Move Over Lisbon! Travelers Are Discovering This Affordable Mediterranean Paradise 

Female tourist overlooking coast in the Algarve

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Portugal has had a record-breaking summer season. And its recognition seems to proceed effectively into the autumn.  

However whereas the nation as a complete has welcomed big numbers of tourists, one vacation spot particularly has shone as a tourism star this yr.  

Enter Portimao.  

Female tourist overlooking coast in the AlgarveFemale tourist overlooking coast in the Algarve

In line with the Portugal Institute of National Statistics, Portimao skilled the largest development in in a single day stays this summer season, with 10.9% extra guests than final yr.  

As the most important metropolis within the Algarve, Portimao boasts stunning seashores, fascinating native historical past, and interesting low costs.  

Right here’s why it is best to contemplate Portimao as a substitute of Lisbon to your subsequent Portuguese getaway:  

Issues To Do In Portimao 

You possibly can’t speak about visiting Portimao with out mentioning its seashores.  

Though Portugal is commonly thought of a Mediterranean nation as a consequence of its local weather, Portimao really sits on the Atlantic coast. However that doesn’t diminish simply how stunning its seashores are.  

The entire shoreline right here is fringed by tall cliffs, and also you’ll see beautiful rock formations jutting from the water simply off the shoreline.

It’s a surprising scenic attraction.  

View of the coastline of Portimao and Alvor in the Algarve region, PortugalView of the coastline of Portimao and Alvor in the Algarve region, Portugal

The most effective seashores is Praia dos Três Castelos which not solely has a surprising golden sand seaside but in addition boasts unbelievable rock formations and caves to discover.  

This can be a good spot for watersports, reminiscent of kayaking or paddleboarding, which the shoreline right here is known for. You possibly can take a sundown cruise from Portimao to the Benagil caves, that are shut by and are the perfect instance of caves within the space, for just $19.  

Away from the seashores, different unbelievable points of interest to discover in Portimao embrace the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, which is a medieval fort within the metropolis.  

A view inside the historic Fort of Santa Catarina in Portimao, Portugal.A view inside the historic Fort of Santa Catarina in Portimao, Portugal.

It was constructed in the course of the reign of King Phillip II making it greater than 400 years outdated.  

The small chapel inside is gorgeous and an fascinating detour, however it’s the views from the highest of the fort that make it price visiting.  

The fortress is open to the general public and entry is freed from cost.  

The place To Keep In Portimao 

Portimao has a fame for being one of many extra reasonably priced locations in Portugal, and that is notably true if you go to within the quieter seasons, reminiscent of fall and winter.  

Wooden Staircase Leading Down To A Sandy Atlantic Beach Near Portimao, The Algarve, Southern Portugal, Southern EuropeWooden Staircase Leading Down To A Sandy Atlantic Beach Near Portimao, The Algarve, Southern Portugal, Southern Europe

Within the fall you could find good, comfy 3 star lodging in Portimao from as little as $50 per evening.  

Taking a look at a 3 evening keep from October 16 to October 19, the best rated 3 star resort is the Lodge Santa Catarina Algarve which is 50 meters from the seaside, with the entire rooms having their very own balconies.

A 3 evening keep for two individuals sharing is $240 or $40 per person, per evening.  

Historical Old Town Of Portimao, A Leisure Destination In The Algarve, Southern Portugal, Southern EuropeHistorical Old Town Of Portimao, A Leisure Destination In The Algarve, Southern Portugal, Southern Europe

In the event you’d wish to splurge or choose one thing a bit of extra luxurious then the best rated 4 star resort accessible (primarily based on time of trying)  for a similar dates is the Jupiter Marina Lodge – {Couples} & Spa. This resort is 100 metres from Portimão’s riverside and has a rooftop infinity pool and exquisite spa.

A 3 evening keep for two individuals sharing is $434 or $73.60 per person, per evening.  

Getting There 

One of many issues that makes Portimao so interesting is that it is a bit of off the crushed path, notably in fall/winter when there is no such thing as a nonstop flight to the Algarve for American vacationers.  

Aerial View Of The Coastal Resort City Of Portimao, Algarve, Southern Portugal, Southern EuropeAerial View Of The Coastal Resort City Of Portimao, Algarve, Southern Portugal, Southern Europe

You could possibly take an oblique flight into Faro airport, or you could possibly fly into Lisbon after which take public transport to the Algarve and Portimao. That is more likely to be the most cost effective choice, and public transport is each reasonably priced and dependable in Portugal.  

You possibly can fly to Lisbon from New York, Miami, Washington, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Fransisco.  

To present an instance of costs, I checked out flights from New York departing on October 17 and returning on October 23. Nonstop flights with Delta on this route are costing $769 return.  

The flight time on this route is 7 hours quarter-hour outbound and eight hours quarter-hour inbound.  

A yellow train in PortugalA yellow train in Portugal

When you’re in Lisbon, the practice from Lisbon to Portimao takes 3 hours 26 minutes on common. A a technique journey on this route will cost just $35, and though the thought of an extended practice experience after your flight won’t be interesting, why not spend a few days in Lisbon first? 

If you’re feeling refreshed, this can be a splendidly scenic practice journey, and a helpful expertise in its personal proper.  

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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.



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