Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sailed up the Rio Arade from here to besiege Silves. Almost destroyed in the 1755 earth-
quake, it regained its maritime importance in the 19th century. It became the region's fish-
ing and canning centre before this, too, declined.
Sights
Igreja Matriz
The town's parish church stands on high ground to the north of the town centre and fea-
tures a 14th-century Gothic portal -
all that remains of the original structure after the 1755 earthquake.
CHURCH
Museu de Portimão
( 282 405 230; admission €3; 2.30-6pm Tue & 10am-6pm Wed-Sun 1 Sep-14 Jul, 7.30-11pm Tue & 3-11pm
Wed-Sun 15 Jul-31 Aug)
The modern Museu de Portimão, housed in a 19th-century fish can-
nery, is one excellent reason to visit Portimão. The museum focuses on three areas: ar-
chaeology, underwater finds and, the most fascinating, the re-creation of the fish cannery
(mackerel and sardines). You can see former production lines, complete with sound ef-
fects - clanking and grinding and the like. An excellent video (in Portuguese) of the fish-
ing industry reveals each step in the process, from netting the shoals to packaging.
M
MUSEU
Activities
Operators galore line the riverside promenade offering
boat trips
. These include cruises up
the coast and/or the Rio Arade, visiting caves along the way. Prices start at around €30.
There are also
dolphin- spotting
opportunities. Some trips are in fishing boats for 10 people,
others are in sailing boats for 35.
Santa Bernarda
( 967 023 840;
www.santa-bernarda.com
;
adult/child
from €30/15)
runs trips visiting the caves and coast on a 23m wooden sailing ship with
wheelchair access. The full-day trip includes a beach barbecue and time to swim.
Sleeping
Pousada de Juventude
( 282 491 804;
www.hihostels.com
;
Rua da Nossa Senhora da Conceição; dm/d €17/45)
This place is just
out of the centre, but it's a good budget option.
HOSTEL
€
Globo Hotel
HOTEL
€€
