Should You Visit Portimao?

Is Portimao worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this coastal city for two to four days because of the many great activities. Portimao is the second largest city in the Algarve and it's filled with stunning beauty and plenty of energy. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha Beach, which has beautiful red cliffs and a large stretch of sand. The city is popular with all types of travelers and you'll find many different activities that you can enjoy including kayaking through the caves, swimming in the warm waters, taking a surfing lesson, or partying late into the night.

Portimao, Portugal

Reasons to Visit Portimao

Resorts
The area has all types of resorts, from all-inclusive options to luxury or more family-friendly. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach.

Beaches
The stunning beaches are a major draw to the area. They are sandy and feature a backdrop of dramatic red cliffs. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha, which can get crowded during the summer months, but it is quite large so you should still be able to find a spot. The strip behind the beach is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. If you want to avoid some of the crowds you can make the walk down to Praia do Vau. Families often enjoy Praia de Alvor, which has a boardwalk that leads to Ria de Alvor nature reserve.

Nightlife
The city's nightlife scene is mostly found around Praia da Rocha. It's a compact area that makes it easy to hop from bar to bar on foot. Particularly during the summer months you'll find plenty of parties and all night activities that draw a crowd. Sunset boat parties are also a popular activity in the area.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The best water conditions are during the summer months but this is also when the beaches are crowded and swimmers can kick up a lot of sand. There are a variety of vendors where you can book snorkeling or diving trips in the area.

Shopping
It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Portimao worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Portimao, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (78°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 34°C (93°F).

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, relax at a luxurious resort, and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Is Portimao worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Portimao. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 19°C (67°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery.

Is Portimao worth visiting in the Winter?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

The low season for travel in Portimao is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

This is a great time of year to grab some drinks at a bar.

Is Portimao worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Portimao. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, admire the wonderful scenery, and dance the night away.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Portimao

Food: Portimao doesn't top the list for most foodies. Many resorts have attached restaurants where visitors often find themselves dining. For a slightly more local vibe, you can check out one of the many restaurants around town. Much of the restaurant scene is centered around the Alvor District where you'll find unique options that serve local dishes mixed in with some international choices. The city is most famous for its grilled sardines, which are considered a local specialty.

Lots of Tourists
Portimao sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Portimao might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Portimao here or see if Portimao is expensive here.

Related

What is Portimao most famous for?

Portimao is most famous for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. The coastal city is very popular for its resorts and beaches. Also, it's known for nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Many people love the shopping, too. It is often described as vibrant, colorful, stunning, dramatic, active, scenic, and adventure-filled.

What is the most famous sight in Portimao?

The most popular sight in Portimao is Praia da Rocha. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Portimao on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Praia da Rocha and other attractions here.

How touristy is Portimao? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?

Portimao is a very touristy coastal city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Private Kayak Experience In Benagil Cave with 4k Photos: $104
• Private Benagil Cave Tour - Boat trip from Armação de Pêra: $273
• Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
• Private Stand Up Paddle Tour in Portimão: $65
• Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $81
• Stand Up Paddleboard tour in Benagil: $14
• SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
• Portimão: Benagil Sunset Guided Boat Tour with Champagne: $38

How long should I spend in Portimao?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Portimao is two to four days. Since Portimao has a variety of activities such as resorts and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Portimao?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Portimao?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Portimao?.