffee & people watching
Great market with fresh fruits, fish, seafood and nuts. The prices are reasonable.
The array of fish, meat and produce made this wannabe at-home chef squeal with delight at the possibilities! The variety and quality of products and the kindness of the locals made this a really lovely memory from our trip to Portugal. I sampled a bit of all there was to other: baked goods, meat, vegetables, olive oil and fish of course! All delicious. I made a few truly lovely meals with items purchased from that visit. A must visit.
Vegetables fruit fish meat specialities of the region … all fresh… must see
Av. São João de Deus, 8500-508 Portimão, Portugal•
Carvoeiro, a picturesque town in the Algarve region of Portugal, is known for its dramatic cliffs adorned with colorful buildings overlooking golden beaches and turquoise waters. With a population of 2,721, this former civil parish offers idyllic coastal scenery and leisurely beach activities. Visitors can explore the coastline on a medium-difficulty trail spanning approximately 12-13 kilometers round trip, taking about 4-5 hours to complete.
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Soccer field
Arenas & Stadiums
Estádio Municipal de Portimão is a top sports stadium located in the heart of Portimao, Portugal. It serves as the home ground for Portimonense FC, a prominent football club competing in the Primera Ligue. The stadium offers an exciting experience for football enthusiasts and visitors. While some fans have encountered challenges with seating arrangements and concession stand capacity, many appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and accessibility of the venue.
Small, but you feel the vibe.
G — Google review
You cannot have a tour and also the store is opened or closed randomly. The store is almost empty, no keyrings, magnets or souvenirs to buy. A pen lost on a shelf, a Select football, about 8 or 9 t-shirts. The lady working there was bored and busy with her own stuff, mentioned the people do not have money to buy the items anyway. In a funny way she said that all the t-shirts from this season were sold out and specified that the few ones available were from last season. I bought one from last for my son, 70 euros, asked for a clean and packed one (not the one exposed), hard task but finally got one.
The stadium looks nice, surrounded by buildings with flats and a few stores.
It is a shame they do not really want to encourage people to visit and make some money of it too.
Nice little stadium. If you sit in the smaller side you will be in direct sunlight for afternoon games. Concession stand on this side was very low capacity. Just 2 staff. Small menu but ridiculously low prices compared to Canadian prices. €2 for a small beer. That works.
Bought tickets to see a game through 3rd party since buying through portimaonese site wasn’t working. Seats were ok, many people sit wherever which is sad for those who pay for seats. Full sun when seated on east side (opponent) and small snack stand on south side of stadium but has long line. Good group of fans; open and easy to get to and better if you walk than drive. Would go to another game (we did Benfica vs Portimaonese).
An amazing stadium with great soul and energy. Would recommend to anyone. Very much a small man syndrome with only 1500 people sounding like 20000. Cheap tickets, cheaper snacks. Supporting a team that is fan owned also resignates well with football fans like myself.
Great family stadium with a superb playing surface.
I'm all for security but for them to tell me to Chuck away my suncream and sweets is a bit much when there were other people who brought flares in..
Not much atmosphere and a bit of a boring game for me but that's my opinion, I'm sure it was good for others
Basic stadium. 3 uncovered stands, all close to the action. No shade, so take a hat!
R. do Campo de Futebol 37, 8500-722 Portimão, Portugal•
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31Lagoa
Mentioned on
Lagoa, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a charming city and municipality in the district of Faro. With a population of around 22,975 people spread across an area of 88.25 km², it's a relatively small but vibrant community. The city itself is home to approximately 6,100 inhabitants. Lagoa's coastal area has received recognition for its beauty and is considered a must-visit destination for travelers.
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Beach
Sights & Landmarks
Piers & Boardwalks
Praia de Alvor is a stunning beach in the Algarve region, featuring an expansive sandy stretch lined with a wooden boardwalk and an array of seafood restaurants and beach bars. The nearby fishing marina area offers the freshest seafood at establishments like the Fishermans Rest Restaurant, where visitors can witness fishermen hauling in the catch of the day just moments before it's served.
Lovely beach!
Spotlessly clean and very long, excellent clear waters.
Sunbeds are 20 euros for 2.
There’s a small cafe type restaurant that is limited.
