A Visit to the Algarve Portugal

Image #1 provides an excellent perspective on just how well-situated our apartment was. The Tivoli Marina and Hotel, prominently located in the lower center of the image, is perfectly positioned amidst the picturesque Tivoli Marina. Its prime location made it a breeze to explore the surrounding area, with the city of Portimão and the beautiful beaches just a short and pleasant walk away. The view showcases the seamless blend of vibrant city life and serene coastal beauty.

Image #2 captures the main entrance of the hotel, a sleek and welcoming entry point conveniently located next to the hotel’s parking area. This thoughtful design ensures easy access for guests arriving by car, making the first impression both practical and inviting.

The Praia da Rocha beach, visible at the top right of image # 1, offers an expansive stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters, while the charming city of Portimão lies to the right, adding to the area's appeal.

Our journey to the hotel was an adventure in itself. Without the expert navigation skills of Celeste and the indispensable Google Maps app on our phones, we might still be wandering the scenic streets of Portugal, endlessly charmed but hopelessly lost. This trip was a delightful mix of exploration, discovery, and stunning coastal escapes.

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.

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.

You can see in this picture how the Ocean has pounded out a cave in the cliff. The waves get extremely large in the winter here, for a graphic portrayal of winter storm driven waves take a look at this YouTube video. I would suggest that you have never seen waves that large, unless you have spent some time at sea!

This video is the property of The Local Truth via YouTube.

Portimão boasts a vibrant culinary scene with several highly rated restaurants. Here are five (as of 3/4/2025) top-rated establishments according to Google (and bear in mind that these ratings vary as people review & rate an establishment). If you would prefer to perform your own restaurant research, here is the link to a Google Search Results list for "most popular restaurants in Portimão". This list below was sorted by "4.5+ rating or higher":

1. Restaurante O Viriato: The O Viriato restaurant, in Portimão, is one of the Algarve's gastronomic treasures, known for its perfect combination of tradition and culinary innovation. (Guest Rating 4.6 based upon 1,200+ reviews)
2. The Fifth Empire: 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 based upon 719 reviews)
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 based upon 2,300+ revies)
4. NUMA Restaurant: Signature cuisine, focusing on regional and national products, with a contemporary and sophisticated twist. (Guest Rating 4.8 based upon 354 reviews)
5. Maria do Mar - Preserves: offers a unique dining experience centered around artisanal canned seafood, highlighting traditional Portuguese flavors with a modern touch. Guests can enjoy a variety of premium conservas, such as sardines, tuna, and mackerel, served with rustic bread and fresh ingredients. (Guest Rating 4.8 based upon 810 reviews)

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!

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.