Praia da Rocha beach
The first most popular in Portimao and the second largest in Portugal, Praia da Rocha is considered as one of the most prestigious European resorts. 12 months of the year Praia da Rocha attracts guests with high quality service, huge sun generosity and inexhaustible number of beach activities.
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Beach description
Praia da Rocha is located a couple of kilometers from the center of Portimao, at the confluence of Arade river with the Atlantic waters. The golden sandy strip, 200 metres wide, is stretching for almost 1.5 km. It is interesting, that sand was brought here from the neighboring Harbor after dredging.
The beach is surrounded by extravagant rock formations, similar to mythical statues. Thanks to them, Praia da Rocha got its romantic name, meaning "mountain beach".
Although the sea on Praia da Rocha is colder than on the eastern beaches of Algarve, it is safe for swimming and is carefully patrolled by lifeguards. The climate of Algarve is conducive to year-round recreation. According to forecasters, it is raining here on average 19 days a year - the rest of the time gentle sun does not cease to pamper its fans.
When is it better to go
The beach season in Portugal lasts from the beginning of June until September, when the air temperature reaches +30°C and the water temperature - +19°C. It should be remembered that the Atlantic Ocean does not warm up well and cools quickly, lovers of a more comfortable temperature can swim in natural stone pools, which are quite numerous on the coast.
Video: Beach Praia da Rocha
Infrastructure
The beach has a well-developed infrastructure, including:
- sun loungers and umbrellas rental;
- pedal boats and water skis rental;
- rescue service;
- promenade along the coastline;
- toilets;
- massage pavilions;
- parking(in the marina area).
Tomas Cabreira Avenue with landscaped pedestrian areas, recreation areas and comfortable concrete steps leading to the beach is the main resort asset. It runs along the top of the beach.
The promenade connects beach restaurants, bars and cafes, where you can find a variety of international cuisine delicacies.
Nearby shops offer:
- various gastronomic products;
- clothes;
- beach accessories;
- ceramics;
- works of art.
In the eastern part of the beach there is an awesome marina, where expensive yachts are stolidly swaying on the waves, and water taxi transports those who wish to cross the river.
The resort offers several accommodation options. Comfort lovers should pay attention to expensive, but very comfortable hotels (for example, Bela Vista Hotel & Spa). In addition to luxury residences, it is possible to rent a room in a budget hotel, as well as to find an apartment, villa or guesthouse to your taste.
Entertainment
Praia da Rocha is an ideal place for outdoor activities:
- walking;
- riding hydrocycle or pedal boat;
- canoeing;
- catamaran voyages along the pier;
- fishing.
In the evening Praia da Rocha hosts beach parties,there are restaurants with live music, karaoke bars, nightclubs. At the end of Tomás Cabreira avenue there is the fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar, constructed in the XVII - XVIII centuries. It was the defense part of Portimao against corsairs and pirates, and today it serves as an excellent viewing desk for tourists.
Walk through Portimao will allow you to enjoy the street artists performance. Local craftsmen will make your portrait, creative hairstyle or tattoo. The famous Katedral disco is waiting for you on Rua Antonio Feu. Antiquity lovers will find curious monuments of the XV-XVII centuries architecture in Portimao as it is a city with a half-century history.
Weather in Praia da Rocha
Best hotels of Praia da Rocha
All hotels of Praia da RochaUseful information
there are many interesting places to visit in the district of Praia da Rocha:
- Zoomarina in Gia parish(municipality of Albufeira) - is a thematic water park that promises a great vacation for the whole family; here wave pools and slides, as well as shows with dolphins and seals are waiting for tourists;
- several excellent golf courses in the municipalities of Lagoa and Silves;
- The largest Mauritanian castle in Algarve, located in Silves.