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Portimao has a typical Algarve climate with long hot summers and mild, dry winters. The summer and early autumn months are the most popular times for taking Portimao holidays. However, the great weather means it's always a good time to visit no matter what time of year it is!
About 45 minutes by car. Portimao is on the western side of the Algarve. When you book with us, we can sort your transfers as part of the package.
Portimao is a city destination with beaches right next door. The city itself sits on the Arade river, but Praia da Rocha is just 3km south and is one of the best beaches in the Algarve. There are also several other beaches within a short drive, including Praia do Vau and Praia dos Tres Irmaos.
Great for families who want more than just a beach. The beaches are brilliant, there are boat trips and dolphin watching from the marina, Monchique makes for a lovely mountain day trip, and the city has proper shopping, markets and restaurants. Several of the hotels in the area have kids' clubs, pools and entertainment programmes.
The Sardine Festival (Festival da Sardinha) is Portimao's biggest annual event, usually held in August on the waterfront. Thousands of sardines are grilled over charcoal, there's live music, dancing, and a brilliant atmosphere. It draws huge crowds and it's a proper experience. Check dates closer to your trip as they vary each year.
The city itself is relaxed in the evenings, with riverside restaurants and bars along the promenade. For a bigger night out, Praia da Rocha is just down the road and has a proper strip of bars and clubs, plus a casino. It's one of the liveliest spots in the western Algarve.
Same gorgeous Algarve weather: over 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers reach 28-30°C with barely any rain, spring and autumn sit around 19-25°C, and winter stays mild at 15-17°C.
Portimao has plenty to keep you busy beyond the beach. The marina runs boat trips along the coast, including cave tours and dolphin watching. Deep-sea fishing trips are available for those who want to try their luck in the Atlantic. There's a great local market on the first Monday of each month, ideal for picking up local crafts, ceramics and fresh produce. For golf, there are several courses within a short drive, and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (Portimao's international racing circuit) hosts motorsport events throughout the year, including occasional MotoGP rounds.
Portimao's evening scene has two sides. The city itself is relaxed, with riverside restaurants and bars along the promenade that are great for a long dinner and a drink. For something livelier, Praia da Rocha is just down the road and has a proper strip of bars, clubs and a casino. It's one of the liveliest nightlife spots in the western Algarve, with everything from cocktail bars to late-night clubs.
Portimao itself sits on the Arade river rather than the coast, but the beaches are right on the doorstep. Praia da Rocha is about 3km south and is one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve, with dramatic red cliffs, golden sand and a buzzing atmosphere. Praia dos Tres Irmaos, just to the west, is quieter and known for its rock formations and hidden coves. Praia do Vau is another lovely option between Portimao and Alvor, with a more relaxed feel and good beach restaurants.
Portimao's history runs deep. The town church, Igreja Matriz, dates back to 1476 and has survived earthquakes and centuries of change. The Museu de Portimao, housed in a beautifully converted sardine cannery on the waterfront, is one of the best museums in the Algarve and tells the story of the region's fishing and canning heritage. Across the river, the fishing village of Ferragudo is largely unspoilt and gives you a glimpse of traditional Algarvian life. Further afield, Armacao de Pera (about 20 minutes east) has an 18th-century fortress overlooking the sea. The Sardine Festival in August is Portimao's biggest cultural event, drawing huge crowds for live music, grilled sardines, and a proper party atmosphere on the waterfront.
Portimao has a stunning landscape and is surrounded by the Monchique Mountains with its forests and green valleys. Of course there's also a fabulous beach that will suit families on holidays to Portimao. The nearby Praia da Rocha beach is renowned for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Or try Praia dos Tres Irmaos, just south of Portimao with its gorgeous sands and deep blue waters.
Yes. Portimao charges a tourist tax of €2 per person per night in high season (April to October) and €1 in low season (November to March). It's capped at seven consecutive nights and children under 13 are exempt. The tax is collected by your hotel.
