Even if this town is well known for its beautiful beaches which are the symbol of the entire town, in my opinion Portimao means more than that. If you decide to visit this place you will discover that this town has much more to offer besides its beaches. Here are in my opinion a few of the things you could try in Portimao.

1. The Port of Portimao is an interesting place. Located very close to the town center, it is the perfect place to take a walk and relax in the evening. You can admire a variety of ships, boats and yachts there or you can just have a lovely dinner on one of the terraces. The restaurants and the cafes urge you to take a sit and relax in a pleasant atmosphere.

2. The Museum of Portimao is situated near the port. Designed in a building which was originally a sardine canning factory, the museum will offer you the chance to find out a lot of things about the fishing industry such as: the original machines and the equipment used in this industry, the production steps of the canning process, an archaeological exhibition that shows the evolution of human occupation in this region and an old waterway where you can watch images of the underwater wildlife on a big screen.

3. You should know that you can choose from a variety of activities in Portimao. There are a lot of travel agencies that organize different tours of the place and activities such as: boat trips, scuba diving, parasailing, water-skiing, glass bottomed boat tours or fishing trips.

It is up to you what you choose to do, but if you want to admire the beauty of this region, I advise you to choose at least one trip where you can see the amazing grottoes and the stunning coastline. A must see is definitely the Benagil Cave, which is the iconic image of the entire region of the Algarve.

4. Another interesting thing about Portimao is the fact that different festivals and events are organized there every year. This summer for example you could have enjoyed the Street Food Festival and the Wine Festival. You can find the schedule of these events in the Algarve Guide and you can request this brochure at your hotel.

5. I really believe that you cannot have a complete experience in Portimao if you don’t taste their delicious local dishes. Food is an important part of any culture and people connect to their cultural or ethnic group through similar food patterns. For me it is important to discover these patterns everywhere I go. If I had to describe Portuguese food in a few words I would say: fried eggs with almost any main dish, chips of all shapes and sizes, a big variety of cakes for breakfast, delicious fish, especially bream, cod and sardines and the amazing francesinha.

6. Shopping can be sometimes a relaxing activity. If you feel the same you should know that there are a lot of places in Portimao where you can find quality things at very good prices, no matter if you choose the shops on the coquettish streets or those in the big mall.
All things considered, you have a lot of reasons to choose this town as a holiday destination, because Portimao is more than just a stretch of beaches.

The post Portimao, more than just a stretch of beaches appeared first on HikerTips.

This town which apparently has nothing special to show, seems to be blessed with a few stunning places that truly deserve to be discovered. Situated on the western coast of the Algarve, this Portuguese town is one of the most populated towns in the entire region. Spoiled by the sun almost all year long, Portimao is a dream destination that beyond its simplicity displays gorgeous golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and imposing cliffs. The coastline is an area of about eight kilometers of beautiful beaches. Four of these beaches are in my opinion the most beautiful and the ones that you should add on your trip list.

1. If you come from downtown, Praia da Rocha is the first beach that opens the coastline. Situated very close to Portimao Marina, Praia da Rocha is one of the widest beaches that I have ever seen.

A wooden path will make your access to the beach very easy and comfortable. To my mind, the most beautiful thing about this beach is actually the end of it which is bordered by a beautiful high cliff.

2. Praia dos Tres Castelos which lies on the other side of the cliff is another natural beauty that will awaken your senses. This wonderful beach with crystal blue water and golden fine sand displays a variety of asymmetrically shaped cliffs.

The fact that a few of these cliffs are actually situated in the ocean is what gives a special beauty to the whole place.
3. Praia do Vau is the next beach that hides the same beautiful scenery, yet different: crystal blue water, imposing cliffs and golden fine sand.

What I really liked about this beach was an orange cliff which looks like a cave. The fact that the cave has no roof and the light can easily go in is what really makes this place beautiful.

4. Praia dos Tres Irmaos is the last beach on the coastline and a place where you will discover a unique picturesque rock formation. This beach is a real source of delight due to its special scenery: rocky outcrops, curved cliffs, clear turquoise water and golden fine sand.

In my opinion Tres Irmaos Beach is the most interesting. The blend between the rock formation and the ocean is what really makes this beach unique and beautiful.

The water is not very deep and you can take a walk among the cliffs. It is amazing to feel the cold water caressing your feet while you are enjoying your walk.

You should know that all these beaches have a few places where you can eat and drink something after a hot sunny day. You can get to the beaches by car, by bus or on foot. It all depends on the area where you found your accommodation. In my opinion another special thing about these beaches is the view seen from the top of the cliffs.
I really believe that you will spend a great time in Portimao, if you add these beautiful beaches on your trip list.

The post The most beautiful beaches in Portimao appeared first on HikerTips.