Portimão’s event agenda

Formula 1 and GT Open

Do you enjoy the excitement of watching cars on the starting grid? Feeling the adrenaline build as you await the race, the overtakes, the corner crashes, and tire changes? Well, you're in luck! Portimão offers the chance to experience both the GT Open (one of the supporting events for the Portuguese Grand Prix) and Formula 1 races at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, a racing circuit located in the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande, around 16 km from the city centre.

This year’s International GT Open championship was won by Portuguese drivers Henrique Chaves and Miguel Ramos in a McLaren 720S GT3 from Teo Martín Motorsport. This marks the second year in a row that Formula 1 raced in Portimão, at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

Music festivals

Singing, jumping, and cheering – the summer months are the highlight for music festivals in Portimão, with one of the most stunning stages in the Algarve at Praia da Rocha. Hosting events such as EDC Portugal, Afro Nation, and Rolling Loud Portugal, these festivals bring together various artists and musical styles, providing an unforgettable experience for music lovers.

Sardine festival

The Sardine Festival is one of Portimão’s best-known events, celebrating the region’s gastronomic icon – the sardine. Enjoy the sardine served with bread or on a plate with boiled potatoes and salad Algarve style, all in more than 2,000 seats spread across eight restaurants during five days of festivities. These days work up an appetite for residents and the thousands of visitors who join the festival every year. Not a fan of sardines? No worries! The event also features various regional delicacies, such as bread with cheeses and sausages, as well as desserts and ice creams. After enjoying a meal, visitors can enjoy moments of fun with craft stalls, street entertainment, and attractions for children. The music, ranging from folklore to traditional Portuguese tunes, ensures a lively atmosphere.

St. Andrew's festivities

Faith, devotion, and plenty of fun! This characterises the festivities in honour of St. Andrew, held at the Church of Penina in Alvor. The event attracts hundreds of people, including locals and international tourists, who enjoy both the religious and entertainment aspects. The event features food and drink stalls, along with popular music bands providing entertainment.

Alvor Sea Race

Organised by O2 (Portimão’s Sports and Cultural Association), the Alvor Sea Race is part of the Algarve Sea Circuit. It takes place at Alvor Beach and includes the principal race, a 1500-meter course for federated athletes, and a 700-meter race open to any swimmer who wishes to participate. If you're into swimming, this is an event not to miss when visiting Portimão!

Festival do Berbigão (Cockle Festival)

While the sardine is the most celebrated fish in Portimão, the cockle also has its own festival held at the Polidesportivo da Figueira! If you’re in the Algarve during September, treat yourself to the festival’s star dish, with various preparations – from cockles au naturel to cockle rice, cockle pasta, cockle porridge, and cockle rissoles, all topped with olive oil, parsley/coriander, and a clove of garlic.

World Superbike Championship

The bikes that participate in the World Superbike Championship are improved versions of the bikes available for sale to the public, unlike in MotoGP, where purpose-built prototypes are used. Portimão offers a thrilling experience for fans of superbike racing!

Algarve Classic Festival

Are classic cars more your style than racing cars? Then the Algarve Classic Festival is for you! Held every October at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, this event features more than 300 teams and over 500 drivers. Along with the races, private owners of antique and classic cars parade their models on the circuit track, showcasing the elegance and beauty of historic vehicles.

Feira de São Martinho

Have you ever attended Portimão’s oldest popular event, the Feira de São Martinho, held every year on November 11th? Celebrate the season of roasted chestnuts at the fairgrounds, and enjoy regional gastronomic delicacies such as bread with chorizo, steaks, and roasted octopus. You’ll also find a variety of products for sale, from toys to textiles and shoes, as well as entertainment like bumper car tracks that delight both children and adults alike.

Monthly market throughout the year

On the first Mondays of each month, Portimão hosts a large monthly market at Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão. The market offers a wide range of products for sale, from clothing and shoes to jewellery and local food products such as cheese and sausages.

Antiques fair all year round

If you enjoy collectibles, antiques, and vintage items, the Portimão Flea Market, held at Parque de Feiras e Exposições on the first and third Sundays of each month, is the place for you. Here, you can find treasures from the past, all excluding new items, to satisfy your collector's spirit.

Arrebita Portimão

Arrebita Portimão is a fairly new gastronomic festival dedicated to the sea, with various chefs showcasing local cuisine. This feast of local gastronomy aims to stimulate the local economy and introduce traditional Algarve dishes to tourists.

Has this list of Portimão's main annual events made you eager to visit, holiday, or even move to the Algarve? Contact Engel & Völkers Portimão today! We offer a wide range of residential properties: luxury villas, vacation homes, townhouses, apartments, rural houses, building plots, and much more!