Plenty parking nearby.
Stephen — Google review
Beach with soft sand and clear blue water, warmer than most beaches along the coast.
We rented sun loungers (20€ for a pair) as it was a little windy and wanted to avoid getting attacked by the sand, but there are lots of areas for you to bring your umbrella and set up (The further you go from the restaurants the quieter it is).
Really great location, very well looked after and amenities are all within close range. Definitely the best beach we've visited in Portimao
Highly recommend go there. Sandy beach. Not crowded and good scenery. I will come back again
Beautiful beach in Alvor, not to busy with lots of sunbeds and places to eat close by as well as toilets as well. 10 walk to Alvor resort where there are.lot if options to eat or shop.
4th October ....+31°C. Off season....still great to go for a long walk and swim.
Absolutely lovely place to stay for your holidays and if like me escaping the winter what a place to escape to
Lovely and fairly quiet (we went in July). Lots of beds available. Two beds for €12 which is a great price. There are public toilets in between the restaurants. And lots of drinks and snack options in the restaurants nearby. Easy to get Ubers there and back.
Beautiful sandy beach, especially at sunrise, when I was there it was nice and clean. Stretches far so there is lots of space, it's nice to walk along the shoreline, or along the boardwalk which leads down near a lighthouse and also down to the dock area. Enjoyed walking up the staircase over the left side of the beach, great spot for a photo as the view is good.
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Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Igreja da Misericórdia, also known as the Church of Mercy, is a popular religious site in Alvor, Portugal. Despite its small size, this 17th-century church attracts many visitors with its charming details such as the pulpit and altar adorned with impressive stained glass depicting the miracle of the roses by Saint Queen St. Isabel of Portugal. Alvor itself is a serene yet vibrant destination known for its beaches, historical structures, restaurants, and bars.
Lovely Church and moving service. Will go to the 7pm English service on Saturday!
Mike E — Google review
Stunning little church with a great soothing atmosphere.
Very old Catholic church in Alvor town square.
Quaint church in a lovely place
Beautiful
(Translated by Google) It's hard to find it, in very bad condition, only the park inside is worth it, not recommended at all.
(Original)
Cuesta hasta encontrarlo, en muy mal estado, solo merece la pena el parque que esta en su interior, nada recomendable..
(Translated by Google) A small chapel right next to a cafe
Our fb page ⬇️
Travel and hikes
(Original)
Une petite chapelle juste à côté d'un café
Notre page fb ⬇️
Voyages et randonnées
(Translated by Google) I really like this little chapel: there is always very pleasant church music playing in the background. Time for inner reflection.
At Christmas time the altar was decorated with a very “unique” nativity scene. Unique in that it is not the traditional figures that are set up, but rather a "colorful" mix of plastic and wooden figures. Even with a small waterfall.
(Original)
Diese kleine Kapelle hat es mir angetan: Es läuft immer sehr angenehme kirchliche Musik im Hintergrund. Zeit für innere Einkehr.
Zur Weihnachtszeit war der Altar mit einer sehr "eigenen" Krippendarstellung ausgestaltet. Eigen insofern, als dass nicht die althergebrachten Figuren aufgestellt sind, sondern ein "buntes" Mix aus Plastik und Holzfiguren. Sogar mit einem kleinem Wasserfall.
R. 25 de Abril 11, 8500-013 Alvor, Portugal•
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Poke bar
Shopping
Beach clothing store
Coffee shop
Rocha Surf Shop is a great place to go for all your surfing needs. They have a new poke bar and delicious juices, as well as rentals for surfboards, body boards and wet suits. They also do stand up paddling tours with the owner Carlos who is knowledgable and takes you to beautiful spots that are off the beaten path. The staff are friendly and helpful, always making you feel at home.
We went there for surfing and SUP. It was amazing experience! The surfing lesson was great, everyone enjoyed. Paulo always took care of everyone, teach every detail. Recommend to all levels of surfing. He gives me really helpful advice.
SUP with Carlos was the best SUP experience! It was easy to stand up by following the steps Carlos said. He guided us to explore different ocean areas and caves, we also found a lot beautiful shells haha🤣. He’s such a nice person we all love! The whole trip was full of friendly vibes and laughs 😁
Yujunyu Z — Google review
Lovely food and atmosphere! Staff really friendly! Overall great food and vibe! Would definitely go here if you are vegan or vegetarian!
