Vila Real Santo Antonio

Portimão is one of the largest towns on the Algarve with over 50,000 inhabitants. Due to it's sheer size and number of cars on the road it can be quite complicated to navigate through if you are unfamiliar with driving abroad.

However it is worth persevering to find a parking spot as despite it's grim and industrial look on approach Portimão is a lively and interesting place to visit with a brightly coloured marina, lots of events, exhibitions, activities and more importantly places to shop including several large shopping malls complete with cinemas.

Situated on the banks of the Rio Arade has been the key to Portimão's economic success. Although through the centuries has had it's ups and downs but has fared well overall. Protected by forts at the mouth of the estuary Portimão was a safe haven for ships as early as the 13th century. It was during the 16th century, ships laden with figs, oil and wine, set sail from it's docks to be traded in the Portuguese colonies. In the 19th century Portimão became an important tuna canning centre, rivalled only by Olhão in the eastern Algarve, though adapted well when the industry went into decline.

Fact File

Portimão was once the property of a private family for over 150 years

Brightly coloured Marina

Portimão's Ponte Velha

More recently Portimão has become a key centre for sporting events in the Algarve and Portugal hosting prestigious sailing, power boat, motor racing and gymnastic events. The newly opened International Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, situated on a few kilometres from the town centre, has a packed calendar of racing events and even provides petrol-heads the opportunity to drive some of their new racing school's vehicles.

Although you may not consider staying in Portimão, choosing to find accommodation in one of it's neighbouring resorts such as Praia da Rocha or Carvoeiro, it is well worth visiting the town, even for a day trip.

There is plenty of parking in the town and it can be pleasant to stroll along the harbour front, where there are a range of restaurants, bar and cafes. Alternatively the vibrant marina provides another relaxing spot to get a bite to eat. Adjacent to the beach there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Shopping in Portimão, Algarve, Portugal

Portimão is fast becoming a Mecca for shoppers with a selection of 'malls' offering those looking to do a spot of retail therapy plenty of choice, including a newly opened three storey shopping centre. These shopping centres are quite well signposted, however traffic congestion can be a problem, especially on weekends and bank holidays. If you're looking to pick up a few souvenirs of your visit to Portugal then head into the centre of Portimão, where there are a range of shops offering traditional crafts and gifts on the Rua do Comércio.

On the first and third Sunday of the month Portimão also hosts a flea market near to the Parque das Exposições and train station.

Getting to Portimão, Algarve, Portugal

Getting to Portimão, which is 66 kilometres from the international airport at Faro, is easy enough with accessibility by both car, bus and train. If you are travelling by car there are two routes from Faro, the A22 electronic toll dual carriageway and the national 125 road. The latter of the two is more scenic, travelling through intervening villages and towns on the route.

Portimão's train station is situated in the northern tip of the town, though there is a local bus service which runs into the centre every 45 minutes.

Location Map of Portimão, Algarve, Portugal

 
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