Is Portimao Worth Visiting In 2024? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re planning a trip to the Algarve you probably saw that Portimao is one of the biggest towns in the region. But, is Portimao worth visiting for tourists?
Good question!
Portimao is a large town, with several beachfront resorts, and a popular tourist destination.
I traveled along the Algarve coast and spent some time in Portimao during my travels.
While I think Portimao’s location makes it a great base for a holiday in the Algarve, especially if you don’t have a car, I didn’t think it was worth visiting on a day trip.
Let’s get into it!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Is Portimao Worth Visiting For Tourists?
So, I said I think Portimao is a great base for a holiday in the Algarve, but if you’re not staying there you might as well skip it.
What does that mean?
To put it simply, Portimao is nice, but it is not special.
If you’re already staying in the Algarve, in Lagos or Albufeira, there is nothing in Portimao that you can’t already see there.
Also, you can combine a visit to Portimao with a visit to a smaller town like Silves like I did!
At the same time, Portimao is situated in the center of the western Algarve and boasts incredible, long sandy beaches and lively nightlife.
Portimao has a bus and a train station in the city center, making it one of the best places to stay in the Algarve without a car.
Where Is Portimao, Portugal?
Portimao is situated in the south of Portugal, in the western part of the Algarve region, about halfway between Lagos and Albufeira.
The city sits on the estuary of the Arade River, and it is known as the safest harbor in Portugal.
The closest airport to Portimao is Faro Airport, about 70 km from the city.
You can easily drive to Portimao from the airport if you rent a car. Alternatively, you can take Aerobus 56 from Faro Airport.
Portimao is also easy to reach by train or bus from Lisbon.
Different lines take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours and the prices vary wildly, so you can compare all the options here!
So, should you stay in Portimao?
Why Visit Portimao, Portugal
Portimao is a popular resort town, so what are some of the best things to do in Portimao?
Endless Sandy Beaches
The main reason to stay in Portimao is the stunning sandy beaches of Praia de Rocha.
However, Portimao is not on the beach. If you stay on the beach, you’re actually staying in Praia de Rocha, about 3 km from the Old Town of Portimao.
Praia da Rocha is massive and one of the calmer beaches along the Algarve coastline. It’s a wide sandy beach with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the sun.
If you want a more intimate atmosphere, you’ll have to go further from the main beach areas, towards Alvor.
Visit Historic Buildings And Learn The History
If you’re wondering if is Portimao worth visiting for sightseeing, I must say that the Old Town of Portimao is not the most beautiful among the Algarve towns.
However, it is still a lively place to visit and explore if you’re staying here!
The two most recognizable monuments are Igreja do Colégio and Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
These two churches are a prime example of the Algarve sacral architecture with typical yellow details.
Also, you can visit the Regional History Museum de Portimao and learn more about the role of the city in Portuguese history.
Great Location In The Center Of West Algarve
Portimao is perfectly situated in the west Algarve, just a short drive from most tourist attractions in the region.
You can enjoy day trips in the Algarve even if you don’t have a car!
The city is also well-connected by public transport, as it has regional bus and train stations in the city center.
You can easily visit the historic town of Silves or visit Lagos by train from Portimao.
By bus, you can visit other cities that are not on the train line, like Sagres or Albufeira.
Easy Access To Ferragudo
Ferragudo is one of the hidden gems of the Algarve, and it is so easy to access from Portimao.
You can simply take a bus or a taxi boat across the river, and get lost in the cobblestone streets of this traditional fishing village.
Ferragudo reminds me a lot of the Cyclades, with whitewashed houses, colorful doors, and bright pink bougainvillea trees lining the streets.
It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Portimao or crowded beaches in Praia de Rocha and enjoy an authentic Algarve coastal village.
Close To Famous Benagil Caves
Portimao is just a short ride from the famous Benagil Caves and the popular 7 Hangin Valeys hiking trail.
Even if you don’t have a car, you can join one of many Benagil Cave tours from Portimao. Transport is included so you don’t have to worry about getting there!
Fantastic Wine Tasting Opportunities
If you’re looking for things to do near Portimao, you can’t miss the vineyards!
Algarve is a renowned wine region, but not a lot of Algarve wine is exported. Instead, most of it is consumed within the region, making this trip a perfect time to try it.
The region is known for its red wines, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, the region also produces white wine and rose if you prefer those!
The best way to enjoy the Algarve wine is by visiting some of the vineyards, and this vineyard and wine tasting experience is the perfect choice!
