Praia da Rocha — Attraction in Portimão

I had high expectations of Praua da Rocha, but perhaps they were too high. Yes, parts of this resort are very pleasing on the eye(especially the beach and rugged cliffs), but the resort is just too small. Most of the pubs and clubs are located in one small section and after 10 days(which is far too long to spend at this place), we ended up visiting the same places over and over again. The resort mainly consists of restaurants and apartments. If you are disabled then forget about visiting the beach. There are steep cliffs running along the entirity of the front, and the beach is only accessible via steps. There is no lift to take you down. There was only one road that led down to the beach, but this was so steep that coming back up on a .mobility scooter would have been impossible. Every day on our travels, we would be accosted by drug dealers attempting to peddle their ill-gotten wares . Despite telling the same people over and over that we were not interested, nevertheless, they harassed us incessantly! Furthermore, be wary of the scammers and tramps that lurk here. Some pubs won't let them in, but others have no such qualms. Anyone on their own who gives you a sob story is best avoided. In all, I will not be visiting this...

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is one of the most emblematic beaches in the Algarve. With a vast and spacious beach that expands for more than 1 km, protected by cliffs of warm tones, Praia da Rocha is the vacation spot chosen by more and more vacationers, being one of the best known beaches in the country. Stroll along the wide wooden walkways that run along the beach, along which several bars and restaurants multiply, including a sports area. On the avenue that accompanies the beach, you can find a huge offer of accommodation, restaurants, terraces, bars, clubs and a casino that end at Marina de Portimão. Surprise yourself with the fabulous panoramic view over the coastline that you can enjoy in one of the two viewpoints of Praia da Rocha. From the top of the Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress or the Três Castelos Viewpoint, glimpse the clean, clear sand, the crystal clear waters that reflect all the shades of blue, the capricious rocks, the splendor of the sun, in a breathtaking natural landscape which is praised both for its grandeur and beauty and discover why Praia da Rocha continues to be at the top of the best beaches...

This popular beach, located 8 to 10 minutes by car from Portimão, is ideal for sun worshippers. The peaceful views create a serene atmosphere. The beach is spacious enough to accommodate most visitors looking to relax in the sun. It is highly recommended to rent a lounger with shade or use an umbrella to shield against the intense sun. Prices for loungers range from 13 to 17 euros, depending on the time of day.

To the left of the beach, the shopping area features many tourist traps and less-than-ideal dining options. It's only worth visiting for its elevated views of the beach and surrounding area. The Atlantic Ocean water is quite cold — some may find it too icy to swim comfortably. Ultimately, whether it’s tolerable depends on personal preference.

There are limited activities on the beach aside from sunbathing and relaxing. Although I'm not typically a beach lover, I enjoyed resting on the loungers. The beachside restaurants and bars that mainly serve lunch offer the best food and drinks. It's a nice place to unwind, but it's helpful to have some knowledge of where to go to fully enjoy...