Praia da Rocha is a seaside resort 2 km south of Portimao, on the Arade River in Ferragudo. It was one of the first resorts in the Algarve to welcome tourists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Praia da Rocha is one of the most famous seaside resorts in Portugal. It is located on the Algarve coast, near the town of Portimao, about an hour’s drive from Faro airport. The main attraction of Praia da Rocha are the spectacular rock formations that surround the city.
Introducing Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha is one of the largest and most popular seaside resorts in the Algarve. Named after the long and beautiful beach in its centre, it is a lively city with many bars, restaurants and cafés. It has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, surrounded by red cliffs, with the small ruins of Fortaleza da Santa Catarina from the 16th century at the top.
The city attracts people from all walks of life and is very popular with families. Most of the city is located on the coastline promenade which separates the city from many bars and restaurants with incredible views of Praia da Rocha beach, the nearby city of Lighthouse and the Ferragudo River. The city pulsates with a nightlife of bars and a few clubs that attract people from all over the Algarve, especially from the nearby towns of Alvor, Ferraguto and Portimao.
Praia da Rocha is a pleasant, bustling and cheerful summer resort and one of the liveliest cities on the Algarve coast. The city is a fantastic place to explore the western and central part of the island, and if you are bored on Praia da Rocha beach, there are many beach clubs nearby.
Praia da Rocha is a city that focuses on two aspects: beach and fun. It is a classic seaside resort with a busy beach and a lively holiday atmosphere, with a wide appeal that includes families, young couples and mature tourists. Still, history and culture make an interesting day trip from Silves, Portimao and Ferragudo, and the city offers many great holiday activities such as motor boat rides, water parks and jeep rides.
Praia da Rocha is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Algarve and offers a wide range of entertainment, attractions and activities for all ages. This guide provides an introduction to the city and is aimed at tourists considering a holiday in the area. To this day, the city of Praia da Rocha is one of the most popular destinations in the region, offering fun and entertainment around the clock.
Praia da Rocha consists of two kilometres of sand, interrupted by rugged rock formations which rise from the sea and surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Praia da Rocha was one of the first places in the Algarve developed for tourism. The combination of parties and huge beaches makes it one of the most famous beaches in Portugal.
Water Sports on Praia da Rocha
Jet skis, kayaks and pedal boats can be rented, and shelters along the bay offer clean and calm water. All kinds of water sports are possible, and there are many beaches, restaurants and other facilities with lifeguards and deck chairs.
Avenida Tomas Cabreira
The main attraction, Avenida Tomas Cabreira, has concrete steps leading down to the beach. The sand on the beach was taken from the port of Portimao and dredged. The beach has rock formations and the water from the sea is colder than the beaches in the east of the Algarve, but it is safe for swimming and is monitored by lifeguards.
Medieval fortress of Santa Catarina
At the eastern end of the main beach rises the medieval fortress of Santa Catarina, which can be reached via steps carved into the cliffs. As part of the protected area against pirates, the fortress serves as a lookout point.
Boat Trips
The boat trips you can make from Portimao and other nearby towns in various areas along the Algarve coast can explore some of the stunning rock formations and sea caves for which the region is known. A possible tour is a boat trip to the Benagil cave in Lagoa, one of the most visited attractions in the region, or to Praia da Marinha nearby.
Where to Stay in Praia da Rocha
The Bela Vista Hotel is located at the top of the beach and is the first hotel in the Algarve. It is located on Avenida Tomas Cabreira (Boulevard Praia da Rocha).
This Hotel has a private beach area for hotel guests. The beach has a lively boulevard, Avenida Tomas Cabreira, ideal for walking and sightseeing. A wide wooden walkway runs along the sand, where you will find a number of bars and restaurants, as well as areas reserved for beach sports.
Other Day Trips from Praia da Rocha
Another fun family activity you can visit is the Lagos Zoo, which is open all year round. The most entertaining family activities during your stay are a visit to Lagos Zoo, which is also open all year round.
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