Sooooo I love acia bowls! I eat them often so I was excited to try this places based on all the 5 stars! Sad to say the Acia was tasteless the fruit was frozen not fresh and it was so over priced! Coffee didnt tatse good either. I took a pic of of the food but trust me the look of it does not match the taste. I would not recommend.
Incredible poke bowls!
Fantastic service.
Good prices.
Can't go wrong here. Perfect place to grab lunch 👌🏾🫶🏾
Perfect, and amazing welcoming staff.
10/10 Vibes, Food and Coffee
Shout out to Carlos.
Such an amazing surf shop! Very local and has great surfing products. From surfing, surf skate, to the latest hip clothing.. she has it all. I came here looking for a surf scooter rack. The owner Patricia was so kind to order me one. It arrived and we had trouble installing it but she was SOoooooo helpful and patient with everything. We finally got it working and she really won “owner of the year” at all surf shops. I HIGHLY recommend you stop by. There is also a great poke shop in front of her store. Very good and fresh food, you can’t beat it. Thanks again to Patricia and her whole staff. It’s my favorite surf shop around :)
Just got back from an awesome morning SUP tour with Carlos. We were 3 complete beginners and had never been on a paddleboard before. Carlos is a great teacher and I wasn't long before we were all happily paddling along.
The places we visited were beautiful. Such a fantastic tour.
Beautiful, amazing, spectacular. Came here for late breakfast and everything was amazing!! Struggled to find matcha around town but this place had it!
Edifício Rochamar, Loja, Av. Tomás Cabreira 5, 8500-802 Portimão, Portugal•
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4.5
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Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Miradouro Ría Alvor is a top-notch year-round destination for sightseeing and birdwatching in the Algarve. Its remarkable natural diversity stems from a rich variety of ecological niches packed into a relatively small area. To the north, the Quinta da Rocha peninsula and Vale da Zorra boast diverse Mediterranean habitats, while to the south, there's an extensive dune system and ocean.
Really beautiful place. Great views and perfect to be around when the tides are really big
Luís ( — Google review
Great views over the dunes and the ocean, from Lagos almost to the cliffs of Carvoeiro. The barra, or inlet into the tidal lagoon of Alvor is only 100m away. There you can watch the tide rushing in with a speed of almost 10km/h. There are benches, but nothing else and only the seabirds will chat with you
Lovely and quiet out of season. Golden soft sand. Great for a peaceful walk and to see the sunset over Lagos
Huge beach huge skies we love it and visit every time we are in Portugal
Nice and quiet little village and beach worth a visit
Beautiful beach. Great views. Loved this place
Great place for a walk or a kitesurfing sesh
Outstanding, nothing like you've seen anywhere else in Algarve
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4.6
(348)
4.8
(57)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Praia do Submarino, also known as Submarine Beach, is a hidden gem located near Joao de Arens. Named after a submarine-shaped rock emerging from the water, this secluded beach offers plenty of private spots ideal for a romantic day or a getaway with friends. Accessible through a challenging hike involving climbing over rock formations and crossing through arches, the end result is truly incredible.
Totally worth it if you are looking for a peaceful and quiet place. Clothing optional which is great. I had a great time until three young guys got there being too loud and playing music at high volume so I left as well as other people.
Ramon A — Google review
The best place that won my heart! The view from above is absolutely stunning, and the beach itself is the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen. It’s accessible on foot, and walking around the beaches connected by caves during low tide was such a beautiful experience. Just be careful not to get stuck when the tide comes in!
Beautiful beach, unfortunately it is not accessible by land. In order to visit thr beach you have to go over the water. The name of the beach is fitting, the beautiful rock in front of the beach indeed looks like a submarine. The view on top of the rock next to the beach are spectacular!
Naked Naturist beach frequented by gay men. Left side has a big beach which is straight/mixed and the area accessible via a small cave is gay.
This is the most dangerous hike I’ve been on. You have to scale a cliff holding onto rocks. It’s scary but worth it. Don’t bring anything besides a backpack as you need both hands for climbing the cliff trail. You need traction so don’t wear flip flops. I hyperventilated my first time but returned and did it. Scared every single time but still go.
