One of the best known and earliest established beach resorts on the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal, Praia da Rocha has attracted large numbers of holidaymakers since at least the 1930’s. Undergoing significant developed since those early times, Praia da Rocha draws an ever increasing multitude of visitors who arrive to delight in the superb beach, the bustling nightlife and the wonderful weather that the resort enjoys. No doubt the main attraction of all of these is the fantastic golden, sandy beach, which lies beside the attractive red sandstone cliffs another notable feature of the resort, the cliffs are formed into numerous weird shaped rock formations, some interesting subjects for a photo or two. The ancient city of Portimao is just a short drive or a good walk away (about a mile and a quarter), Portimao is a busy port and the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal. You can view a map of the Praia da Rocha area here: Praia da Rocha Map.
Posts Tagged ‘portimao’
Praia da Rocha Portugal
Friday, January 22nd, 2010Carvoeiro Portugal
Monday, August 31st, 2009If you are looking for a decent family resort for visiting the Algarve region of Portugal, you could do little better than the former fishing village of Carvoeiro, situated between Portimao and Albufeira. A charming little town with an emphasis on self-catering apartments, Carvoeiro has a friendly feel and boasts a fine sandy beach, attractive coastline and some decent facilities. A good base for touring some of the historic towns in this section of the Algarve, the town enjoys a super climate with Carvoeiro weather, sunny and warm throughout the summer months, and mild during the winter. One of the highlights of a trip to Carvoeiro is a boat trip to Algar Seco, a local beauty spot where cliffs have been moulded by the sea into stone arches, grottoes and fascinating shapes. Carvoeiro Map.
Alvor Portugal
Monday, August 17th, 2009In an estuary location between Portimao and Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the ancient fishing town of Alvor has recently developed into a significant tourist destination, whilst retaining much of its original charm. Thought to have been originally founded by the Carthaginians, Alvor Portugal has a long and rich history and saw much conflict between Moors and Christians during the 12th and 13th centuries. Present day visitors benefit from the wonderful golfing and spa facilities and the fine sandy beach while enjoying the fabulous Alvor weather and the peaceful fishing village atmosphere. Alvor is easily reached from Faro International Airport which is about 65 kilometres away. Alvor Map.
Portugal’s Western Algarve
Friday, August 14th, 2009The windward western section of the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal is rockier and more dramatic than the eastern areas,in the extreme south-west Sagres is the most south-westerly point of Europe, and battered by the Atlantic Ocean is a famous spot for surfing boasting some wonderful beaches ideal for this sport. Sagres has a number of surfing schools providing tuition as has Lagos a little to the east and neighbouring Luz. For the best beaches in the region head for Praia da Rocha, a bustling resort with a huge sandy beach one of the best in Portugal, nearby Portimao is a great place to enjoy a fishing trip or even a dolphin watching expedition, don’t miss out on the shopping while you are there, its centre is a great place for a bit of retail therapy. Sandwiched between Lagos and Portimao is the laid back resort of Alvor, dotted with luxury villas, it was formerly a small fishing village which still clings to its fishing tradition. Further east around Carvoeiro the coastline becomes a string of spectacular rock formations broken up by attractive fishing villages and sandy coves, Carvoeiro, another fishing village turned resort, still retains much of its traditional Portuguese charm. Golfers will not be disappointed with a visit to this region and a number of fine courses line the areas behind the coast. The western Algarve really has it all – stunning beaches around Praia da Roche, fishing and dolphin watching in Portimao, surfing in Lagos, Luz and Sagres, golfing around Carvoeiro and Alvor.