A Visit to the Algarve Portugal

Click the above video poster image to explore our Portugal Reasons to Visit and Travel Vlog - In this Portugal vacation travel video guide we'll provide reasons to visit and information about how to spend a week in Portugal. Portugal is a beautiful country directly on the Atlantic Ocean that offers a lot of value for your money and it has a fascinating history and culture. From the Douro River Valley to Nazare surf beach to the scenic and historic Lisbon and then south to the incredibly picturesque beaches of the Algarve Portugal has a lot to offer.

Departing our Lisbon Condo: Our condo was located near the intersection of Calçada Galvão and R. Gen. João de Almeida which is pretty much suburbia north of the Jeronimo Monastery. After packing up our rental car, we drove north on the Calçada Galvão to where we could access the A5 and then merged onto the A2 to get to the 25th of April Bridge. Click here to view a larger Google Map of our route.

Getting There: The freeway from Lisbon to Portimão was easy to navigate and had very little traffic. We stayed on the A2 until it became the E2. Leaving the E2 onto Portugal A22 to Portimão, exited onto the N124 to enter Portimão. As the Tivoli Hotel & Marina was perhaps 10 miles away, we traversed Portimão on local streets with numerous round-a-bouts and traffic. Typical for Europe, but a little challenging for many Americans! Diligence & discipline in driving & navigation is required !

Highway Services: Once you pass over the 25th of April Bridge and proceed south on the A2, there is a lot of wide open space and very few villages or cities. Rolling hills, cork trees, and the occasional cow or horse, but not much else! You should use Google Maps (or the map service of your choice) to locate where gas stations can be found on this highway.

Maps or Mapping App: Keep them out and have it displaying your route, because the Portimão city streets are narrow, frequent round-abouts & crowded with lots of traffic!

How far is Algarve from Lisbon: The driving distance from Lisbon to our Algarve Hotel was slightly over 300 kilometers.

Image # 1 picture gives you a great idea of how nicely located our apartment was. The Tivoli Marina and Hotel are located at the lower center of this image, surrounded by the Tivoli Marina. The city of Portimão as well as the beaches, were readily accessible via a brief walk.

Image # 2 is the main entrance to the Hotel, it is located adjacent to the hotel parking lot.

The Praia da Rocha beach is at the top right of the picture, and the city of of Portimão is to the right.

Without a good navigator (Celeste) and our cellphone Google Maps App, we would have never have found this hotel and might still be wandering around Portugal !

IMAGE CREDITS: Both images above are the property of the Tivoli Marina Portimao Algarve Resort

How to get to Portimão from Lisbon?

There are numerous transportation options available;

• By Train: Train service from Lisboa Oriente to Portimão is frequent and inexpensive; a one way ticket will cost $30 per person. The train requires 3.5 hours to get to Portimão.
• By Car: Portimão is about 175 miles/280 kilometres south of Lisbon. Almost all the journey is by the A2 highway and the drive should take approximately 3 hours. There are tolls to pay, which is done a toll reader device in your rental car. A standard car will pay about 21 Euros in tolls. The bridges across the Tagus river in Lisbon are toll bridges and it is a only a few miles inland to the first alternative crossing.
• By Bus: Direct buses to Portimão run daily, with multiple departures. Two companies operate the route: Flixbus and Rede Expressos. The trip requires approximately 4 hours and tickets cost from 10-20 euros.
• Commercial Airline: The closest is Faro International Airport, 65 kilometers from Portimão. TAP Air Portugal offers a $61 one way ticket from Lisbon to Faro, both Ryanair and easyJet fly from Lisbon to Faro.

What is the best time of year to visit Portimão?

The best time to visit Portimao is during the late spring and early summer months, specifically from late May to mid-September, as this period offers pleasant weather with warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for beach activities while avoiding the peak crowds of high summer.

Is Portugal a safe place to visit?

According to recent data, Portugal has a relatively low crime index compared to other European countries, with a score often listed around 31.2, ranking it as one of the safer nations in Europe; this means that overall, crime rates in Portugal are considered low compared to the European average. The Portimão crime rate index is 19.41 in comparison.

What are the seasonal temperature ranges for Portimão?

