Tourism Portimão

Portugal > Tourism > Algarve > Portimão

History | Gastronomy | Beaches | Golf | The City | Lodging

First the blue sea and its gentle lapping waves. Then fine golden sands framed by cliffs and rocks. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of an international tourist destination. This is the Algarve of beach holidays in the sun. Portimão and its municipality have more to offer though. A rich heritage of historical monuments. The eternal natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor. The charm of cultivated fields, of slopes covered with pine trees and wild flowers. The allure of walking up into the hills and looking down on the Algarve from a new perspective.

Lodging

Hotel Algarve Casino ***** - The Hotel Algarve Casino offers refined comfort, total relaxation, and numerous diversions. Hotel Meridien Penina ***** - Set in its own picturesque 360 acre estate, Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort offers three golf courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton. Jardim do Vau Resort - A complete holiday resort combining the convenience of self-catering with the facilities of a top class hotel. Hotel Globo*** - Small boutique style hotel located in the historical centre of Portimão.

Beaches

Alvor - A long beach that extends as far as the eye can see, until it reaches the Ria de Aivor estuary. An international tourism centre. Tres Irmãos and Prainha - A series of tiny beaches separated by outcrops of ochre rock in which the sea has worn tunnels that offer an unusual means of across. João de Arens - A small stretch of sand set among cliffs, rocks and islands, it is associated with a fearless shepherd immortalised by the writer Manuel Teixeira Gores, a native of Portimão, in his book "Agosto Azul" (Blue August). Vau - A charming beach flanked by cliffs. Its calm atmosphere iodine-rich waters and fascinating rock formations make it popular with families. Praia da Rocha may be the most famous resort in the area, but the beaches that extend all the way to Alvor have their own particular appeal.

Golf

Palmares This is a course of great beauty, perfectly blending beach and mountain scenery. Penina The first golf course to be built In the Algarve, Penina is considered the masterpiece of Sir Henry Cotton. Morgado do Reguengo This course is the newest course to open in the Algarve. Laid out in a large 980 hectare estate through undulating small . Alto Golf Alto Golf runs through two valleys, and was the last to be designed by Sir Henry Cotton.

Big game fishing and much more

Portimão is one of the main big game centres in the Algarve, offering the chance to catch fighting swordfish and other big fish. there are also facilities for sailing, hind-surfing, para-sailing water-skiing and scuba diving The golf course set among the pines of Penina is internationally renowned. With courses at Alvor and Vau too, keen golfers arc spoilt for choice.

Getting to know the Portimão area

Mexilhoeira Grande An old village, traditionally sustained by agriculture and by the resources of the Ria de Alvor Main Church - This church is in the Renaissance style (16th century) but has two side doors that are Manueline. The main doorway is extremely solemn, with a triangular pediment. The interior consists of three naves, held up by columns with ornate bases and capitals. The triumphal arch is decorated with motifs from the world of nature and a coat of arms. There is a panel depicting the Assumption on the high altar. The Capela do Santíssimo (Chapel of the Most Holy), boasts a high relief showing the figure of tire Eternal Father and a low relief of St. Peter and St. Paul. There is a collection of statues and objects used in religious ceremonies

Ria de Alvor To one side the sea, to the other the liquid mirror of the vast estuary stretching inland, and between them a long, broad dune. This beautiful setting is the chosen nesting place of dozens of species of migratory bird. The salt marshes also support an interesting variety of animal life, while the local fishermen still use traditional techniques to catch fish and gather shellfish. To explore this almost unknown facet of the Algarve by the diffuse light of dawn is to discover a world of total calm and make memories that will last forever. (Boats can be hired at Alvor).

Abicada A Roman archaeological site at the confluence of two rivers. There is a 1st/4th century villa with several rooms and a peristyle decorated with colored mosaics bearing geometric patterns and stylised designs.

Alcalar An important Neolithic/ Chalcolithic burial ground (2,000/1,600 B.C.) with graves of several types, from megalithic chambers to tombs with false cupolas and side alcoves. There is another burial ground nearby at Monte Canelas.

Alvor - This town's long history is clear from the discovery on Vila Velha hill, overlooking the Ria de Alvor, of a Neolithic village retaining traces of subsequent Roman occupation. During the period of Moorish rule, Alvor was a thriving port. The ramparts defending it were the scene of violent fighting when the Portuguese army led by King Sancho 1 conquered it in 1189, with the help of Crusades en route to the Holy Land. Retaken by the Moors in 1191, it was only returned to Christian dominion in 1250, at the time of the campaigns that resulted in the conquest of the whole of the Algarve. The town walls were rebuilt in 1300 and Alvor was made a town by King

from a later period (18th century). There is also a fine panel depicting the Saviour. The sacristy drat adjoins the church is a former Moorish marabout's retreat, since adapted to is new role. This small, but nonetheless important church also contains polychrome tiles with two 18th century figurative panels - the Washing of the Feet and the last Supper - several statues and a number of tombs. From the churchyard there is an excellent view of the Ria de Alvor, the town and the encircling sea Castle - The castle has long disappeared but for two stretches of wall that were once part of the fortress and now lave houses built against them. Marabout Chapels of São João and São Pedro (St. John and St. Peter) - Cubic structures with spherical cupolas that testify to the Moorish influence, these chapels evoke the holy places where Moslems would bury the religious ascetics known as marabouts.

The Arade Estuary For thousands of years, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans and Crusaders sailed up the river towards the city of Silves, intent on trade or conquest. Visitors today can take the same course in a boat hired from Portimão. The shady groves along the banks make good places to stop off and relax, as does the island of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary), where tge ruins of an old chapel are still to be seen.

Portimão Tourism