Grand Prix of Portimao

Portimao is the largest town in the western Algarve and sits on the bank of the Arade River facing Ferragudo on the opposite bank.

The jewel in its crown is its Atlantic beach of Praia da Rocha, one of Portugal's top tourist resorts.

The town is a mix of late 19th early 20th century buildings in the older part of the town, and high rise apartment blocks in various pastel shades of blue, pink and coral.

The town boasts plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes where you can sit for a bite to eat or enjoy a drink, or, to see the more relaxed side of Portimao, wander down to the river front to visit the 'Manuel Bivar' gardens and to discover Portimao's famous fish restaurants.

Portimao is also fast becoming one of the best towns for shopping in the Algarve with retail parks and shopping malls galore.

As well as shopping, there are also a lot of 'Portimao Events' throughout the year to be enjoyed; powerboat racing and jet-skiing on the river, fantastic fireworks and live music, and various exhibitions and sports events at the Expo-Arade centre.

The most popular place for events in Portimao has become the Autodromo do Algarve, the motor racing circuit for which Portimao (and the western Algarve) is now famous for!

There are plenty of things to do in Portimao whatever your age; fishing trips, boat trips to the caves and to go dolphin watching, and boat excursions up the Arade River to Silves.