The popular seaside resort of Praia da Rocha, or "rocky beach", boasts an unusually mild climate and beautiful goldenyellow sandy beaches edged by rugged cliffs. Administratively part of the town of Portimao 3km/2mi to the north, it is in one of the most beautiful parts of the Algarve. Originally a favorite residential area with welltodo
citizens of Portimao, who built their elegant villas here, around the turn of the 19th C. Praia da Rocha started becoming increasingly attractive to visitors from other parts of Portugal and abroad, especially Britain. Today it offers ample sports and entertainment facilities, as well as numerous restaurants, cafes and bars.
Townscape
Along the clifftop above the chief beach, almost 2km/1.25mi long and 100m/110yd wide, runs the Avenida Tomás, the town's promenade and main thoroughfare, lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques. At its eastern end the 16th C. Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, nowadays a restaurant with a view of Ferragudo, overlooks the mouth of the Rio Arade. The western end of the Avenue provides a particularly good view of Praia da Rocha's rocky scenery.
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