Directions to Submarine Beach, one of the best clothing optional beaches in the Algarve
Honestly I was scared going as the directions were very vague and I was not sure how I was going to find it. When I did find it I was soooo happy that I made the attempt as it was one of the most unspoiled beaches I have ever been on.
Step 1: Look up tide times as you can only access this beach in low tide and if you stay too long you will be trapped here so go when the tide is going out and stay only when it is half way in. you can do this by googling Tide times Portimao
Step 2: you will need to Drive and Park in the field outlined in the map attached
Step 3: walk to the end of the road towards Casa da Guarda; make a right and walk around the two Gruta's (holes in the rocks looking down onto the beaches); keep following the path to the right and the path will lead you down onto the beach. It seems confusing so I have done a map using google satellite and put arrows. There are some pictures attached as well.
The beach and surrounding landscape is spectacular and I would say that if you visit here you may even skip out on the Benagil caves as these are just as good. You can wear water shoes and do the walk to the end of the line to see other small amazing beaches which are awesome. This is a clothing optional beach but there were a couple of people with clothes on so never fear.
Pack a picnic and enjoy your time as it is amazing!
Full of sea grass stones and algae. Not recommended
very nice place, but you have to be careful. can be approached by boat or board. can be seen from above. impressions are amazing!
Was very beautiful and worth your time, however if you have seen cliffs somewhere else and it is between cliffs and other site, then go for other site :)
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4.3
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Beach
Outdoor Activities
Praia João de Arens is a hidden gem that offers more than just sunbathing; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored. Nestled within stunning cliffs, this beach is best known for its scenic hiking trails that lead you through breathtaking landscapes and unique rock formations. During my visit, I was pleasantly surprised by the tranquility of the area, as there were hardly any crowds—perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.
This beach is unlike any other. While the hike to get to it is difficult, it’s worth it. The caverns are breathtaking and you get a near perfect sunset. Do yourself a favor and bring water shoes as this is a rocky beach, though there is soft sand to lay on, to swim you will have to pass some rocks. This is a predominantly queer and nudist beach.
B Y — Google review
Great secluded nude beach, it is a little steep hike to get here and you can crawl into the secret half of it during the low tide. Best for couples and like minded singles.
Pretty beach, but definitely not "queer" beyond cis gay man (coming from another queer person). Save the trip down and simply take photos from above if you arent a nudist gay man:)
Had such an amazing time in Portugal, such a beautiful country. Stunning views! This was my favourite place to visit. Absolutely breathtaking!!!
Beautiful wild beach, very secluded and quiet most of the time.
No official maintained access or stairs. You will have to hike down to it or access by kayak. It is an UNOFFICIAL clothing-optional wild beach, so be prepared. But as a note: people claim it is a gay men's beach, but it is meant for all people. Including spearfishermen!
Some visitors can act a little hostile to women and/or people who don't want to remove their swimsuits. There is no law that says you must be naked, so you do not have to listen to these people. Perhaps people should relax a little. This beach is for "uso e costume naturista", but it is not officially nudist. It is tolerated and the tolerance is meant to work both ways when visiting unofficial (by the FPN) wild beaches. Men complaining about people wearing swimsuits here should keep in mind that there are only 3 official nude beaches in Algarve and this isn't one of them. You can complain there. Not here.
If you are uncomfortable with naked people or gay men, you shouldn't venture here, but otherwise, a public beach is a public beach and is allowed to be used by all. No one group owns the beach here.
The biggest problem is the same as many central Algarve beaches have now: "seaweed" or invasive red algal blooms (Asparagopsis armata) from Australia overtaking the coast due to climate change and ecosystem imbalance. It can make the beach unusable depending on the waves bringing it in. Sometimes, the entire sand is covered. When you swim out a little, you'll find a lot of it. Quite unpleasant when there is a lot of it, and is a sign of unhealthy water as it releases many toxins into the water to kill competiting organisms so swim and use the beach with caution when algae levels are high. This little cove can collect quite a lot.
In the case of this beach, the water did not look completely clean. Maybe luxury at other times, but we probably wouldn't take a bath that day, so just a photo from above. But otherwise the colors are amazing.
