Portimao, Portugal

Portimao is a city located in the District of Faro in the Region of Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal. It is famous for its fresh fish restaurants, grilled sardines being the most famous dish. One of the most well known beaches in the Algarve - Rocha ("Praia da Rocha"), meaning "Rocky Beach" - is very close to Portimao, and there are numerous others nearby.

Portimao is surrounded by many beautiful places to visit, such as Armacao de Pera with its small 18th century fortress or the small beach village of Alvor. Across the river is the unspoilt fishing village of Ferragudo, with the fort of St John of Arade built during the 17th and 18th centuries and which was Portimao´s primary defence against pirates.

Things to See & Do

* Praia da Rocha - Rocky Beach
* Alvor beach
* Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
* Old town area
* Manuel Bivar gardens

General Information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro
Language - Portuguese
Land Area - 183 km²
Population - 45,000 approx.
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 351

Port Location - A new marina has just been built adjoining the popular tourist area of Praia da Rocha.

Travel Links - Faro is the nearest international airport to Portimao. The excellent Faro-Lagos motorway makes this area in the western Algarve easily accessible and the journey time is approximately 30 minutes by road. Other travel options are bus, train, taxi, private transfer or car hire.