How nice to be able to enjoy the sun and sea (and roasted sardines) for a week or two on vacation. Better still would be to do it all year round - forever! And that's exactly what happens to around 50,000 people who have decided to live in Portimão and enjoy the sunny weather in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And also the wonderful beaches, leisure activities, and enchanting landscapes of what is the second-largest city in the southern region: modern, but at the same time attached to its charming rural and maritime roots.
Would you like to join this group and live in one of the biggest tourist destinations in Portugal, envied for its low cost of living when compared to Lisbon and other European capitals? Well, there is (still) a wide choice of properties available for sale: from small apartments in the city center to luxury villas on the outskirts! So now all you have to do is confirm that the following attractions suit your personality and way of life.
Sun. Sand. Sea. Nature. Strolls. Museums. Monuments. Sports. Restaurants. bars Business centers. Traditional commerce. There are so many reasons to live in Portimão that as soon as you finish reading this article, you'll want to secure your "place in the sun". But first, get to know 12 curiosities about the southern region!
1. In Portimão you don't need to turn the heating on
With about 300 days of sunshine a year (dry, hot summers and mild winters with little rainfall), Portimão is a city where you don't need to turn the heating on! So if you don't need hats, gloves, scarves, and umbrellas, the Algarve is a great destination: average 26/27 degrees in summer and at least 8/9 degrees in winter.
2. In Portimão you can enjoy 8 km of beach
To live in Portimão is to enjoy 8 km of beaches of fine golden sand. And if it's not hot enough for a dip in the crystal-clear blue sea, you can always take the opportunity to go for a walk along the shore, play soccer or volleyball. In fact, this is the idyllic setting for a vacation in Portimão, but also for a quality life, enjoying the best of the Algarve nature, from the famous Praia da Rocha to Praia do Vau, Praia dos Três Castelos, Praia de Alvor and Praia do Alemão, among others.
3. In Portimão there are extreme sports that contrast with the serenity of the sea
And if instead of a swim in the sea you prefer something more radical, you can always visit the famous Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Mexilhoeira Grande, and drive at full speed between the rays of the sun! Or, if you're lucky, you can watch the big events that may be taking place, like, for example, the Formula 1 world championship. Portimão is also a reference place when it comes to Formula 1 Motonautics, as the Arade River estuary is used as a stage for this competition quite often. It is possible to get a few drops of water, but it will be worth it! And then there's skydiving, kayaking, jeep safaris, water-skiing, and on and on and on... There's no doubt about it: Portimão is also a place for the most courageous/ fearless souls!
4. In Portimão there are natural paths for all tastes
And on a day off from the beach, why not look for comfortable footwear for an outdoor walk? Living in Portimão means being able to do (at least) five different natural paths within breathtaking sceneries. To live in Portimão is to wake up, prepare a backpack, get on your bike and go to Ponta João D'Arens to observe different species of birds that take shelter on the rocks sculpted by erosion. Or observe, from a boat, the fauna and flora in the dunes of the Ria de Alvor and take the opportunity to talk to local fishermen. To live in Portimão is to walk through Mexilhoeira Grande and appreciate the agricultural landscape, among other routes where nature imposes itself in its perfection.
5. In Portimão you can go on boat tours through exuberant caves
The caves, much appreciated by tourists and locals, are another of the southern area's trademark scenarios. We are talking about boat trips along the Algarve coast to do with your partner or with family and friends, in order to see rocks with intriguing formations and caves on exotic beaches like the ones that only exist in Portimão. On a lucky day you may even see dolphins swimming happily in the Atlantic Ocean!
6. Portimão has an arena for different types of events
If you have decided to live in Portimão you are already aware of the news, but if you are visiting you may be surprised by the multipurpose pavilion called Portimão Arena, perfect for the promotion of various shows and sporting, cultural, musical and even corporate events, such as congresses, seminars and other meetings where business opportunities flourish. Located in Portimão's Fair and Exhibition Park, the modern arena, with more than 6,000 m2, is only a few minutes away from the city center and even allows different events to be held simultaneously.
7. In Portimão you can enjoy a pedestrian boulevard facing the sea
The seafront is another of Portimão's attractions. It is a wide pedestrian avenue of Portuguese sidewalk, dotted with palm trees, sculptures by local artists and park benches where you can sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. Relaxing on a terrace enjoying a drink or in a restaurant, savoring a platter of grilled sardines, is also an option on Portimão's waterfront!
8. In Portimão you will eat... and cry for more
The grilled sardine is the ex-libris of the gastronomy of this southern region of Portugal, but those who already live in Portimão know that the wealth of flavors does not stop there: it also includes other types of fresh fish grilled on the coals, stews, seafood, traditional sausages from the Serra de Monchique, quality wines and nationally and internationally awarded, and regional sweets based on almond and carob, accompanied by the typical Medronho brandy!
9. In Portimão you don't play golf unless you want to
Despite the stunning scenery and the quality gastronomy, the truth is that for golfers, the big advantage of living in Portimão is another one, and it's related to the courses. Golf courses with wide greens, a wide variety of fairways, deep sand obstacles and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape! Courses surrounded by several species of trees typical of the southern region, which reveal the splendor of the Algarve to players during quiet but memorable golf matches.
10. In Portimão you can do shopping without entering a shopping center
If you don't like shopping centers, you will love living in Portimão because the city is investing a lot in markets and traditional commerce stores to regain the dynamics of other times, and also investing in events capable of attracting more people to the city center.
11. In Portimão you can close more deals
It is true that Portimão is a city recognized worldwide as a tourist destination of choice, but those who are living in Portimão know that the area also stands out for its business component, as a corporate destination. And that's because it has several modern infrastructures to promote events, but also because it's a city with easy access, near Faro International Airport and two and a half hours from big metropolises like Lisbon and Seville.
12. In Portimão you can speak English at ease
Finally - and just to list a few curiosities about Portimão - you don't have to worry about not speaking Portuguese. With so many British (and other nationality) tourists and locals, there is no need to learn a new language to make yourself understood!
If these curiosities made you want to live in Portimão and improve your quality of life even more, contact Engel & Völkers Portimão | Real Estate Agency in Portimão! No matter if you are looking for an apartment in Portimão for a first habitation or if you are looking for a luxury villa in Portimão to enjoy your retirement.
- We always find the perfect address for you!
- We have solutions adjusted to all interests in Portimão, Alvor, Ferragudo, Monchique and Silves, among other regions of the Algarve.