Hello all,<BR><BR>Has anyone been to Portimao, Portugal? I believe it is in the Algarve region. If yes, can you describe the region? I might go and visit in the fall, would love your feedback.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance.

U R right. It's in the Algarve Region.

Hello,Chantal -<BR> We were in Alvor, a village about 7km away from Portimao, in October of '01. The region is beautiful, but be warned - Portimao has a huge resort area along the beach and inland from the beach. As far as size goes, it's the second-largest city in the Algarve province(Faro is the largest & is the capital), has a big business center and a fair -sized shopping area. You can book bus tours to explore the province side-to-side and up-and-down, or rent and drive - but the Portugese are very "assertive" drivers, especially in the cities. There are traffic circles all over the Algarve, and they drive around them at race-track speeds! The beaches in the Algarve are breathtaking, the bougainvilla was still in bloom in mid-October, the history in the area is incredible, and the Portugese people are so friendly and helpful. <BR> My advice would be to try and stay somewhere away from the big resort rows, like Alvor, as the bus into Portimao is cheap and it's much nicer away from the crowds. <BR> Post again if I've left any gaps you need filling.<BR>ja

Hello Ja,<BR><BR>Thank you for your response!<BR><BR>Chantal

Portimao is a sort of medium sized town, almost a small capital for its inhabitants and services. Not much to see there. But not far from Portimao you can find some of the finest beaches in Algarve region as Alvor, Prainha, Dos Tres Irmaos, Meia Praia, etc and even Lagos, that is probably the busiest town in Algarve region anytime. If you stay in Alvor you won´t be disappointed.

Love that region, so much better than Lisbon! I stayed at a little B&B in March. It was cold but we had a fabulously time. The area is beautiful.

Portimao is a great place to shop! Great shopping for copper and jewelry (as in Gold--there's is a much higher quality than ours--more than 18 K--by law it has to be a minimum of 19 1/4 karats.) <BR><BR>If it is the beach you want, it is close to the beach, but I would highly recommend Praia da Rocha, one of the 2 most photographed beaches in all of Portugal. It is an easy drive or bus ride between the 2.<BR><BR>Driving isn't too bad there--if you are accustomed to driving in cities in the States, you'll probably be fine.<BR><BR>I envy you your trip. Our vacation last year was wonderful. Portugal is one of the best kept secrets in Europe. and it will be warmer than many other areas!