3-day itinerary in Portimão

Day 1

Wake up early, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and head to Portimão city centre to visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the College of the Jesuits.

• Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Built in the 15th century and restored after the 1755 earthquake, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Igreja Matriz of Portimão) stands in one of the highest areas of the city, showcasing a blend of architectural styles (Baroque, Rococo, and Manueline) developed during various phases of reconstruction and artistic enrichment. Explore the three naves separated by eight stone columns, admire the 17th-century azulejos (ceramic tiles), and marvel at the gilded wooden altarpiece, ivory crucifixes, and sacred art sculptures in wood and stone.

• College of the Jesuits

Located near the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the College of the Jesuits is another noteworthy historical building worth visiting. Despite its simple architecture, its yellow exterior catches the eye. Inside, you can observe works by Portuguese painters at the Diogo Gonçalves Museum, named in honour of the project's mentor who built the convent after finding safe refuge in Portimão's harbour during a storm at sea.

• Riverside Area

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside area, with its wide pedestrian avenue paved in typical Portuguese cobblestone, and enjoy the sea view. If you're feeling hungry, choose from one of the many bars and restaurants for a light lunch. We recommend keeping it light so you can fully enjoy the afternoon sun and sea at Praia da Rocha, one of the most famous beaches on the Algarve coast. With its stunning rock formations, expansive sandy beach, and crystal-clear waters, it's a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.

• Praia da Rocha

After lunch, head down to Praia da Rocha, one of the most famous beaches on the Algarve coast. It is renowned for its fantastic rock formations, expansive 200-meter-wide sandy beach, and crystal-clear waters. If you're a water sports enthusiast, you can enjoy a range of activities available during the summer, from leisurely paddleboat rides to the adrenaline rush of windsurfing or jet skiing!

• Miradouro dos Três Castelos

End the first of these 3 days in Portimão by enjoying the fantastic views at Miradouro dos Três Castelos, located between Praia da Rocha and Praia dos Três Castelos, or visit the Santa Catarina Fortress, where you can (and should!) take a panoramic photo of the region, with Praia da Rocha in the foreground and the picturesque village of Ferragudo in the background, separated by the river and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Municipal Theater

For the evening, we recommend attending a concert or theatre performance at the Municipal Theater of Portimão (TEMPO), located in Largo 1º de Dezembro. Simply check the city's cultural programme to see what's on display.

Day 2

For the second day in Portimão, we have a more cultural proposal so that you have the opportunity to experience firsthand that the Algarve has much more to offer beyond its beaches.

• Portimão Museum

Located in a former fish canning factory along the riverside, the Portimão Museum offers a renowned exhibition - "Portimão: Territory and Identity" - which provides a historical overview of the local communities, from prehistoric times to the present day, emphasising the most representative activities of the economic, cultural, and social life through three routes: "origin and destiny of a community," "industrial life and the challenge of the sea," and "from the depths of the waters."

• Megalithic Monument of Alcalar

Just a few kilometres from Portimão, the Alcalar Megalithic Monuments Visitor Centre will provide you with an objective view of the complex structure of the prehistoric society that inhabited the region 5,000 years ago. Comprised of various distinct tombs spanning over 10 hectares, the monument also offers guided tours and several interesting activities such as "A Day in Prehistory" and "Prehistoric Hunters."

• Portimão Casino

After a fulfilling day exploring Portimão's historical heritage, why not end the second part of this itinerary at the Praia da Rocha Casino, trying your luck at the slot machines or enjoying one of the weekly shows.

Day 3

For the last day in Portimão, we have prepared a list of unique excursions and sports activities that you can only find in this region!

• Golf at the Sir Henry Cotton Championship

Do you enjoy playing golf? Then use the morning of the third day in Portimão to explore the courses at the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Golf, located within the Penina Golf Resort. It was the first golfing destination built in the Algarve, precisely by Henry Cotton, who recognised the great potential of Portimão as a golfing destination. The fairways are quite flat, but strategically placed water hazards and deep bunkers provide challenges, with the most famous hole being the 13th Par 3 that requires a long shot over a large lake and an elevated green.

• Boat Trip to Benagil Cave

Not in the mood for golf? You won't want to miss a wonderful boat trip from Portimão to Benagil, exploring the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve! This is your great opportunity to visit the famous Benagil Cave, considered by many visitors as one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is literally a cave (Algar de Benagil) with a hole in the ceiling, a beach inside, and access through two entrances in the cliffs.

• Varandas sobre o Mar Trail

Do you enjoy hiking? Excellent, because the next suggestion is a walk along the Varandas sobre o Mar Trail, which runs along the rocky coast of Portimão from Praia do Vau to Prainha, covering a distance of 5 km. Alternatively, you can take a more relaxed walk through the dunes on the Passadiços de Alvor, the longest wooden walkways in the Algarve, stretching about 6 km, connecting Praia dos Três Irmãos to Ria de Alvor, passing through a true sanctuary of wildlife.

• Nightlife

Your 3-day itinerary in Portimão is almost complete, but the night is still young! Make the most of it by enjoying the best bars and nightclubs in Portimão, where you can celebrate these mini-vacations in the Algarve.

If 3 days in Portimão weren't enough and you are considering permanently moving to this region of the Algarve, contact Engel & Völkers Portimão.

We have a wide range of residential properties and vacation homes waiting for you in Portimão, Alvor, Ferragudo, Silves, and Monchique.