Final Up to date
Portugal has had a record-breaking summer season. And its recognition seems to proceed properly into the autumn.
However whereas the nation as an entire has welcomed enormous numbers of holiday makers, one vacation spot particularly has shone as a tourism star this yr.
Enter Portimao.
In response to the Portugal Institute of National Statistics, Portimao skilled the largest progress in in a single day stays this summer season, with 10.9% extra guests than final yr.
As the biggest metropolis within the Algarve, Portimao boasts stunning seashores, fascinating native historical past, and interesting low costs.
Right here’s why it is best to contemplate Portimao as a substitute of Lisbon in your subsequent Portuguese getaway:
Issues To Do In Portimao
You possibly can’t speak about visiting Portimao with out mentioning its seashores.
Though Portugal is commonly thought-about a Mediterranean nation as a consequence of its local weather, Portimao really sits on the Atlantic coast. However that doesn’t diminish simply how stunning its seashores are.
The entire shoreline right here is fringed by tall cliffs, and also you’ll see beautiful rock formations jutting from the water simply off the shoreline.
It’s a surprising scenic attraction.
Top-of-the-line seashores is Praia dos Três Castelos which not solely has a surprising golden sand seashore but additionally boasts unbelievable rock formations and caves to discover.
It is a good spot for watersports, similar to kayaking or paddleboarding, which the shoreline right here is known for. You possibly can take a sundown cruise from Portimao to the Benagil caves, that are shut by and are one of the best instance of caves within the space, for just $19.
Away from the seashores, different unbelievable sights to discover in Portimao embody the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, which is a medieval fort within the metropolis.
It was constructed through the reign of King Phillip II making it greater than 400 years previous.
The small chapel inside is gorgeous and an attention-grabbing detour, however it’s the views from the highest of the fort that make it value visiting.
The fortress is open to the general public and entry is freed from cost.
The place To Keep In Portimao
Portimao has a fame for being one of many extra reasonably priced locations in Portugal, and that is notably true whenever you go to within the quieter seasons, similar to fall and winter.
Within the fall yow will discover good, comfy 3 star lodging in Portimao from as little as $50 per night time.
Taking a look at a 3 night time keep from October 16 to October 19, the best rated 3 star lodge is the Lodge Santa Catarina Algarve which is 50 meters from the seashore, with all the rooms having their very own balconies.
A 3 night time keep for two folks sharing is $240 or $40 per person, per night time.
When you’d prefer to splurge or desire one thing a bit extra luxurious then the best rated 4 star lodge out there (primarily based on time of trying) for a similar dates is the Jupiter Marina Lodge – {Couples} & Spa. This lodge is 100 metres from Portimão’s riverside and has a rooftop infinity pool and exquisite spa.
A 3 night time keep for two folks sharing is $434 or $73.60 per person, per night time.
Getting There
One of many issues that makes Portimao so interesting is that it is a bit off the crushed path, notably in fall/winter when there isn’t any nonstop flight to the Algarve for American vacationers.
You might take an oblique flight into Faro airport, or you would fly into Lisbon after which take public transport to the Algarve and Portimao. That is prone to be the most affordable possibility, and public transport is each reasonably priced and dependable in Portugal.
You possibly can fly to Lisbon from New York, Miami, Washington, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Fransisco.
To present an instance of costs, I checked out flights from New York departing on October 17 and returning on October 23. Nonstop flights with Delta on this route are costing $769 return.
The flight time on this route is 7 hours quarter-hour outbound and eight hours quarter-hour inbound.
When you’re in Lisbon, the prepare from Lisbon to Portimao takes 3 hours 26 minutes on common. A a technique journey on this route will cost just $35, and though the thought of an extended prepare experience after your flight won’t be interesting, why not spend a few days in Lisbon first?
While you’re feeling refreshed, this can be a splendidly scenic prepare journey, and a precious expertise in its personal proper.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
