Things to Do in Portimao

Standing watch over Portimão at the mouth of the Arade River, the once-mighty Santa Catarina Fortress now lies in ruins, but retains much of its former grandeur, with its stone-brick curtain walls still largely intact.

Portimão’s maritime fortress was built by Alexandre Massai in the 17th-century to protect the port from pirates and invaders, but today it serves as the photogenic backdrop to the sandy Praia da Rocha beach. Explore the chapel inside, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, or head there at sunset for a dazzling view along the coast.

On the opposite bank of the Arade River to Portimão and linked to the city by bridge, the small seaside resort of Ferragudo is a world away from the crowded malls and yacht filled marina across the water. A traditional coastal village, where the hillsides are dotted with white-painted fishermen’s cottages and a maze of cobblestone lanes lead to the lively quay, it’s the Algarve’s best-kept secret that is unlikely to stay secret for much longer. 

Highlights of Ferragudo include the ruins of the Castelo de São João, the quaint fishing port and the two sandy beaches, Praia Grande and Praia da Angrinha. The historic Ferragudo lighthouse is another notable landmark, perched at the end of a narrow promontory and offering wonderful views along the Atlantic. 

Portimão’s main beach ranks among the Algarve’s most popular holiday resorts, and its easy to see why, with its stretch of golden sand, scenic promenade and seafront boulevard lined with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. With calm swimming waters, Praia da Rocha is a top choice for families and there’s plenty of entertainment on offer, including boat cruises, jet skiing, paddle-boarding and snorkeling, plus a number of waterparks nearby. 

The beach is at its most scenic at sunrise and sunset, when the coastal cliffs are dramatic framed against the ocean – for the best views, look out over the beach from the seafront ruins of the 16th-century Fortaleza de Santa Catarina.

A traditional fishing village set between the Alvor River estuary and the sun-soaked Atlantic coast, Alvor offers a peaceful escape from neighboring Portimão. Despite being almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, strolling Alvor’s cobblestone streets still unveils a few historic gems, including the hilltop ruins of Alvor castle and the 16th-century Igreja Matriz church, and the pretty harbor is a popular starting point for boat tours along the coast. 

Today the main draw is its sandy beach, Praia de Alvor, and coastal lagoon, while Rua Dr Frederico Romas Mendes is the main drag, crammed with bars, restaurants and souvenir stores, and the palm-fringed riverfront is dotted with terrace restaurants.