Quinta da Vicente

Alvor has a stunning sandy beach with ochre sandstone cliffs rising at one end of the beach along with grottoes and caves. The impressive three sea stacks are known as the Tres Irmaos or Three Brothers. There are extensive dunes threaded with pleasing, elevated wooden boardwalks. The Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve is fabulous to explore and enjoy the fauna and flora. You might even spot some flamingoes. You can explore by foot or hire bikes to get around.
 
Praia da Rocha is only 3km from the villa.  It is a jolly, lively resort with a fantastic beach and vibrant, themed bars in the main street, Tomas Cabreira. The marina complex is smart and stylish, with many restaurants serving gourmet meals. 

Portimao was traditionally a centre for shipbuilding, sardine fishing and fish processing but is now a large tourist and residential city. The city’s old fishing docks have been transformed into a pretty, popular promenade which leads to the atmospheric tree-lined plazas of the old town and the stunning Azulejo tile paintings in the Jardim 1 de Dezembro. Shopping is excellent in Portimao. The Museu de Portimao celebrates the fishing heritage of the area.

Abicada is 8km from the villa and definitely worth a stop to enjoy the Roman ruins and the pretty mosaics. The Roman villa, Quinta da Abicada, has two peristyles, a hexagonal and a square one. The pavements are covered with multi-coloured mosaics and geometric motifs.

For an alternative to beach days, you could take a river trip down the Arade River to Silves. Silves was originally the ancient capital of the Algarve. It is peaceful, historic and delightful with an imposing red brick castle and a Gothic cathedral. There are plenty of open-air cafes along the cobbled streets.

Read more about Portimao

Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.

THE REGION

Portimão is the largest city in the western Algarve and was traditionally a centre for shipbuilding, sardine fishing and fish processing. Today, most of that industry has been replaced by tourism, leisure and retail, leaving Portimão as a large and residential city. Perhaps the most attractive part of the town is the riverfront which runs from the marina to beyond the road bridge. There are several squares along this stretch, which become increasingly less touristy as you head away from the marina.

Of course, Portimão is probably best known for the fantastic beach of Praia da Rocha. Located about 3 km south of the town, this is one of the most impressive stretches of sand on the Algarve coast. Take a trip up the Rio Arade and explore the local area, or get out and active in the sunshine. Our pick of the best properties to stay in Portimão are perfect bases whether you're simply here for a beach holiday or you plan to explore further afield.

ABOUT THE ALGARVE

Though most people tend to see the Algarve as all about the beaches and a holiday on the Med, there’s far much more to it than that. There’s actually a load of fascinating culture and history, superb cuisine and enthralling adventures to be had, though we’d be the first to admit that the beaches are pretty special too, with lots of sand, spectacle and wonderfully clean water.

But while you’re enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Algarve, you may well want to take some time out from all that sun worship to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we’ve put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Download our Algarve Travel Guide >>