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Portimao Western algarve Portugal portimao being on the south coast of Portugal comes under Western Algarve the second largest City after Faro with a population of around 55,000 inhabitants ,from the EN125 driving across the impressive bridge which crosses the Arade river it was finished in 1991. on the left hand side you will see what look like people but are in fact scarecrows to protect the salt field ,that is gathered into piles in the warmer months, also with views toward Portimao Harbour which can now take large cruise liners which can be a delight to see and as big as the building that surround them,
Like many towns in Portugal, the earthquake of 1755 destroyed much of the City and little was done to rebuild it for nearly 100 years, until its waterways again began to see imports and exports, it became a city in 1924 and has not looked back since becoming one of the Algarve’s most loved cities for tourist
The new Marina has put Portimao back on the map being the epicentre of water sports in the Algarve and with Day fishing trips as well as the old wooden galleon that gives tours around the Algarve coastline you can even go Dolphin watching.
Portimao Town Centre
The cities streets are full of plenty to see in the centre , this is a garden square well shaded for those hot summer days and with the large building nearby the birth place of Manuel Teixeira Gnome, and surrounded by plenty of bars and cafes this makes good resting place for a coffee. With the large nearby fountain giving a cooling affect,
You cannot help but notice the beautiful benches with their hand painted tiles covering the history of Portugal’s main events. The city has good pedestrian areas that are close to the traffic only to open at rush hour, you will find Portimao is a traditional city and its many bars and restaurants reflex this in it cuisine but you will also see Portimao is popular with the Chinese with many shops and Restaurants.
You will find some pasteurise with an amazing choice of cakes and pastries whilst touring these back streets it is well worth looking up to see the ornate ironwork balconies and stoneware urns that sit on the parapet walls and there hand painted tiled facades. On the edge of the town is the large municipal market place that is open every day for fresh fish, meats and fruit/veg
.if you want to try the local cuisine but not wanting to eat in a restaurant you will find many sell take away this is popular with office workers and ranges from pasta dishes to suckling roasted pig and sold normally by weight.
A visit is not complete to Portimao without strolling along the marina front. As well as many boats you will also see loads of fish in the waters edge being a good 1 ½-kilometre walk.
Trains Portimao has a train station, which connects the town with most other towns
and resorts along the Algarve coast. Faro airport are approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
by train, while Lagos is a mere 20 minutes away.
Sailing.Portimão is the host a venue
of many prestigious sailing events including the annual Portimão, Portugal Match
Cup event part of the Match racing tour. The event draws the world's best sailing
teams to Portimão in a battle of skill on the water. The identical supplied (SM-40)
boats are raced two at a time in an on the water dogfight which tests the sailors
and skippers to the limits of their physical abilities. Points accrued count towards
the World Match Race Tour and a place in the final event of the season, with the
overall winner taking the title ISAF World Match Racing Tour Champion. Match racing
is an ideal sport for spectators in Portimão. Racing in such close proximity to the
sea shore provides excellent heart of the action views for the audience along the
beaches and in the public areas.
Powerboating The Portimão coastline has also been host to the sport of power boating. The Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea run by Powerboat P1 as part of its international championship is also held in Portimão.
Motorsport In the hills near Portimão stands the .Autodromo International do Algarve Finished in October 2008, it is a race and test circuit officially recognised for the highest categories both for cars and motorcycles. superbike races, le Mans races and F1 tests are have already taken place in 2010 with great interest shown for the future events
Old Portimao Bridge
Potimao Harbour
Main Square
New Bridge River arde