Absolutely breathtaking area! Took a bit of walking around the perimeter to figure out how to descend to the beach, but was happy to do so because it's so beautiful and scenic.
Gorgeous clear water, rocky coves, caves to explore and fish to see when snorkeling.
Only thing I'll note: based on reviews I assumed this was a naturist beach, with a gay section through the cave. I've not found this to be the case. Myself and my boyfriend were often one of only two, or three, naked groups both times we visited, and definitely the minority as quite a few people are there this July. Many kayakers also dock on the beach, and boats stop in the bay, so it can feel a little exposing. The supposed gay section didn't feel very gay either bar the odd couple.
Even so, absolute must see. It's a glorious area. Also as a top tip for folks without cars - an Uber is less than 5eu from portimao!
Very beautiful nudist beach. Yes it’s a nudist beach and it’s a great experience to walk into the caves naked!!! Can crawl to the gay beach section through the cave when the tide is low. Nice view from the beach. Just be cautious that the walk down to the beach is through a narrow cliff pathway.
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Winery
Villa Alvor is a winery located in Alvor, Portugal that produces award-winning Regional Algarve wines. The estate was recently acquired by Aveleda Group and now only produces wine for sale on site. Visitors can book visits through their website.
Very nice place. Lovely wine tasting session. Crackers cheese and jam to split between wines. Lots of water.
Outside the veranda is lovely but as it was 34 degrees with a warm breeze inside was a welcome option.
Reasonably priced wines to buy after.
Graham T — Google review
We booked a picnic lunch here and overall it was a great time. There was just one woman working and she was friendly, though didn't speak too much English. We had a bottle of wine and a spread of fruit, jam, cheese, meat, crackers, paté and amazing fresh squeezed orange juice. We didn't get to explore any of the vineyard but it was a nice atmosphere sitting on the veranda.
We were glad we booked this winery expiernece, 20 mins drive from lagos. We booked the premium package which involved salami, plenty of cheese bread and crackers. Bruno was amazing to accommodate us and explained very well the process and history of the winery. I don't know if it was possible part of another package maybe but it would be worth while to bring you around to show you how they make it. At the end, you are invited into the shop to buy any wine 👌
The wine was nice but the experience was not the best. We had paid for top package which had all the wines to taste and cheese, salami & crackers. We had an explanation of the winery and a bit in each wine but as we had it in the experience in the shop there was people walking in and out from another party which made it very disjointed as Bruno spent more time serving at the counter when the other party wanted something instead of explaining what the wines would accompany etc. just for context, there had been a storm overnight but had dispersed, if this was the reason we were in doors, ok but they should have given the option as there were others outside. Not worth €135 for the 3 of us but this may just have been due to the interruption which in turn left us feeling we hadn’t had what we had expected.
We visited this lovely winery on a monday in late May, having made our reservation for the Alvor tasting well in advance for an 11 am slot. It worked out very well for our travel schedule - but also because that meant it was nice and quiet.
The hosts were very warm and gracious. They noted that we had taken a liking to the view by the terrace and welcomed us to sit there - setting us up with some water and all the good things they had lined up.
Our tasting included Villa Alvor Colheita white, rosé and red wines, which reflect the originality of the Algarve terroir.
All remarkable wines, and well priced so we took a few bottles to go. Thank you for such a memorable experience :)
Gorgeous vineyard, incredible wines, and Bruno was an amazing host. As a solo guest, I felt totally welcomed and left with a smile (and a few of my favourite bottles!) Would highly recommend.
We arrived when the winery was empty. We were bluntly asked by the person behind the cash register what we wanted and I replied with "Good afternoon, how are you?". My wife said "Oh you must have had a long day!" and the answer was "Yes". We asked about tasting the wines and he pointed to the menu. It said 22€ to taste 3 wines xxx which is a lot of coin. So I asked if the tasting fees are waived if we buy wine. The answer was "No, those are separate fees." We noticed that the bottles we would taste are 10€ each. Full disclaimer on this review: we didn't try their wines because we felt we were not appropriately received and that the tasting fees were excessive. In our humble opinion, wine should flow at a winery and the experience should be a welcoming celebration of wine and wine information, like it does in the wine region we live in back home. Maybe the wines are great and, if so, they are wonderfully priced!! Sadly, we left without knowing.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this vineyard in the Algarve region for a wine tasting experience, and it was truly delightful. The picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and lush vineyards provided a stunning backdrop that immediately set the tone for a memorable outing.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the knowledgeable staff, who guided us through the vineyard’s rich history and winemaking process. Their passion for their craft was evident, making the experience even more engaging.
