At the southern tip of Portugal, the port town of Portimão is an adventurer’s haven. Once fortified because of repeated attacks, the town now caters for tourists with nautical activities and fresh seafood among its major draws.

Pick up your Avis rental car by Portimão’s most famous beach, Praia da Rocha, and start your unforgettable tour of the coastal region.

We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.

The pretty region of Praia da Rocha became a popular tourist resort in the 19th century, with the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa dating back to that period. Collect your Avis rental car from here, just a five-minute drive from the city centre, and all of Portimão’s attractions will be within easy reach.

Praia da Rocha is blessed with beautiful rocky outcroppings that line the beach and idyllic azure waters, but the city also boasts a number of historic and commercial sights.

Portimão is a prehistoric settlement that was conquered by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors before becoming Portuguese in the middle ages. It was almost entirely destroyed during an earthquake in 1755. Igreja Matriz, a 14th-century gothic church, is the only remaining structure from the original town. Just outside of the city, more remnants from the region’s past can be discovered. The ruins of the roman villa (Abicada) are just a 15-minute drive from the city near Figueira.

The town has evolved into a highly urbanised centre with a few cultural treasures, including a quirky sardine-canning museum, exposing the city’s past as a fishing centre. However, for tourists, Portimão’s prime position on the water and a variety of outdoor activities make it a top destination.

Sailing is popular here, while the more adventurous can try powerboating and go scuba diving to explore the world’s largest single artificial reef. The local cuisine features fresh fish caught in the surrounding waters, with many restaurants offering catch-of-the-day dishes on their menus. The region is also known for its figs and almonds.

With your Avis rental from Praia da Rocha in Portimão, you can easily explore all that southern Portugal has to offer.

The south of Portugal has many lively towns to explore and boasts a coastline full of beautiful beaches, which are particularly popular over the summer months when holidaymakers come for the sun, sand and sea. Portimão is the perfect base to start your tour of the region.

Faro

Drive the A33 east for about an hour to Faro – a town known for its Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, where protected lagoons lie. The reserve is a haven for thousands of migratory water birds and also a shelter for rare species like the purple swamphen. Be sure to visit the old town, Cidade Velha, where the Sé Cathedral is its star attraction. This historic treasure was erected on the site of a Roman temple in 1251 and rebuilt after it was destroyed in 1755. It boasts a mix of gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles.

Lagos

Travelling west on the N125 for about 30 minutes leads you to the former centre of Portuguese maritime exploration, Lagos. Surrounded by 16th- century walls, the old town is an extremely pretty place to explore, with ancient churches and cobbled streets on show. Today, Lagos is a popular beach destination in the summer months, boasting an incredibly attractive coastline. Ponta da Piedade is a must-visit, with dramatic sandstone cliffs provide a striking backdrop for the sandy beach.

With your Avis rental from Praia da Rocha in Portimão, the beauty of southern Portugal is at your fingertips. Just take to the open road and start exploring at your leisure.