Francisco Santos | BY-SA
The fort of Santa Catarina was built in 17th century on the site of a 15th century defensive structure and chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It was one of the various forts built around this time to protect the area from raids by pirates and privateers.
Today it is possible to climb up a steep set of steps to walk around the battlements. There is no museum here, but an old canon provides a quick photo opportunity and the views of the marina and the cliffs of Praia da Rocha make the hike worthwhile.
Klugschnacker | BY-SA
The last time Portugal hosted the Grand Prix was in 1996. Since then $250 million has been spent putting the infrastructure in place to bring Formula 1 back to Portugal. The Autodromo, just outside Portimão is a 2.9 mile (5km) circuit which has been compared to the old Nurburgring for its big downhill slopes and hair-raising sharp turns.
It has been used since 2010 as a F1 testing site and hosts regular motoring events, including the World Superbike Championship and the F1A GT. A five star hotel and a number of apartment blocks can also be...
urfl
Portimao’s award-winning museum opened in 2008 and is a good place to come to learn more of what life would have been like for those who lived in the locality throughout the ages. The site was once a fish canning factory, and the main focus is on the industrial processes once carried out here. The 1000 square metre main exhibition is divided into three distinct areas:
Origin and Destiny of a Community
This section follows the lives of those living in the Portimao and Alvor regions from Neolithic times right up until the present day. There are...
Portimão
Jose Goncalves | BY-SA
Separated from neighbouring Praia da Vau by a small headland at all but low tide the sheltered cove of the Praia do Alemão is an Algarvian delight. Also known as the Praia do Barranco das Canas the name Praia do Alemão (meaning German's beach) comes from the fact that the first house built here belonged to a German family.
This is a typical Algarve beach in the sense it is backed by ochre coloured cliffs, has fine...
Ferragudo
Jose Goncalves | BY-SA
Praia Pintadinho sits just beyond the mouth of the River Arada and is largely outside of the shelter from the breakwaters that protect Portimão. Whilst the sea may be slightly more lively than Ferragudo's other riverside beaches Praia Pintadinho still benefits from the same perfect golden sand along with the added bonus of a Blue Flag award.
This popular beach has plenty of facilities for a family day at the beach including a restaurant and sunbed hire. There is also a seasonal...
Portimão
Joseolgon | BY-SA
Situated on the eastern shores of the mouth of the River Arade - just across the water from Praia da Rocha and Portimão - is the wide sandy stretch of Praia Grande. Literally translated as "big beach" this is the larger of Ferragudo riverside beaches.
The northern end of the beach is defined by a small cliff on top of which is perched the 16th century fort of São João do Arade. Originally built to defend the coast from pirates the fort is now a private residence.
Praia Grande...
Looking towards Portimão's main attraction - the superb beach of Praia da Rocha. Almost a mile of golden sand backed by the typical ochre cliffs of the Algarve beyond which lies the lively resort town of Portimão itself.
Despite being one of the most popular beaches on Portugal's Algarve the beach here is still well worth a visit.
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Portimão
Can Stock Photo Inc
Tucked around the corner, but only around a kilometre, form Praia da Rocha and Portimão is yet another fantastic Algarve beach, Praia da Vau. Like its neighbours, the beach here is a swathe of golden sand backed by ocre coloured cliffs. Praia da Vau is a little more sheltered than Praia da Rocha with the cliffs to the west blocking most of the wind. Along the lengthy stretch of sand the cliffs form several distinct coves which almost have the feel of separate beaches at higher tides.
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Looking over the rocky point that separates Alvor from the beach at Praia da Vau. The beach here is popular and has its own resort but is just far enough away from Portimão to escape from the major holiday crowds of neighbouring Praia da Rocha.
Nestled away behind the rocks of the point is the lovely little cove of Praia do Barranco das Canas - but you can't quite see it here!
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Carvoeiro
Can Stock Photo / ccaetano
Praia da Marinha is the archetypal Algarve cove. Clear turquoise waters lap up against the orange limestone that forms the cliffs and iconic rock formations that have graced the covers of a hundred holiday brochures. The beach itself is fairly small and sandy, but what has saved it is what it doesn't have. Despite being located in the middle of the Algarve coast, Praia da Marinha lacks the facilities and most importantly, the easy access of other Algarve beaches. To get to the beach involves...