Where is Portimao?
Portimao is the largest city and municipality in the Faro District, located in the western Algarve region of Portugal. This resort town is situated at the mouth of the Arade River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Today, what was once a fishing and shipbuilding center has transformed into a bustling hub of tourism, offering a wide array of hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars, discos, and clubs.
The old quarter of Portimao boasts historic architecture, including the Chapel of St. José, the Jesuit Monastery and College, the Church of Our Lady of the Virgin Mary, the Fortress of St. Catherine, and the city walls. The central neighborhoods of Portimao are surrounded by vibrant high-rise buildings with pastel-colored facades. While the roads around the city can be somewhat confusing, there are ample parking lots. In the narrower side streets, you'll often find cars parked on both sides.
The official currency used in Portimao is the euro (EUR).
History of the City of Portimao: Significant Events and Interesting Facts
Ancient settlements along the banks of the Arade River were founded by the predecessors of the Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula. In 550 BC, the Carthaginians founded the city of Portis Hanibalis. In the Alcalar region, there are also ruins of Neolithic burial sites, including a corridor and a round crypt made of crystalline slate. In the following centuries, the city at the mouth of the Arada River became a trading port for the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians. Archaeologists have found remains of ancient settlements in the vicinity of Portimao and gold coins along the river. In the 5th century, the city was inhabited by the Visigoths before the Moors invaded.
The small fishing center of Portimao was recaptured from the Moors in 1249 and incorporated into the Kingdom of Portugal under Afonso III. The geographical location of the region ensured its economic prosperity. Portimao gained city status in 1435. At the same time, the locals built two forts, castles, and fortress walls to defend against constant invasions.
An essential part of Portimao's economy was the shipbuilding industry. Olives, figs, oil, wine, and fish were regularly exported from the city's port, while slaves, sugar, and various products were imported from African and Brazilian colonies. After the earthquake in 1755, the city's growth slowed down, and the inhabitants began to emigrate. The disaster destroyed and severely damaged most of the city's buildings. The second resurgence of the city, known for shipbuilders and fishermen, occurred in the 19th century when Portimao returned to its glory as a fishing center. From the opening of the first hotel in 1936 to the present day, the beaches and attractions of the region continue to attract tens of thousands of tourists to Portimao every year.
