What to do in Portimão. All year round!
It’s no surprise that location is everything for guests who book holidays. Portimão’s vibrant waterfront combine with an extensive amount of activities to do and historical and cultural places to explore and it makes this city a perfect place to spend your holidays. On this post we recommend some of the best things to do and beautiful places Portimão has to visit.
1. Rent your equipment and take your time to explore!
Rent the equipment you need and enjoy the time your way! We provide a detailed guide with all kinds of equipment so that you can explore the best of the Algarve without being dependent on several tours! Find all the equipment here.
FREE DELIVERY & COLLECT AREAS
2. Skydive
If you are looking for adventure, the tadem skydive is a great choice for you! It is designed to allow you to experience free fall skydiving without an intensive course.
After 15 minutes of instruction, you will be ready to do a parachute jump with your tandem skydive instructor. You will experience terminal velocity at around 135 mph on your first jump for up to a minute! Enjoy the sky!
3. Portimão Museum
The award winning Museu de Portimão is well worth a visit. The exhibition traces the interaction of man, with particular emphasis on the fishing industry and the sardine canning industry that was so vital to the Algarve’s economy in decades past.
The museum, located along the river front, is actually housed in what was one of the main sardine canning factories in Portimão and contains many of the original machines used in the industry. And, running underneath the museum, is an old waterway where rainwater was collected in giant cisterns and here you can see animated images of the underwater wildlife of the area.
4. Half-Day Jeep Safari
Discover the scenic beauty and rugged terrains of the Algarve on a 4-hour jeep safari, and travel off-road by 4WD vehicle through stunning landscapes and mountain roads. Taste local jams, liquors, and other local produce at traditional villages, and more.
5. Santa Catarina Fortress
The beautiful Fort of Santa Catarina was built in 17th century as a defensive structure and chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It was one of the various forts built around this time to protect the area from raids by pirates and privateers and today it is possible to climb up a set of steps to walk around the battlements. There is no museum here, but an old canon provides a quick photo opportunity and the views of the Arade River and the cliffs of Praia da Rocha make the hike worthwhile.
6. Explore the Caves
Take the whole family or a group of friends on a magnificent tour of the Algarve’s coast to explore the caves and rocks of bizarre formations that exist in the area of Portimão. With luck you may even see dolphins swimming freely in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Here are some cool options:
Benagil Caves Boat Tour – 1.5 Hour
Extended: Benagil Caves Boat Tour – 2.5-Hour
Combo: Benagil Caves and Algarve Coastline by Jeep and Boat
Private Benagil Caves, Stand up Paddle and Snorkeling
7. Guided Handicraft Workshop Tour
If you are looking to know more about Portuguese culture, this Workshop is for you! Enjoy an exclusive handicraft adventure from Portimão out into the heart of nature, choosing between a Tile Painting Workshop and a Cane Workshop to learn nifty skills from one of the finest craftsmen in the Algarve.
8. Take a Walk in the Historic Center
You shouldn’t miss the impressive Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, built in the 15th century on top of a hill, and standing out in the city’s skyline. This place was badly damaged by the 1755 earthquake, but retains its beautiful original Gothic portal. For a break in your meanderings, it’s best to rest in the shade of the trees of the Manuel Bivar Garden to see the fishing boats and pleasure craft sail past. Or on the promenade beside the Marina, one of the liveliest parts of the city both by day and by night.
9. Portimão & Carvoeiro: Fishing Industry Tour
Discover the history of Portimão in a charismatic vintage Volkswagen van. Learn about the history of the fishing industry of the region, and enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant.
10. Spend the day at the beach
You won’t have to venture far to find an amazing beach of sand. There’s gorgeous cliff-studded beaches only 5-minute drive from the heart of the charming old town. Here are the top beaches in Portimão to visit:
- Praia da Rocha;
- Careanos;
- Vau;
- Alemão;
- Praia dos Três Irmãos.
