Portimao – Evolution from shipbuilding to tourist center
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.
Top Attractions
Beaches
Portimao’s location offers travelers six great beaches. Praia da Rocha is the most popular and largest beach. Praia da Rocha 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 Caterina at the beach’s eastern end.
Portimao Pure McLaren Experience
The Pure McLaren Experience takes place in Portimao once a year at the Algarve International Circuit. Drivers will get behind the wheel of a super-fast McLaren sports car and navigate around track corners in the Algarve countryside.
The event has driving-experience packages for all levels. Whether drivers are at the entry level or advanced, the Portimao Pure McLaren Experience can help them become better drivers.
H2O Racing/Powerboats
Portimao is a regular stop on the H2O Racing League’s circuit for the Grand Prix of Portugal, which is always a major event calling powerboat racing fans from all over the globe to descend on Portimao for the competition.
The Grand Prix of Portugal 2019 will take place from May 17th through May 19th on the estuary near Portimao. It will be the second event of the season.
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.
Not only can travelers ride the waves on their own windsurf board, but they can also learn a few tips by watching professionals. In April 2019, the International Windsurfing World Championships will occupy Portimao’s shores.
The event will take place from April 21st to 27th. Held at Praia da Rocha, the championships will hold multiple classes. The competition has “open” entry, so non-professional competitors can enter the race as long as they meet the championships’ requirements.
The Algarve International Circuit is 2.92 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.
Portimao is a beach paradise that offers 365 days of comfortable weather. The city’s outdoor attractions bring 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.
