Portimão History
It races its origins back to a small trading port of the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians. Some historians have indicated that the place was originally the famous Portus Hannibalis named by the famous Roman general, Hannibal Barca. During the following Moorish occupation they renamed the place “Burj Munt”. Located at the mouth of the River Arade it provides a natural harbour and has at times been known in its past as a home for smugglers and pirates. The river also provides the sea access to the up-river ancient City of Silves that was the capital of the Algarve during the Moorish period. At this time the place was named Porcimunt but later in 1504 it was recognised as a town and granted the name “Vila Nova de Portimão” and became part of the possessions of the Castelo Branco family until the 17th century. Much later it was commonly renamed as Portimão and was extensively developed in the 19th century to become one of the most important centres on the Algarve of the fishing and canning industry until the early 1980s when the recession drove the remaining factories out of business.

Portimão Description
The town with some 35,000 inhabitants is essentially commercially orientated and was the main shopping town of the whole Algarve during the 1970s and 1980s. The town church that is the last attractive building surviving in the town dates from 1476 but it has undergone many alterations as from 1717 onwards. The town council appears to have adopted a policy of demolishing architecturally interesting buildings in favour of modernisation. Happily, it also has a very active cultural department and there are always different forms of events happening throughout the year. A boat Marina was opened adjoining Praia da Rocha and adds to the fascinating sight of the many boats at anchor along side a choice of bars and restaurants in which to pass the evening. When approaching the town from the direction of Faro there is a choice of two bridges to cross. The old one runs along past the harbour but we would recommend take the new bridge as it is so well balanced in design that it can be considered the most pleasing bridge to the sight in Portugal built this century. On the river front many different boat tours and deep sea-fishing outings can be booked.

Portimão Nearby Locations
In the Portimão area is the beach village of Alvor another popular tourist location. Still maintaining its village character with its 16th century Parish Church its small streets that at night teem with life in the tourist season. The village of Carvoeiro is a small charming beach location that is now surrounded by comfortable self-catering villas and apartments. The tourist trade happily has yet to overpower the small delightful fishing village of Ferragudo, just lying just across the river from Portimão. Slightly inland is the town of Lagoa a small administrative and farming town. Praia de Rocha and Praia de Vau both seriously devoted to offering tourist accommodation with the added attractions of good beaches and active nightlife. The inland city of Silves with its truly interesting historical background is worth a visit. Including in the many true stories are the battles between the Moors, the Crusaders, and the Portuguese. Unfortunately, the city was for the most part destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The Moorish occupiers considered the city at the turn of the 11th century as the centre of all true culture in the Iberian Peninsular. Near to the town of Portimão are several sites of interest such as the Caves of Estombar, the mosaic floor of the Roman villa at Figueira, and at Alcalar, the recently well restored burial tombs from the Dolman period (around 3.500 BC).

Portimão Weather Forecast

Portimão Events
17th March - Feira de Alvor
3rd & 4th June - Feira de Sta. Catarina
7th to 9th August - Feira de Portimão
3rd August - Feira das Melancias (Watermelon)
7th of October - Feira de N. Sra. do Amparo
11th November - Feira of São Martinho
11th December - Feira da Cidade (Town)

Useful Portimão Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 416 416
Fire Brigade - 282 422 122
Police - 282 417 717
Transit Police - 282 416 656
Hospital - 282 415 115
Emergency Treatment - 282 416 272
Ambulance - 282 412 122
Tourist Office - 282 419 131

Useful Portimão Facts
Distance from Faro Airport - 67 Kms
Town Holidays - 11th December
Postal Code - 8500

Algarve Towns
Albufeira · Almancil · Alvôr · Armação de Pêra · Carvoeiro · Faro · Lagoa · Lagos · Loulé · Monchique · Olhão · Quarteira · Sagres · Silves · Tavira · Vilamoura · Vila Real de Santo António