The highlight, of course, was the wine tasting itself. We sampled a selection of their finest wines, each accompanied by insightful descriptions that enhanced our appreciation. The whites were refreshingly crisp, perfect for the Algarve’s warm climate, while the reds offered robust flavors that paired beautifully with local cheeses and cured meats.
The ambiance was relaxed and inviting, making it easy to savor each sip and enjoy the company of fellow wine enthusiasts. The vineyard’s commitment to sustainable practices and quality was evident in every glass, making the experience not only enjoyable but also enriching.
Overall, the Algarve vineyard wine tasting was a fantastic way to immerse myself in the local culture and enjoy the region's exquisite wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this experience is a must for anyone visiting the Algarve. I left with a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking and a few bottles to take home as souvenirs. Highly recommended!
Quinta Morgado da Torre, Sitio da Penina, 8501-156 Portimão, Portugal•
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3.7
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Zoo
Sights & Landmarks
Farms
Quinta Pedagógica de Portimão, also known as Portimao Pedagogical Farm, is a countryside space that offers urban dwellers a glimpse into rural activities. The farm features a vegetable garden, aromatic herb area, various fruit trees, and an array of farm animals including horses, cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, rabbits and chickens. Visitors can engage in traditional crafts such as feeding animals and making bread while exploring the agricultural heritage of the region.
Cute little farm-like park. Very green, peaceful, and clean. They have a pretty interesting birds variety and beautiful animals. Goats are so friendly there that they will get on their two to greet and meet you, especially for the grass offering.
Olena B — Google review
Lovely idea, and the staff were clearly doing their best to look after the animals, but i was disappointed with the size of the enclosures and the isolation of the cow and pony.
The pony was also in pain with a clear injury/abnormality affecting it's left hind limb. This was sad to see, and I hope the pony is having the treatment it so desperately needs.
The outdoor play area and picnic area were great for the children to finish off our morning
Went there on april,9,2024. Completely free.
We loved it. Its small but very very nice, trully, such a lovely place. We spent there 1h30 with our 18mo and we couldve staied for longer.
The animals were very well cared for, and very calm and sociable. They loved the kids and were very curious to interact with them, from the donkey (which came to the net just to meet a pre-school trip passing by) to the goats (very interactive), to the indian pigs and the chikens (we spent most of our time there, as the baby was interacting so much with them that she didnt want to leave). The pigs and cows were huge and fat, the horses were inside by their choice, as we went in a very warm hour. There is a big lake that we can cross trough a very safe bridge, from wich we can see a lot of ducks, geese and turtles.
The staff is also very sweet and nice.
There are tables to eat, automatic vending machines for snacks, water and coffe. There is a small but nice exposition inside.
There is no childrens park with swings nor slides and so, but honestly thats not missing. Its such a great beautiful space in wich our baby could walk free and explore nature, safelly.
We will be back as many times as possible.
Highly recomend.
Great couple of hours round here, if you go nice and early on a Saturday morning
The staff was lovely and nice surroundings but the animals are kept in horrible conditions. No one have the natural elements they need, pigs, dogs and cows are kept in small spaces with only concrete underneath them. Their horse was in really bad shape with all ribs showing. No gras or shade for any of them. It's fun for the kids to watch animals but we teach them that our joy is more important than the animals health when we normalise this treatment. Please make new priorities at the farm so they will have a better life while teaching our kids about compassion for the wildlife.
Terrible! The animals are partly injured or in a very bad condition, have far too little space, live on concrete, have no fresh water and no fresh green stuff.
Not recommendable. An animal rights organization should rather take a look at this.
Felt very sad for the animals. Conditions not great and we had higher expectations as it is promoted as a farm for children to learn about agriculture. My 3 year old adores animals and his comment to me was that the animals looked sad and poorly. All the animals were kept in tiny cages and sat on concrete. No straw or grass.