The warm season lasts for 3.0 months, from June 19 to September 20, with an average daily high temperature above 77°F. The hottest month of the year in Portimão is August, with an average high of 80°F and low of 66°F.

The cool season lasts for 3.7 months, from November 23 to March 15, with an average daily high temperature below 64°F. The coldest month of the year in Portimão is January, with an average low of 48°F and high of 60°F.

Is Praia da Rocha safe to swim in?

Yes, the ocean at Portimão, Portugal is generally considered clean and good for swimming, particularly at beaches like Praia da Rocha, thanks to calm waters and regular monitoring of water quality; however, always check local conditions and flag warnings before entering the water.

There is a flag system on the beaches to let tourists know if the water is safe or if the beach is supervised. A red flag signals that you should stay out of the water completely. A yellow flag means swimming is not advised, but paddling is allowed. Green flags mean that it's time to swim.

Is tap water safe to drink in Portimão?

Yes, it's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal.

Will I need a car in Portimão?

Yes, renting a car in Portimão is a good way to explore the area and nearby attractions. Portimão has many things to see and do, and a car gives you the flexibility to drive to nearby cities and/or interesting sites.

Local Portimão buses are available, but they can be infrequent, especially on weekends and holidays. The VAMUS bus 56, also known as Aerobus, runs directly from Faro Airport to Portimão. uBer and local taxis are also available.

In Portugal, life revolves around coffee. People drink it from first thing in the morning and often right up until late evening — it's not uncommon for people to finish a meal at 10 or 11 pm and have a coffee after. In Portimão, coffee is commonly paired with a pastry, particularly in the morning. The iconic pairing is bica with a pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart. Many locals stop by their neighborhood café for a quick bica and a pastry before starting their day.

The most common way to enjoy coffee in Portimão is by ordering a "uma bica" (also known as "um café"), which is similar to an espresso. It’s a small, strong, and slightly bitter shot of coffee, often served with sugar on the side. Locals drink uma bicas throughout the day, particularly after meals or during quick breaks.

There are a variety of coffee drinks other than the uma bica;

• Galão: Similar to a latte, this is a shot of espresso mixed with steamed milk, served in a tall glass. It’s popular for breakfast or a mid-morning break. Also known as "Um galão".
• Meia de Leite: Like a galão, but with equal parts milk and coffee, typically served in a cup.
• Café com Cheirinho: A coffee with a splash of aguardente, a Portuguese spirit, often enjoyed after meals.
• Uma Carioca de Café: A weaker version of the uma bica, made by running water through used grounds.
• Uma Italiana: A stronger version of the uma bica.
• Iced coffee: Some pastelarias serve iced coffees, although they’re often just a glass with ice, a shot of coffee (hot), some ice cold water, and, if requested, milk.
• Um Café Pingado: This is a café or espresso that has been topped up with milk. In Spain, this type of coffee is known as a cortado.
• Um abatanado: Somewhere between an espresso and an Americano. If you want a long black coffee, this is the closest thing that you can get to it.
• Non-coffee Drinks: Sometimes available, depends upon the shop. Generally teas are available.

Coffee is more than just a drink in Portugal; it's a ritual. Many people have their favorite café that they visit regularly, often at the same time each day. This sense of routine adds to the importance of coffee in everyday life.

Click here to view a Google Map displaying "coffee shops in Portimão". For reference purposes, a coffee shop is called a "Pastelarias" in Portuguese.

Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve’s most stunning beaches. This expansive stretch of golden sand is framed by dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations that create a striking contrast against the turquoise waters. The beach offers something for everyone: sunbathing on the soft sand, exploring the caves and arches along the coastline, or enjoying water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. A scenic boardwalk lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars overlooks the beach, making it easy to grab a meal or a refreshing drink while taking in the view. Nearby, the 17th-century Santa Catarina Fortress provides a dose of history and panoramic views of the coastline.

The city of Portimão is off to the left in image # 1, and the Tivoli Marina where we were staying is at the far eastern end of this beach view. The entry to the Arade River can be seen in the top center of this image.

