Portimão
Explore a coastal city fueled by the ocean, from fresh seafood to thrilling watersports.
Where the Sea is Life
Portimão has a nautical spirit. It’s a privileged place to learn and perfect the art of sailing in the existing clubs and associations, which offer a variety of disciplines such as diving, sailing, kitesurfing, surfing and bodyboarding, as well as training courses in the activities we’ve just mentioned, sailors, local skippers and coastal skippers.
But this connection to the sea, with more than five thousand years of history, is complemented by activities on land to support boating. Boat sales, shipbuilding and repair yards, the sale of nautical, fishing and diving equipment and various accessories for water sports are just some of the services on offer.
Feel the Heartbeat of an Unforgettable Place
The City
In a mature and internationally renowned tourist destination, gastronomy is one of the main factors of attraction. It’s therefore not surprising that to talk about Portimão is to talk about fishing, one of the country’s main fishing ports, roasted sardines and a gastronomy whose mainstay is seafood, served in dozens of restaurants in the municipality. Sardines and the canning industry also see their legacy and economic importance preserved in the Portimão Museuma cultural facility that is part of the network of national museums, built in the building of the former Feu Hermanos canning factory and which has won international awards, including the 2010 Council of Europe Museum Award.
In addition to all this offer linked to boating and the economy of the sea, Portimão also has a diversified tourist offer, of which the following stand out hotel networkfrom the most exclusive hotel to seasonal apartment rentals, four golf courses, and unique features in the Algarve such as the possibility of practicing motor sports at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve complex, including the karting track, and skydiving at the Portimão Municipal Aerodrome.
Through the Algarve
How to get to Portimão
Your story in Portimão doesn’t begin when you step onto the golden sand or dive into our blue waters. It begins the moment you set course for us. Whatever your starting point, this is your compass for a smooth journey, full of anticipation.
By Boat
For Leisure Boaters and Cruise Travellers
For those traveling by yacht or sailboat, the destination is the Portimão Marina. Considered one of the safest and most sheltered in the country, this marina with Blue Flag marina is the ideal haven for exploring the region.
Situated on the estuary of the River Arade, the marina offers a privileged location with easy pedestrian access to Praia da Rocha, restaurants, stores and all the services you might need.
Essential Information for Your Arrival
- Location: At the eastern end of Praia da Rocha, on the left bank of the River Arade estuary.
- Capacity: Around 620 berths, for boats up to 50 meters
- Services Available: Water and electricity on the pontoons, fuel supply, Wi-Fi, laundry, toilets, boatyard and 24-hour surveillance.
- Radio contact: For assistance in approaching and assigning a place, contact the marina reception via VHF Channel 9.
- GPS coordinates: 37°07'N, 008°31'W
By Plane
Your journey begins in the sky, and the ideal gateway to your dream destination is Faro International Airport (FAO).
Faro Airport
When planning your trip to Portimão, choosing the right airport is the first step to a smooth vacation. Faro Airport is the most logical and efficient option. Located just 70 kilometers away, Faro Airport is the closest to Portimão. Within an hour of your arrival, you could be checking into your hotel or feeling the sand on your feet.
Faro is a vibrant international hub, especially during the high season. It receives daily flights from the main cities in Europe and around the world. Whether you’re traveling on a flag carrier (such as TAP, British Airways or Lufthansa) or looking for the best fares on low-cost airlines (such as Ryanair, easyJet or Transavia), you’ll find plenty of options at your disposal.
By Car
From Porto
It’s the great crossing of Portugal, from north to south. A journey that deserves a good playlist and the promise of an unforgettable reward. Set course for the A1, then the A2 and the A22. In less than five hours, your horizon will be the sea.
From Lisbon
The A2 is your invitation to the south. In about 2h30, the time of a good movie, you can swap the hustle and bustle of the capital for the salty breeze of the Algarve. For a more picturesque, village-like trip, leave the A2 and let yourself be enchanted by the N125.
From Faro
It’s almost here!
A short, pleasant 50-minute drive along the A22 separates Faro airport from your first dive. If time is not an enemy, the N125 is a parade of small villages that welcome you to the authentic Algarve.
Public Transport
From Porto
The bus or train journey is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading or simply daydream about the sunny days ahead. There will be a change of connection in Lisbon, but think of it as a short break before the grand finale.
By Car
From Porto
It’s the great crossing of Portugal, from north to south. A journey that deserves a good playlist and the promise of an unforgettable reward. Set course for the A1, then the A2 and the A22. In less than five hours, your horizon will be the sea.
From Lisbon
The A2 is your invitation to the south. In about 2h30, the time of a good movie, you can swap the hustle and bustle of the capital for the salty breeze of the Algarve. For a more picturesque, village-like trip, leave the A2 and let yourself be enchanted by the N125.
From Faro
It’s almost here!
A short, pleasant 50-minute drive along the A22 separates Faro airport from your first dive. If time is not an enemy, the N125 is a parade of small villages that welcome you to the authentic Algarve.
Public Transport
From Porto
The bus or train journey is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading or simply daydream about the sunny days ahead. There will be a change of connection in Lisbon, but think of it as a short break before the grand finale.
From Lisbon
Rede Expressos buses leave from Sete Rios and are a direct line to the vacation mode. Check the timetables at rede-expressos.pt
The train journey is an experience in itself: take the Alfa or Intercidades and, in Tunes, change needles for the regional train that will leave you in the heart of the Algarve. See cp.pt for this little adventure on rails.
From Faro
One step away!
The train takes you on a scenic 1h30 journey.
The bus (Vamusroute 57) does the same, with the added bonus of being able to take a peek at local life along the way.