Stroll Or Bike Along Ribeirinha De Portimão
The riverside walk in Portimao is one of my favorite areas in the city, and I loved strolling along the Ribeirinha, by the Portimao Marina.
You can also rent a bike to get around to the beach from the city center as there is a bike lane along the Marina.
Aside from the stunning views of the marina and boats, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop at for a refreshment or snack.
During summer, you can also see street performers and artists along the walkway, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Many Fun Activities
Portimao is one of the tourist hot spots of the Algarve, so you’ll be spoilt with choices for things to do and day trips to take from Portimao.
From kayaking to boat tours from Portimao, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover this unique coast.
Enjoy Local Nightlife
If you compare Portimao to Albufeira, the city is much calmer. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in Portimao!
If you’re looking for Portimao nightlife, head to Praia de Rocha.
The beach is lined with bars and clubs playing live music, especially along the Av. Tomás Cabreira.
It is as close to the Albufeira strip as you’ll get in Portimao and with a fantastic ocean views!
Enjoy Delicious Food
It is no surprise that Portimao is a coastal town renowned for seafood. Several villages around Portimao are still actively fishing villages, like Alvor and Ferfagudo.
I’m vegan, so I can’t tell you much about that.
However, I can tell you about a delicious Indian restaurant in Portimao that you can’t miss!
I’m not sure why is there so many Indian restaurants in the Algarve, but I loved it.
My favorite was Cozinha de Sonia, one of the best Indian restaurants with vegan options I’ve ever been to!
Reasons To Skip Portimao, Portugal
The Old City Is Not That Nice
I didn’t find the Old City of Portimao to be very nice. Sure, there were several picturesque houses, and the walk along the river was lovely.
However, after an hour, I felt like there was nothing else left to do.
Portimao is a living city, so the streets are busy with people going to work and school.
I know this local life aspect might be the reason some people love Portimao, but I prefer more quaint towns like Silves, Alvor, and Ferragudo.
If you’re already visiting Faro, Portimao reminded me a lot of that city but without the same fortified Old Town.
The Beach Is Far From The City Center
While Portimao is worth visiting for the beaches, Portimao is not a beachfront city.
Instead, it is a port city that sits on the estuary of the Arade River, while the beaches are about 3 km south of the city center.
Compared to the other popular towns along the coastline, I found that it didn’t have the same Algarve vibe.
Praia de Rocha, the beach of Portimao, is a large sandy beach lined with high-rise hotels and restaurants.
I know this one is very personal, but I’m simply not a fan of “resort towns”.
No Backpacker Vibes
The main reason I’d skip Portimao if I were backpacking Algarve is that there are no backpacker vibes in the city.
You only have two hostels to choose from, and they are not even that well-rated.
Compared to Albufeira, Lagos, or Faro, seems like solo budget travelers are not the target audience for Portimao.
Instead, the city caters more to families, friend groups, and other tourists traveling in groups or looking to unwind on the beach.
If you’re backpacking in Portugal, skip Portimao and head to Lagos, Faro, or Albufeira!
FAQ:
Lagos is nicer than Portimao. Portimao is a larger port city where locals live, while the tourist area is about 3km outside of the city along the beach. Lagos is a much smaller city, with a picturesque Old Town and stunning beaches close to the city center. Lagos is more tourist-friendly as a town.
Yes, kind of. Portimao has a city center with older tiled houses and several churches. However, don’t expect the Old Town like in Lagos or Silves. Most of Portimao’s Old Town is residential, while the famous Fortaleza de Santa Catarina is in the Praia de Rocha area.
No, Portimao doesn’t have a strip like Albufeira has a strip of nightclubs. However, there is a cluster of bars and clubs along the Praia de Rocha, especially in Av. Tomás Cabreira.
Portimao is big compared to the other towns in the Algarve, but it is not a big city in the grand scheme of things. The whole municipality of Portimao has about 60,879 inhabitants and covers an area of 182.06 km2.
Yes, Portimao and the rest of the Algarve region are safe for tourists. Locals take pride in how safe the region is, and you don’t have to worry about violent crime. Pickpocketing may happen in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your valuables. Also, the sea can be rough so be aware of your limitations.
Final Thoughts: Is Portimao Worth Visiting
Portimao wouldn’t be my first choice for a town to add to your Algarve itinerary, as I think there are more picturesque towns in the region.
But hey, that’s just my opinion!
Portimao is one of the most popular towns along the Algarve coast, so many people obviously love it.
It is also a cool place to stay if you want to avoid Albufeira while still staying in the area, as it is a great base for day trips in the Algarve.
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to the east or west end of the Algarve, I’d consider Lagos or Faro!