PORTIMÃO
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40,000.
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Avenida Zeca Afonso
(Tel: 282 470 717 ). -
1st Mon of
month.
One of the largest towns in the Algarve, Portimão is not renowned for its beauty
but has plenty of character and a long history as a port. The Romans settled
here, attracted by the natural harbour on the wide estuary of the Rio Arade.
Portimão’s sprawling outskirts are graced with a new marina and shopping centre.
Its 18th-century town centre has excellent shopping as well as a large, bustling
market.
The centre lies around the pedestrianized Rua Vasco da Gama ,
with numerous shops specializing in leather goods. Along Rua Diogo Tomé, the
church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição occupies a low hill.
Rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, its 14th-century origins are still visible
in the portico with its carved capitals. Inside, there are 17th- and
18th-century azulejo panels. In Largo 1° de Dezembro there are
benches adorned with brightly coloured 19th-century tiles. The waterfront is
always lively and restaurants serve fresh sardines and sea bass.
Just 3 km (2 miles) south lies Portimão’s touristic neighbour, Praia da Rocha , a series of sandy coves amongst protruding red and
ochre rocks. At its east end is the Fortaleza de Santa
Catarina , a castle built in the 16th century to protect Portimão
and Silves. From here there is a superb view of the lovely, sweeping beach
backed by 70-m (230-ft) cliffs, and overlooked by a swathe of high-rise
hotels. These are multiplying, and visitors will find themselves fighting
for space in high season.
Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Portimão
Riverfromt Gardens
