Praia da Rocha holidays

Holidays to Praia da Rocha are perfect if you want a top-notch beach scene. The town combines miles of yellow sands with a great selection of watersports, and seafront restaurants and bars. Fly to Portugal from Dublin, Cork or Shannon and soak up the beach energy.

Long-standing resort

Praia da Rocha was established in the 1930s as a tranquil and stylish resort, and it progressed into the mainstream in the 1970s. Since this change, it’s grown in popularity through the decades. The resort’s large beach has traditionally been its main appeal. But nowadays, it also boasts a great selection of restaurants, clubs and bars, a casino, a marina and a pretty promenade. These developments have boosted the resort even further.

Fortress of Santa Catarina

This medieval fortress is beautifully visible from the eastern end of the beach, and you can get to it via a cliff stairway. The fortress used to be used as a lookout point to spot – and defend against – pirates. Today, it’s a great place to soak up the views and is worth visiting to get your bearings. On one side is the beach, flanked by sandstone cliffs, and on the other, you’ll see the bright lights of Portimao Marina’s yachts, restaurants and bars.

Day trip to Portimao

Portimao is Praia da Rocha’s friendly neighbour. You can take a 20-minute walk there, or it's just a few minutes by bus. Portimao has two sides to it – an older 19th-century part and a more modern section of high-rise apartments. In the centre is a vibrant town with many shops to browse in. If you tire of the hubbub, head to the riverfront. You can relax and enjoy a coffee or ice cream in the Manuel Bivar gardens.