Overview
Portimão is the second largest city in the Algarve, a former fishing and shipbuilding centre now turned beach-focused tourist hub. The city is famous for its fresh fish restaurants and grilled sardines, the signature dish.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Nightlife
Before you go
Connectivity
Full 5G coverage from all Portuguese carriers as of January 2025. WiFi available in most hotels and cafes.
Food
Grilled sardines are the signature dish. Budget options include petisqueiras (Portuguese tapas bars) and snack bars. Supermarkets include Spar (city centre), Pingo Doce, Intermarché Express, Lidl, Aldi, and Continente.
Money
Portugal uses the Euro (€). ATMs are plentiful in the city centre and at Praia da Rocha. Credit cards widely accepted in restaurants and shops.
Safety
Drug dealers openly operate on Praia da Rocha beach promenade. Report issues to the Posto de Tourismo or Policia de Turismo, both within 2 minutes walk of each other on the beach promenade.
Transport
Public buses cost €1.65 (January 2024); Bolt and Uber operate e-hailing taxis. The beach at Praia da Rocha is 3.5 km from the city centre.