Praia da Rocha Beach

What is Praia da Rocha Beach?

It's an Oceanic Beach in the northern hemisphere bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, located on the coast of Portugal - Iberian Peninsula - in the municipality of Portimão.

Praia da Rocha Beach is part of the Rio Arade¹ mouth by the west margin and is located along the urban sea front of Portimão city. Its name is somehow related to a local legend known as the Lenda da Praia da Rocha², this story tells how the love of a mermaid was disputed by a fisherman and a highlander. The outcome of this love story culminated in the rise of the beach that we see today.
The sand is wide and long, of about 1,2 Km.
At east the beach is bounded by a pier with about 700 meters, where adventurous ones jump and dive to the sea. Beside the beach arises the Forte de Santa Catarina³, the perfect place to drink on the terrace and read a good book, watching the beach, the sea and the always beautiful, river bar.
The Marina de Portimão⁴ is nearby and the image of several vessels since sailboats until cruises, entering the Rio Arade bar is a constant in these part of the city.
The sand of Praia da Rocha also holds some editions of the well known Mundialitos, a prestigious beach soccer international competition that brings together the best national teams in the world.
On Avenida Tomás Cabreira, bustle of the summer reaches its peak due to the existence of numerous hotels, highlighting the Hotel Algarve Casino, ideal for game lovers.
The area surrounding the beach is traditionally full of tourists that fill the many hotels and apartments to rent for the summer. During the months of July and August, walking the sea side road can become a real challenge.
Opposite to the beach, there are many restaurants ready to welcome the immense gastronomic demand that exists in the warmest months.
The iconic disco Katedral is a symbol of Portimão city when it comes to nightlife establishments. In this regard, the offer is wide along the promenade and near here, next to Portimão Marina, lies another row of bars much appreciated by younger vacationers and guests of the marina.
This is probably the best known beach in Portugal and those looking for a busy summer rhythm, in a place populated by many beautiful faces and tanned bodies, finds here the perfect spot.

References

1. Arade River
2. Praia da Rocha Legend
3. Santa Catarina Fort
4. Portimão Marina

Where is it?

Map of Praia da Rocha Beach

Awards

Documents

• Plan of Praia da Rocha Beach