Some of the best things to do in Portimão.

Portimao is situated in Portugal’s gorgeous Algarve region. It touches the Atlantic Ocean offering travelers exquisite beaches, resorts, and outdoor activities throughout the year. Portimao’s old rustic look has been modernized, and the former-fishing/shipbuilding village has gone through an evolution to a tourist destination with tree-lined promenades.

Most travelers visit Portimao for its glorious weather. In the summer, visitors can experience 11 hours of sun and an average temperature of 73 degrees during the hottest month of August. Even in winter, Portimao provides comfortable weather as the coldest average temperatures only reach 55 degrees.

Weather

Cuisine

Local Favorite: Sardinhas Assadas

Sardinhas assadas is a traditional Portuguese food, and a popular dish in the southern town of Portimao made up of grilled sardines. Portugal's coastal location makes seafood a typical option for diners at restaurants. The grilled sardines are then served up alongside fresh salad, sautéed vegetables, or potatoes. Although the dish originated in the Lisbon area, it spread across the nation. It is popular to eat during festivals and celebrations, but you will see individuals dining on sardinhas assadas all year round at local restaurants for lunch or dinner as well. Communities around Portugal host grilled sardine festivals throughout the year. Portimao itself hosts one such event every August, bringing thousands of visitors to the town.

Some of the best things to do in Portimão

Beaches

Portimao’s location offers travelers six great beaches. Praia da Rocha is the most popular and largest beach. It is the summer destination for locals and tourists looking for warm ocean waters. Portimao’s other beaches include Praia dos Três Castelos, Praia do Amado, Praia dos Careanos, Praia do Vau, and Praia do Barranco das Canas.

Although there are six great beaches, many people go to Praia da Rocha due to the location. It is near Portimao Marina, and its size is enough to accommodate large groups during the hottest summer days. There are restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby to escape from the sun. Visitors can even tour the 17th century-built Fortaleza da Santa Catarina at the beach’s eastern end.

H2O Racing/Powerboats

Portimao is a regular stop on the H2O Racing League’s circuit for the Grand Prix of Portugal. It is always a major event calling powerboat racing fans from all over the globe to descend on Portimao for the competition.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a popular activity for locals and tourists in Portimao. There is ample opportunity for beachgoers to rent windsurfing equipment to catch a breeze and ride the waves.

Algarve International Circuit

The Algarve International Circuit is 2.89 miles long with 15 exhilarating corners. Here, car enthusiasts get the chance to get off the beach and behind the wheel of a high-powered sports car. Drivers can choose to test their skills around the race track, go-kart track, or the off-road park.

Visitors who opt for the sports cars will have an experienced professional by their side giving them tips as they make every turn. The circuit offers a variety of driving experiences including individual experiences, hot laps, or a driving course taught by AIA Racing School Instructors.

Along with automobile track days, the circuit offers bike track days for those who want to try their hands at riding a motorbike on a high profile track.

Ocean Revival

The Ocean Revival is a unique tourist attraction on the coast of Portimao. The attraction was created when four decommissioned warships were deliberately sunk off the Portugal coast. Over time, they created an artificial reef. The Ocean Revival is about 100 feet below the Atlantic Ocean surface and is home to thousands of fish and underwater plant life.

The tourist attraction organizers allow trained scuba divers and tour operators to plunge into the ocean waters to view the Ocean Revival. Tourists who are not certified can contact local diving schools and centers to gain information about training. Thanks to the region’s beautiful, clear waters and warm weather, diving is possible year-round.

Golf

Being one of the top golfing destinations in the world, you can't go to the Algarve and not experience what the courses have to offer. Plenty of the courses skirt the coastline with picturesque sights complimenting the stunning greens of the golf courses. Be sure to pre-book your golf equipment as special luggage before you fly!

Yacht experiences in Vilamoura

Enjoy the stunning coastline of the Algarve in a private yacht, with equally-private access to bar service and food at your leisure. Whether for the day or a longer-term trip, your trained captain will steer you around the stunning Portuguese southern coast.

Monchique Thermal Springs

While the Algarve is known for its golf and stunning beaches, the lesser-known natural springs peppering the rural countryside of Portugal are the ideal spots for those that like to wander off the beaten path. Much of the water funnels into artificial bathing pools with BBQs and picnic benches that let you create a day of it. These are free-to-use attractions, so pack a towel and head to the springs!

Portimao is a beach paradise that offers 365 days of comfortable weather. The town’s outdoor interest points attract people from all over the globe. Portimao is a lot more than the beaches and sun, but those are the starting points to visit in the region.