The natural beauty, the rich cuisine, the warm air and sea and the extensive beaches of Portimão are among the most appealing of the Algarve.
In a few decades, has risen from a humble fishing village to a modern city turned to tourism.
The summer season is clearly the most animated of the year and culminates in Portimão, with the popular festival of the sardine. The mild climate of the Algarve and many sunny days in winter attract an international crowd in all seasons, exploring the markets, visiting historical sites, walking along the river promenade or relaxing on a terrace.
With a long stretch of sand punctuated by some rocks, Praia da Rocha is the business card of the city. Portimão presents itself as a cosmopolitan vacation resort with a wide choice of beach activities, many excellent national and international restaurants and a vibrant nightlife to enjoy.
From medieval Portimão there are only a few remaining curtained walls obscured by houses. It is the architecture of the end of the century and early nineteenth century XX that marks the profile of the historic centre, in the houses of two floors, wrought iron balconies, stonework in the windows and doors, trim with balustrades of stone and ceramics and walls covered with tiles. 
The town hall occupies the old palace of the Viscounts of Bívar, building lines and noble classics.
The Fortress of St. Catherine of Ribamar integrated, along with the Fort St John of Arad, in Ferragudo, the Portimão’s defences against the attacks of corsairs and pirates.
This construction of over three centuries with excellent strategic position is a privileged viewpoint of the sea, rivers, beaches and cliffs. Inside, there is an ancient chapel dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Jeep safaris, bike tours, horseback or on foot, paths and dirt roads lead us through the Monchique bio park where an abundant flora and spectacular vistas await us.
In the opposite direction draws the sea. There are boats available in the modern Marina of Portimão or on the boulevard along the river Arade, some for bottom fishing, and some for sailing to the caves along the Algarve coast, to search for dolphins at Ponta da Piedade, or go up the river to the historic town of Silves. Others take groups of divers to visit the bottom of the most valuable asset of Portimão, the Sea.
