Welcome to the Portimão cruise port guide. Portimão is with 44.000 inhabitants the 2nd biggest city of the Algarve in Portugal. It is a city built in the 18th century, but already inhabited by many before that time. Here you will the old fishermen’s quarters, Portuguese 19th and 20th century architecture, the iron balconies, 15th century church, ceramics and tile work. The city itself is quite nice, but please know you are in the amazing Algarve. The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and “Europe’s most famous secret” as they call it. Visit this port of call to enjoy white sandy beaches, scenic coastlines, historical villages and enjoy the good life.
Travel information Portugal
Official currency – Euro
Are dollars accepted – usually not
Creditcard – are sometimes accepted
Drives on the – right
Timezone – UTC 0/-1
About Portugal
Inhabitants – 10,5 million inhabitants
Official language – Portuguese
Capital city – Lisbon
Portuguese Republic
Government – Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
Portuguese language
Good day – Bom Dia
How are you? – Como você está?
Thank you – Obrigado
Cruise ship – Cruzeiro
Port – Porto
Cruise Port Guide Portimão – Portugal: tender or docked
Portimao cruise port is a quite difficult port to get into. Smaller ships are able to sail up the Rio Arcade and dock there. Most ships have to anchor at open sea and tender their guests ashore. The tender ride is usually about 2 nautical mile. Check with your ship if you are going to dock or tender.
In both cases you will arrive at the same spot (see map above). From here you are about 2 km away from the city centre. The terminal where you arrive has good facilities like tourist information, souvenir shops, snack bar and car rental option (that is not always open).
Usually your ship will provide a shuttle bus, ask them for the details. There are also taxis available. It cost about 5 euro to get to the city centre. You are also free to walk it. Other than taxi and shuttle there are limited opportunities when it comes to transportation. Therefore we highly recommend to pre-arrange something to make sure you get the most out of your day shore.
Destinations and distance from port
Portimao city centre – 2 km walk north Praia da Rocha – 2,5 km south Silves – 22 km north east Carvoeiro – 19 km east Lagos – 33 km west Ponta da Piedade – 33,5 km west Cabo de Sao Vincente – 65 km west
