A guide to Portimao, Algarve, Portugal
A guide to Portimao, Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve area of Portugal is one of the most pre-eminent areas for tourism in Europe. In recent years cheap holidays in Portimao have really come to the fore, and it is one of the most desirable places in the Algarve to visit.
The area in and around Portimao has seen habitation since prehistoric times, and has experienced rule by Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. With the building of city walls, the city turned into a maritime town, and moving on a few hundred years to around 1910 many people began building chalets and places to stay to visit the area. Like much of the Algarve, holidays in Portimao began to become commonplace. Nowadays, Portimao holidays are very popular, and the town now has a healthy population of around 35,000.
There is much to see and do on a cheap holiday in Portimao. First and foremost for many sun worshippers are the beaches, and there are many here. Of most note is the beach at Praia da Rocha, which is just south of Portimao and is the most famous beach in the Algarve. There are many opportunities for water sports here, such as surfing, sailing and diving as well as snorkelling, and the beach itself is long and sandy. For peace of mind for those on a cheap holiday in Portimao, there are lifeguards at all the beaches in and around Portimao during the peak summer seasons.
Of course, a Portimao holiday is not just about the beach, and the town itself is alive with the past, meaning a Portimao holiday is a step into a little bit of Portuguese history. The fort of Santa Catarina is in the town as are two old “palaces”, the most notable being the Palacio Sarrea. There is also a beautiful church and the ancient city walls give an “olde world” feel to the place. There is also a municipal museum, housed in an old sardine canning factory, where differing exhibitions of art and culture are put on periodically.
The aforementioned Praia da Rocha area has also seen the building of a new marina. At this marina there are a number of bars and restaurants, meaning anyone on a cheap holiday in Portimao can have a lovely meal or a drink with the beautiful vista of the marina as a backdrop. Later on at night Praia da Rocha becomes the nightlife hub of Portimao, with anyone wanting a late night on the tiles catered for here! Furthermore, the 5-star Hotel Algarve casino offers a gaming floor as well as a quality restaurant and musical and variety shows. However, for those looking for a quieter night out, there are many welcoming watering holes in Portimao itself.
Portimao holidays are as much about getting out there as much as staying in the undoubtedly attractive town. There are numerous boat trips that go out of the town, and there are other nice places to visit. The nearby Armacao de Pera, which has a charming 18th century fortress as its centrepiece, is definitely worth a visit and the small fishing village of Alvor is a nice place to spend an afternoon. The unspoiled village of Ferragudo is just across the river from Portimao, and is home to the fort of St John of Arade, further dispaying the historical culture of the region. It is also worth mentioning that the famous Algarve golfing experience is catered for in this area too, with many excellent courses nearby.
In conclusion, a cheap holiday in Portimao can offer everything someone could want out of a holiday, from delightful scenery and history to delightful beaches and a good night out. Whoever you are and whatever you want, a Portimao holiday could be just right for you.
Further Cheap Portimao Holidays Information
Writing holidays, Portugal - This site offers writing holidays for small groups in the Algarve, Portugal, one-day or half-day workshops, and five-week (2 hours per week) creative writing courses on writing fiction. Accommodation in the Monchique mountains is also available, providing a perfect retreat not only for writers but also for walkers, birdwatchers and anyone else who enjoys the mountains.
lisaselvidge.com
Multi-language classified ads for Spain and Portugal - Mercadosite.com is a multi-language website that offers classified ads for Spain and Portugal. A large range of products are available to buy on the site, as well as the opportunity to place your own advert, start your own website through mercadosite.com and much more…
mercadosite.com
Motorcycle Racing and Trips - Bigrock-holidays.com is a site that specialises in motor cycle racing events, holidays, trips and tours. As well as this the site offers corporate VIP hospitality, hotel accommodation and MotoGP and WSB tickets, including 2009 in the Algarve and much more…
bigrock-holidays.com
Restaurant at Meia Praia - Duna-beach is a restaurant and bar located at Meia Praia, 2km from Tivoli Lagos. As well as offering information on the restaurant and bar, including menus and opening times, the site offers information on the relaxed atmosphere of the venue, lists a range of activities and services available, offers ideas for entertainment and events and much more…
duna-beach.com
Global Party Guide - GlobalPartyGuide.com offers a guide to nightlife locations of the city you are staying. The locations are rated by ambience, audience, flirt factor and price. The site also invites viewers to insert new clubs, bars and pubs or rate the already registered ones.
globalpartyguide.com
