Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Situated on a hilltop, this church has for centuries been a distinctive feature of Portimão’s skyline. First built in the fifteenth century, it was rebuilt in the eighteenth century (no prizes for guessing that the rebuild followed the earthquake of 1755) and extensively renovated in the nineteenth century. All that remains of the original structure is a fine gothic doorway with decorated capitals, a gargoyle and buttresses. The interior houses three naves, various statues (the sixteenth century one of St Peter the Apostle is the most impressive) and four crucifixes made of ivory and lignum vitae.

Jesuit college
This was built on the orders of Diogo Gonçalves, an aristocrat who made his fortune in the Orient and who is buried in a marble tomb inside the church. The college took nearly 50 years to build, work starting in 1660 and finishing in 1707 – but unfortunately the builders were only able to have a 50-year tea break because major repairs were needed after the 1755 earthquake.
The facade is made up of three sections, of which the church, with its curved pediment, is the highest. The right-hand section boasts a sixteenth century Manueline doorway. The church – which, by the way, is the biggest in the Algarve – consists of a single nave, like a large hall, and is typical of its kind (only bigger). The high altar and lateral altars contain gilded canings that date from the early eighteenth century, and are interesting because of their ornate decoration. The side altars contain a statue of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety) and a crucifixion of senhor Jesus dos Milagres.

Monastery of Sáo Francisco (St Francis)
Like so many of Portimão’s buildings, this sixteenth century monastery suffered severe damage in the 1755 earthquake. Disaster struck twice, however, because a fire in 1884 caused yet more damage. Now abandoned, the church, cloister and chapter house nonetheless display some interesting architectural features.

Chapel of Sao José (St Joseph)
The Chapel of Sao José stands in the oldest part of Portimão, opposite the naval shipyards and the largo da barra, which was where the ferry across the river used to dock before the bridge was built.

The waterfront
Portimão’s waterfront has been redeveloped recently; a wide walkway now runs the whole length between the harbour and the city. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront is a great way to while away an hour or two. At one end (in the modern white and blue building) is Portimão’s swanky boat club (Clube Naval) where, on the first floor, you can find what is probably Portimão’s most upmarket restaurant – the Restaurante Clube Naval. With its stunning views over the harbour, you’d be hard pushed to find a more perfect setting for a special occasion.
At the other end of the waterfront is where you’ll find the heart of Portimão’s sardine fishing industry, and the speciality restaurants that have sprung up accordingly. Any of these restaurants are worth trying. But our advice? Whichever one you try, at some point before, during or after your meal what you want to do is to go round the back of the restaurant to watch the fishermen/restauranteurs grill your fish on glowing charcoal barbecues.

The old town
Sadly, all that is left of medieval Portimão are a few stretches of the city wall now hidden by houses. The old town is dominated by the architecture of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries: two-storey houses with wrought iron balconies and ornate stonework around windows and doors, decorated with balustrades of stone and ceramics and walls covered with tiles. The eighteenth century palace of the Viscounts of Bivar, a building of fine classical lines, is now home to the municipal council.

Esplanada 1 de Dezembro
If the hot summer sun and pavement-pounding are getting to you and your aching feet, what better way to take time out than a quick (or long) breather in this charming little garden square. It’s right in the centre of Portimão, but you’d never know it once you sit down and relax among its shady trees, beautiful flowers and ornate fountain – the bustle and noise of the city all but disappear.
The square is flanked on both sides by blue and white tiled murals depicting key moments in Portugal’s history, such as Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India in May 1498 (da Gama is famous for his completion of the first all water trade route between Europe and India; he arrived in Calcutta, which was the principle market of trade for precious stones, pearls, and spices) and Pedro Alvares Cabral’s discovery of Brazil in April 1500. It really is a delightful oasis of calm in an otherwise busy urban area.