Portimão, the second largest town in the Algarve, is the thriving commercial and residential support to the resorts of Praia da Rocha and Alvor, popular holiday resorts in southern Portugal, whether you are there for just a short winter break, or for a full Summer holiday with the kids.

The Atlantic coast in Portimão area consists of sandy beaches, magnificent colored rock formations, caves and protected nature reserves and is ideally situated for exploring the Algarve, a region truly unique in its diversity.

In recent years Portimão has become a vibrant, cosmopolitan town with excellent facilities for tourists and residents alike.

Praia de Rocha and Praia de Vau both are seriously devoted to offering hotels and tourist accommodation.

There are lots of things to do in Portimão area, dolphin watching boat trips, boat trips to the caves or Big Game Fishing. The town itself is excellent for shopping, lots of boutiques and bag and shoe shops, some lovely perfumery shops and a variety of terraces for the non-shoppers to rest at!

Especially during the tourist season, there are many concerts, festivals and fairs to enjoy. The highlight of the summer is probably the sardine festival, a popular annual event that lasts a whole week.

The municipal museum is housed in an old sardine canning factory where different art, history and general culture exhibitions are held on a regular basis and the Portimão Arena regularly hosts excellent concerts and international sporting events.

The new Algarve Motor Park and Race Track which has already brought the superbikes World Championship to the Algarve. Formula 1 teams such as Mclaren will use the track for training and 2009 will host great motor events.

Portimão is surrounded by many interesting places, and you might like to consider Silves, Monchique and Lagos to visit during your stay in some of the top hotels in the Algarve, mainly in Praia da Rocha and Alvor areas.

Golf enthusiasts will be drawn to an exceptional choice of first class golf courses and resorts such as Álamos, Alto Golf, Morgado Golf and Penina Academy and Championship Golf Course and Resort.