| PRAIA
DA ROCHA |
Comfortably situated at the mouth of the Arade estuary, Praia
da Rocha is the Algarve’s best known and longest established
resort. Its creamy yellow sands and warm crystalline waters
have provided year-round tourist appeal since the 1930s.
Framed by ochre cliffs and lapped by sheltered Atlantic waters,
the town’s 2-kilometre-long beach is one of the most photographed
in Europe, largely due to its highly architectural rock formations.
The sea has sculpted the soft cliffs along the coast into fantastic
shapes in the form of pinnacles, buttresses and caves shimmering
with reflected light.
What to see. The promenade on Praia da Rocha’s
cliff top leads to the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, built in
1621 to defend Silves and Portimão against opposing fleets.
The town itself is a vibrant holiday resort with numerous bars,
restaurants, night-clubs, souvenir shops, hotels and apartments.
There’s also a first-class casino located right on the
beach.
Nearby. Set on the estuary of the River Arade, just 3 km north
of Praia da Rocha, the fishing port of Portimão is blessed
with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and a rich selection
of fish and seafood restaurants. A short drive west lies the
picturesque village of Alvor, where the discovery of a Neolithic
settlement with vestiges of a subsequent Roman occupation is
evidence of the town’s historic past. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