Image # 1 was taken from the top of the Viewpoint of the Three Castles ("Miradouro dos Três Castelos") on an early morning hike we took. As you can see, there are very few people on the beach, that will change as the day progresses.

Image # 2 is looking westward from a lookout point on Viewpoint of the Three Castle (Avenue Tomas Cabreira of Tres Castelos beach). You can see all of the beach chairs and lounges ready to be rented!

Image # 3 was taken from the other side of the rocks, where we descended to the beach to find a spot where we could play paddle ball, and were amazed at the cliff rock formations.

In image # 4 the rock formations & cliff on the west end of Praia da Rocha beach, you can see how small the people are in relation to the cliff. We took this picture early in the day, and the beach crowd had not yet started to arrive. After we spread our towels out and hung out for a while, the crowds were starting to build up.

Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente

We were standing in the Sagres Fortress area, looking over at the next peninsula which has a lighthouse on it (images # 1 & 2). That lighthouse was built in 1846 and was constructed on the old ruins of a Franciscan monastery. It now belongs to the Portuguese Navy. The lighthouse is the second most powerful in Europe (after Phare du Creach in Brittany) and the light beam can be seen 60 kilometers away.

The cliffs in the Sagres area are astounding, and the Atlantic Ocean pounds away at them constantly. Cliff heights here can reach 75 meters! As is usual in Europe, there are no walls or signs telling you to stay away from the cliff edges, Europe expects you to be smart enough to already know that!

NOTE: Image # 1 (the large image above) is the property of Dr.G.Schmitz using the CC BY-SA 3.0 license. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

Portimão boasts a vibrant culinary scene with several highly rated restaurants. Here are five top-rated establishments according to Google (and bear in mind that these ratings vary as people review & rate an establishment):

1. The Fifth Empire Restaurant - Our dishes are prepared so that our customers can enjoy a shared meal, combining a cultural experience with a set of flavors that were once part of the Lusitanian Empire. (Guest Rating 4.8)
2. Maria do Mar - Conservas - This cozy eatery specializes in high-quality conservas (canned seafood), a beloved tradition in Portugal. Guests enjoy beautifully presented dishes featuring sardines, tuna, mackerel, and octopus, often paired with fresh bread, olives, and local wines. (Guest Rating 4.8)
3. AllGarbe - Seafood restaurant in the center of Portimão (next to the Alameda da República car park), with natural reef aquariums, offering a variety of seafood, fresh fish from the coast and typical Algarve dishes. They offer take-away and delivery services. (Guest Rating 4.6)
4. Squash - Has outdoor seating · Serves great cocktails · Has kids' menu. (Guest Rating 4.5)
5. Safari - Restaurante & Bar - Since 1976, our restaurant at Praia da Rocha is offering extraordinary meals with typical Portuguese ingredients. Generously, simply and honestly prepared with so much love and care. (Guest Rating 4.5)

We had a great dinner at the Restaurante Almeida, located on the water front adjacent to the Tivoli Hotel where we were staying. The food there was fantastic, and the vibe of being next to the beach, with good wine, and excellent seafood, provided us with a memorable dinner experience. Note: They do not have a website, but you can find them on Google.

Special Note: If you like pastel de natas, or if you would like to try one of these amazing pastries, here is a Google Search Results link for "where are the best pastel de natas in portimao". Enjoy!

Dinner at Restaurante Almeida

I had a cataplana (Portuguese Fish Stew); At Restaurante Almeida, the cataplana is prepared with an exquisite selection of fresh seafood, including clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, simmered in a rich tomato and wine-based sauce. The dish often includes fragrant onions, peppers, and coriander, combining to create a hearty, flavorful broth. Each bite is a taste of Portugal’s seaside heritage, with the ingredients perfectly balanced to highlight their natural flavors.

The cozy atmosphere of Almeida, paired with the warmth of the staff, enhances the experience. A serving of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the remaining sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or eager to explore Algarve’s culinary traditions, enjoying cataplana at Restaurante Almeida offers a memorable and authentic dining experience, steeped in local culture and flavors.

NOTE: Below are some useful links where you can find even more information about the areas we have described on this page. There are of course, many other useful websites & pages, so for something specific, we would suggest using Google Search.