Portimao

Portimão is a town located in the Algarve, on the southern coast of Portugal in south west Europe.

Places of interest include Fortaleza de Santa Catarina in Praia da Rocha, built in the early 17th century, Portimão church, the Municipal museum and Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos).

Golf, dolphin safaris, boat tours and a visit to an Aqua Park are also options.

There are numerous gift shops, where you can buy souvenirs such as pottery, ornaments and jewellery. Aqua Portimão Shopping Mall is also located in Portimao and there are lots of boutiques selling clothing and leather goods.

Many beaches have been awarded the 2012 Blue Flag in the Portimao area including Alvor Nascente - Três Irmãos, Alvor Poente, Rocha, Três Castelos and Vau.

Local cuisine includes many fish dishes, especially grilled sardines, served with boiled potatoes and vegetables or salad. Tuna, bream, cod, monkfish, clams, oysters, prawns, octopus and squid are also very popular. Also featured on menus are omelettes, salads, thin pork slices served with a creamy mushroom sauce or chicken piri-piri.

Cruise ships dock in Portimao. There is a promenade along the water leading into the town centre. Vendors selling various trips and excursions can be found here.