If you're looking for a beautiful sandy beach to soak up the sun on your next holiday, Praia da Rocha beach in Portimao, Portugal should be at the top of your list. This stunning beach is located on the south side of the city and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
One of the great things about Praia da Rocha beach is that it is easily accessible and well-equipped for visitors. As it is part of a big city, it has been adapted to be accessible, with plenty of parking and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. This makes it an ideal beach for families with children, as parents can relax and enjoy the sun while their children play safely in the water.
One of the unique features of Praia da Rocha beach is the staircase that leads to Forte de Santa Catarina. This 16th-century fortress was built to protect the Spanish coast and is an interesting historical attraction that visitors can explore while at the beach. The fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline, making it an ideal spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
After exploring the fortress, visitors can head back down to the beach to relax with a drink in hand at one of the local bars. There are also plenty of loungers available for rent, making it easy to enjoy a day of sun and sand in comfort. And if you're feeling hungry, there's no need to leave the beach, as there are several restaurants right on Praia da Rocha beach.
Finally, the beach also has its own restrooms, which is a convenient amenity for visitors. Whether you're looking to spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun or exploring the historical attractions nearby, Praia da Rocha beach has something for everyone. So if you're planning a trip to Portimao, be sure to add this beautiful beach to your itinerary.
Getting to Praia da Rocha beach is easy, as it is well-connected to the rest of the Algarve region. The closest airport is Faro Airport, which is approximately an hour's drive away. Alternatively, visitors can take a train or bus to Portimao, and from there, it's just a short taxi ride to the beach. There are also several car rental companies in the area, making it easy to explore the region at your own pace.
Praia da Rocha amenities include parking, toilet and loungers.
Best bars near Praia da Rocha include NoSoloÁgua Portimão, Restaurante Rocha Beach, Toni's Bar Praia Da Rocha, Squash Bar, Rock Sports Bar, Croke Park Bar, Bar Diagonal, The Manhattan Café and Bernie’s Inn.
Best restaurants near Praia da Rocha include Cafe del mar, Adris Restaurante Lounge, Restaurante Sol, Salsada do Zé, Marisqueira Coral and Gaia Portimao.
Visitor reviews highlight that the beach is long and spacious, with beautiful rock formations and a nice walk to the lighthouse. Some visitors complain about the windy and sometimes foggy weather, cold water not suitable for swimming, and some areas of the beach having too much seaweed. Additionally, lifeguards can prohibit swimming in certain conditions, and surfers may struggle to catch good waves.
Visitors to Praia da Rocha often stay in the town of Portimão, where they can find a range of accommodation options within walking distance to the beach. Many choose this area not only for its proximity to the beautiful sandy shores but also for its vibrant nightlife and dining options.
The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.
| Low / High | 20.6°C/30.4°C |
|---|---|
| Feels Like (High) | 33.8°C |
| Sea Temperature | 21.2 °C |
|---|---|
| Wave Height | 0.5 m |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | 0 mm |
| Rain Duration | 0 h |
| Sunrise / Sunset | 06:20/20:57 |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Hours | 13.4 hrs |
| UV Index | 8.3 |
| Cloud Cover | 1% |
| Speed | 24 km/h |
|---|---|
| Gusts | 43.9 km/h |
| Direction | NW |
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