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Portimão - History
It traces its origins back to a small trading port of the Phoenicians,
Greeks and Carthaginians. Some historians have indicated
that the place was originally the famous Portus Hannibalis named by
the famous Carthaginian General, Hannibal Barca. During the
following Moorish occupation they renamed the place “Burj Munt”.
Located at the mouth of the River Arade it provides a natural
harbour and has at times been known in its past as a home for smugglers
and pirates. The river also provides the sea access to the up-river
ancient city of Silves which was once the capital of the Algarve
during the Moorish occupation. At this time the place was named
Porcimunt but later in 1504 it was recognized as a town and
granted the name “Vila Nova de Portimão” and became part of the
possessions of the Castelo Branco family until the 17th Century.
Much later it was commonly renamed as Portimão and was
extensively developed in the 19th century to become one of the most
important centres on the Algarve of the fishing and canning industry
until the early 1980s when the recession drove the remaining factories
out of business.
Portimão - Description
The town with some 35,000 inhabitants is essentially commercially
orientated and was the main shopping town of the whole Algarve during the
1970s and 1980s. The town's church that is the last attractive building
surviving in the town dates from 1476 but it under went many alterations
as from 1717 onwards. The town council appears to have adopted a policy
of demolishing architecturally interesting buildings in favour of
modernization. Happily, it also has a very active cultural department and
there are always different forms of events happening throughout the year.
The Municipal Museum is housed in an old sardine canning factory and here
regular exhibitions are held that cover art, history, and general culture,
all of a local and national content. A boat Marina was recently opened
adjoining Praia da Rocha and this adds the fascinating sight of
the many boats at anchor and a further choice of bars and restaurants in
which to pass the evening. When approaching the town from the direction
of Faro there is a choice of two bridges to cross. The old one runs along
past the harbour but we would recommend take the new bridge. It is so
well balanced in design that it can be seriously considered among the
most pleasing bridges to the eye built in Portugal in the 19th Century.
On the river front near the square with the cafés many different boat
tours and deep sea-fishing outings can be booked.
Portimão - Nearby Locations
In the Portimão area is Armação de Pera with a small 18th
Century fortress and a popular location for tourists with its long sandy
beach. The beach village of Alvor is another popular tourist
location. Still maintaining its village character with its 16th Century
Parish Church its narrow streets teem with life in the tourist season.
The village of Carvoeiro is a small charming beach location that
is now surrounded by comfortable self-catering villas. The tourist trade
happily not yet overpowers the small delightful fishing village of
Ferragudo, lying just across the river from Portimão.
Slightly inland is Lagoa a small administrative town. Praia da
Rocha and Praia de Vau are seriously devoted to offering
tourist accommodation with the added attractions of good beaches and
active nightlife. The inland city of Silves and its truly
interesting historical background is worth a visit. Included in the many
true stories are the battles between the Moors, the Crusaders, and the
Portuguese. Unfortunately, the city was for the most part destroyed by
the earthquake of 1755. The Moorish occupiers considered the city at the
turn of the 11th Century as the centre of all true culture in the Iberian
Peninsular.
Near to the town of Portimão are several sites of interest such
as the Caves of Estombar, the mosaic floor of the Roman villa at
Figueira, and at Alcalar the recently well restored burial
tombs from the Dolman period (around 3.500 BC). Here, evidence of quite
a large settlement of the 4th and 5th millennium BC which is undergoing
investigation.
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Portimão Weather Forecast |
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Portimão Weather (detailed)
Detailed Ferragudo weather conditions
Detailed Portimão weather conditions
Detailed Praia da Rocha weather conditions
Portimão Guest Book
Portimão Forum
Portimão Photographs
Grilled Sardines
· Church
· Old Quay Side
· Praia da Rocha
· Praia da Rocha
Portimão Maps
Town Map
· Praia da Rocha
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Portimão Events |
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| Formula 1 Speed Boat Racing |
April |
| Feira de Sta. Catarina |
3rd & 4th June |
| Festival de Sardinha |
August |
| Feira das Melancias (Watermelon) |
3rd August |
| Feira de Portimão |
7th to 9th August |
| Horse Jumping (Belmonte) |
September |
| Feira de N. Sra. do Amparo |
7th of October |
| Feira of São Martinho |
11th November |
| Town Holiday |
11th December |
| Flea Market |
7th & 21st of every month |
| Market Day |
1st Monday every month
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Portimão Accommodation
Holiday Apartments
· Holiday Rental Agents
· Hotels
· Inns
Portimão Commerce
Products
· Services
Portimão Entertainment
Night Life
· Restaurants
· What to Do
Portimão Golf
Álamos
· Alto Golf
· Morgado
· Penina Academy
· Penina Championship
· Penina Resort
Portimão Property
Estate Agents
· Developments
· Property Services
Portimão Vehicle Hire
Rent a Car
Portimão Wines
Algarve Wines
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
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Portimão Telephone Numbers
8500
