Portimão: Travel and tourism

With a long history as a fishing port (the Romans already used its natural harbour), Portimão has developed in the last decades, as most of Algarve, into a tourist centre, being filled with hotels, restaurants and a lively commerce.

It became a popular holiday destination due mainly to the beach of Praia da Rocha, a series of sandy coves, small bays and curiously looking rocks.

Another tourist destination is Alvor, an ancient fishing village from Roman and Moorish times which is sufficiently pretty, with its typical whitewashed houses, to be visited in the low season.

In contrast, the town of Mexilhoeira Grande is eminently rural, but mantains a picturesque atmosphere.

Portimão is also ideal for those who enjoy big game fishing, but other water sports such as jet ski, sailing, windsurf and diving are available in various points along the coast.

The nights in Portimão are also animated, with bars and discotheques available to all purses. Visitors enjoying stronger emotions can try their luck at the casino; in Alvor, small bars and restaurants inserted in the local typical architecture provide an interesting alternative.