The Algarve is famed for its beaches, but you should also make a point of seeing some of the cities. One of the best of these has to be Portimao.

You’ll find it located on the southern edge of the Algarve between Lagos and Albufeira. It’s a good place to head to if you happen to be on a golfing holiday but there is a lot more to it than that. It used to be a big part of the fishing industry but that is no longer the case. This fact doesn’t make the area any less worth visiting though.

In fact you can still see many signs of the old Portimao in this respect. When you visit the local museum you will find yourself standing in what used to be a factory for canning sardines. The impressive marina in Portimao is also worth a look, even if you don’t have your own boat to moor up in the area!

The location itself also has plenty to offer and provides a starting point if you want to take a boat trip out of the harbour. One of the best of these has to be the Santa Bernarda pirate ship. There are a number of excursions you can book onto, one of which explores the local caves around Portimao itself. It’s a fascinating way to see part of the Algarve coastline in this area that you would otherwise miss.

And of course Portimao is a great place just to wander around too. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and there are lots of local dishes available to try. Why not explore for the day and then enjoy a meal in a local restaurant to round things off?

There is no doubt that some people come to Portimao simply to enjoy the golf. There are plenty of courses nearby too. But if you don’t explore what the rest of the area has to offer you will regret it. Portimao has character and charm, and while it may not be an integral part of the fishing industry in the same way it once was, it still has a lot to offer.