Move Over Lisbon! Travelers Are Discovering This Affordable Mediterranean Paradise 

Move Over Lisbon! Travelers Are Discovering This Affordable Mediterranean Paradise 


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Portugal has had a record-breaking summer time. And its reputation appears to proceed effectively into the autumn.  

However whereas the nation as an entire has welcomed enormous numbers of tourists, one vacation spot specifically has shone as a tourism star this 12 months.  

Enter Portimao.  

Female tourist overlooking coast in the Algarve

Based on the Portugal Institute of National Statistics, Portimao skilled the most important progress in in a single day stays this summer time, with 10.9% extra guests than final 12 months.  

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

Right here’s why you must think about Portimao as an alternative of Lisbon on 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 attributable to its local weather, Portimao really sits on the Atlantic coast. However that doesn’t diminish simply how lovely 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, Portugal

Among the finest seashores is Praia dos Três Castelos which not solely has a surprising golden sand seaside but additionally boasts unimaginable rock formations and caves to discover.  

It is a great spot for watersports, corresponding to kayaking or paddleboarding, which the shoreline right here is legendary for. You possibly can take a sundown cruise from Portimao to the Benagil caves, that are shut by and are one of the best instance of caves within the space, for just $19.  

Away from the seashores, different unimaginable points of interest to discover in Portimao embody 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.

It was constructed through the reign of King Phillip II making it greater than 400 years previous.  

The small chapel inside is gorgeous and an attention-grabbing 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 popularity for being one of many extra reasonably priced locations in Portugal, and that is significantly true whenever you go to within the quieter seasons, corresponding to fall and winter.  

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

Within the fall you will discover 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 very best rated 3 star lodge 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 Europe

In the event you’d wish to splurge or want one thing slightly extra luxurious then the very best rated 4 star lodge obtainable (based mostly on time of trying)  for a similar dates is the Jupiter Marina Lodge – {Couples} & Spa. This lodge is 100 metres from Portimão’s riverside and has a rooftop infinity pool and delightful 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 slightly off the overwhelmed path, significantly in fall/winter when there isn’t any nonstop flight to the Algarve for American vacationers.  

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

You can 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 affordable possibility, 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 Portugal

When you’re in Lisbon, the prepare from Lisbon to Portimao takes 3 hours 26 minutes on common. A a method journey on this route will cost just $35, and though the thought of a protracted prepare trip after your flight may not be interesting, why not spend a few days in Lisbon first? 

While you’re feeling refreshed, this can be a splendidly scenic prepare journey, and a precious 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, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.





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