Enjoy yourselves! …this is Portimão.

Portimão was, for centuries, a thriving trading post in the western Algarve, thanks to its excellent location at the mouth of the River Arade, where the river and the sea merge together. Today, Portimão is regarded as Algarve’s second City, where the spirit of innovation has kept in touch with the region’s ancient traditions.

From the quiet, white villages where time seems to go slower as to better enjoy the moment, to the warm and lively nights, full of glamour and sophistication, the Council receives all visitors with the natural simplicity and the certainty of having done its best to meet the wishes of its many visitors.

For nature lovers, this region offers unique routes, through the natural environment, of scenic and ecological interest. For those interested, there is a wide variety of coastal tours, including sail or motorboat tours, dolphin spotting trips or travelling up the Arade River to Silves [the capital of the Algarve during the Moor occupation].

The exceptional climate, the warm and calm sea, the soft white sand, contrasting with the blue of the sea and the ocher of the cliffs make Portimão’s beaches a focus of attraction. In addition to Praia da Rocha, one of the most famous beach resorts in Europe, there are other beaches to suit all tastes. The only difficulty you’ll find is to choose from the miles long shores of Alvor, the small hidden coves, the calm family beaches or the extreme beauty of the recently renovated Praia da Rocha, an international beach resort during the day, and the centre of night life when the day ends. Portimão has 8 kms of beach and over 3.000 hours of Sun.

The wind conditions are side shore and side-onshore. The water temperature is 22º C; the air temperature is of 25º C. It’s located 67 kms away from Faro - where the closest International airport is located.

Between sea and land, there’s a great many sports activities you can engage in or attend to in Portimão. A gentle climate, an exceptionally favourable geographic situation, a calm and warm sea and the enthusiasm and organisational skills of its people have earned the Council the participation in most of the greatest international competitions such as the Portugal Bicycle Tour, the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup, Beach Soccer ‘Mundialito’, International Jumping Competition, European Volleyball League, and many others. An Autodrome, homologated by the International Automobile Federation, is already prepared to receive the Formula 1 and the Moto Grand Prix.

But it’s in the sea that Portimão is really at home, and offers its best. That’s why you can find Portimão as part of most of the most important nautical competitions, such as Portimão Formula Windsurfing World Championships, F1 World Championship, the Kitesurf Kit Master World Tour 2007, the Med Cup Trophy, the Powerboat P1 World Championship, the Big Fishing International Championship, among others.

Land of Fishermen, Portimão is a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. Starting with Grilled Sardines as the top specialty, the City’s gastronomy has a much wider offer of tasteful food, ranging from fresh fish to traditional and delicious deserts. In the Algarve, it’s easy to find a good meal in any restaurant, even in small villages; the smallest tavern offers various dishes, mostly prepared with fish, as the coast is very rich in innumerable species. Portimão’s night-life will allow you to choose between a peaceful romantic night or a more lively and social time. Walk along Portimão’s beautiful coastal street, go to the casino, to a concert, an exhibition, a bar or nightclub; there is a myriad of choices.

For more details, please: …this is Portimão

www.visitportimao.com