How to Spend 2 Days in Portimao

Situated in the heart of the western Algarve along the Arade River, the port city of Portimao offers historic sights, a restaurant-lined riverfront, and a modern marina—alongside stunning sandy beaches and sea caves. Here’s how to spend two days in this picturesque Portuguese hot spot.

Day 1: The must-sees

**Morning:**Get your bearings by checking out Portimao’s main sights. Wander the quaint old quarter on foot, or zip around on a Segway tour that covers the lighthouse, marina, and Praia da Rocha beach. Alternatively, discover Portimao’s surroundings on a Jeep tour that showcases some of west Algarve’s most photogenic beaches and vantage points.

**Afternoon:**Take to the waves on a trip to the Benagil Caves, a cluster of postcard-perfect grottos accessible only from the ocean. Join a guided cruise for ease, or up the adventure on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour.

**Night:**Savor Portimao’s famous grilled sardines at a river-view restaurant, or hit the marina to dine by the sea. You might also opt for a tour to Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s southwesternmost point—a hassle-free way to experience this rocky promontory’s stellar sunset views.

Day 2: Sand, sports, and more sightseeing

**Morning:**Relax on Praia da Rocha or other beaches, all of which boast turquoise waters and gently shelving sands. When you need a break, book one of the water sports options along the coast.

**Afternoon:**Cap your beach time with a laid-back afternoon activity—maybe a dolphin-spotting cruise, a rural horseback trek, or a stand-up paddleboard session on the Arade River. Alternatively, taste some of the Algarve’s excellent wines during a vineyard tour, or take an eco-boat river cruise to medieval Silves.

**Night:**Mark your last evening with a cruise along Portimao’s cave-dotted coast, complete with a glass of bubbly and a snorkeling stop. Or, simply soak up Portimao’s lively evening atmosphere, and watch the sunset from a restaurant-bar at the marina or riverside.