It's ok, a bit run down in places, my son loved it tho. Bridge over the water was a problem as I ran into another buggy there and had to reverse back. Some of the fences to see the animals were a bit high for my boy, he's nearly 2, so had to lift him up a lot, other than that was ok.
427 Aldeia Nova da, R. David Gonçalves Vieira, Portugal•
40Sphinx
4.9
(7)
4.7
(3)
Art gallery
Clothing store
Event venue
Home goods store
Sphinx, located on Rua Infante in Portimao, is a vibrant art gallery and event space founded by Lauren Torres, an American expat with a deep connection to the art world. The gallery offers a carefully curated collection of art, home furnishings, jewelry, and more with a modern flair. In addition to its friendly atmosphere and colorful curation, Sphinx also hosts events and music.
New space on Rua Infante that begs for your attention! Founded by a young American expat and her Kenyan husband, the gallery shows a careful and colorful curation with a distinctly “now” vibe. Friendly atmosphere. Great place for events and music, too. Welcome to the Algarve!
Kenneth B — Google review
Amazing new space in Portimao, art, home furnishings, jewelry and more! They also have a clean and well kept tattoo and piercing place in the store.
Look at their website! Amazing, fabulous art! They also rent the space for events.
If youre looking for something a little more unique stop by this great gallery space. Perfect for furnishing your new place or picking up nice things for a special occasion.
(Translated by Google) S3hr interesting and unusual art gallery.
(Original)
S3hr interessante und ausgefallene Kunstgalerie.
R. Infante Dom Henrique 130, 8500-692 Portimão, Portugal•
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4.8
(51)
4.5
(2)
Art gallery
Shopping
Galeria Canto & Serra Lda is a highly recommended gallery and framing studio that offers beautiful paintings for purchase and expert framing services. Visitors have expressed their delight with the helpful atmosphere, friendly advice, and excellent service provided by the staff. The framing work is described as prompt, expertly carried out, and reasonably priced. Customers are very happy with the mounting and framing services offered at this establishment.
Best gallery in Algarve. Excellent art pieces. Amazing framing work and a beautiful range of frames we can choose from. Well done Antonio and Cristina! Your such a great couple!
Patricia B — Google review
I had a fantastic experience with Galeria Canto & Serra. I brought in several photos to be printed and framed, and they did a truly wonderful job — the quality of the work is outstanding. Their framing service is excellent: precise, tasteful, and clearly done with great attention to detail.
Beyond the framing, the gallery itself is also worth a visit. They offer a good selection of works by different artists, with a nice variety of styles and mediums on display. A welcoming space with a professional and artistic touch — highly recommended!
Top quality, friendly service, and great price. Had many prints framed here (even bought a unique map, interesting curios inside) and the attention to detail is always high. 👍👍
Great place! Good range of framing to choose from. Excellent pricing. Knew exactly what "look" I was wanting,. So pleased with end result👌
Lovely gallery. Great framing service and superb selection of works by different artists.
If you love art, I highly recommend visiting this gallery. With very well selected pieces of art, mainly paintings, but also photographs from local and international artists. The space itself is full of charm and the owners very friendly. It is almost impossible to leave without buying something that will have a special place at home.
We’ve had 100 artworks framed by this company, and the results were excellent and completed super quickly!
Professional frame shop. Get all my pictures framed here.
R. Dom Carlos I 36C, 8500-607 Portimão, Portugal•
4.3
(9)
5.0
(1)
Art gallery
Shopping
The Quinta dos Pôrtos art gallery in Alcalar is a modern exhibition space that offers a warm welcome to visitors. The atmosphere is tranquil and serene, providing an ideal environment for relaxation and contemplation. The gallery boasts a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that guests have access to everything they need. In addition to the stunning artworks on display, there is also a refreshing swimming pool where visitors can take a dip and unwind.
Contemporary Art gallery
Arlindo A — Google review
(Translated by Google) Welcoming hosts. Quiet and relaxing house. Complete equipment. Pool. BBQ.
(Original)
Hôtes accueillants. Maison calme et reposante. Équipement complet. Piscine. Bbq.
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