Best Things to Do in Praia da Rocha

Family Fun Hot List Inspiration

Top Activities and things to do during your stay in Portimão, Algarve

If you're coming to Praia da Rocha, Portimão for the BPM Festival, Portugal, then here are some tips on the best things to do and fun activities in the area.

The first European edition of the BPM Festival runs from the 14th to the 17th September 2017 in Praia da Rocha and Lagoa, Algarve. With over 170 class acts, over 20 showcase events and at 7 stunning venues, Praia da Rocha is set to be party central for the duration of this world class electronic dance festival. Get more details about the BPM Portugal Festival.

Leave some time between the events to try some of the best things to do in the area, from enjoying the beaches to jumping out of aeroplanes.

Best Things to Do in Praia da Rocha and Portimão


Chill at NoSoloAgua
One of the BPM party venues, with concerts every day, NoSoloAgua is one of the best beach bars and party venues in the Algarve. Spend a day relaxing on the day beds by the pool, drinking cocktails and enjoying some great food, or sample some sundowners at the beach club. A fabulous spot to kick back and relax in, any time of the day. 

Take a Boat Trip
The Algarve coastline is outrageously gorgeous. The best way to explore it, is to take a boat trip. Hop aboard Alvor Boat Trips solar powered boat that can take you out to sea to explore the famous Benagil cave and coastline, or take you up river to the ancient town of Silves. There are plenty of trips to search for dolphins too - check out Seabookings for all the details.

Beach Day
Take a day to do nothing except soak up the sun on the beach. Praia da Rocha beach is a long, wide expanse of fine golden sand. Hire out a sunbed or do as the locals do, and set your towel nearer to the waters edge. For a sweet treat on the beach, buy a Bola de Berlim, a sweet and sticky doughnut from the vendors. At low tide you can walk from Praia da Rocha westwards to Praia do Vau and Praia do Alemão, exploring the small sea caves and rock pools.

Catch some Culture
If you want to tick the culture box, then visit the Portimão Museum - Museu de Portimão - known locally as the Sardine Museum. Located close to Praia da Rocha, on the Portimão riverfront, the prize winning musem is housed in what was an old sardine factory. Portimão was famous for its quality sardines and had a thriving fishing and canning industry, which the museum celebrates. Check out the life size exhibitions in the Beheading Room and take a peek into the oceans via the underwater cameras that film the sea life at local shipwrecks at the Ocean Revival park. Much more interesting than you would imagine a sardine museum could ever be!

Wreck Diving
The Ocean Revival Underwater park is a divers playground. Four decommissioned navy ships were sunk of the coast of Portimão, near Alvor, and today they form a fascinating underwater park. The largest artificial reef structure in the world, divers can explore the ships, where special entries and corridors were created before sinking. It is possible to follow the developing ecosystems and marine life that now call the park home, with cameras mounted in fixed areas, offering an invaluable timeline of development. Contact SubNauta Dive Centre in Praia da Rocha to arrange your dive.

Adventure Golf
For some pre-historic fun, visit Adventure Golf Alvor - a super, 18 hole adventure golf course with a fun dinosaur theme. More challenging than it looks, the course is great fun. Go with a group and set up some friendly competition. There's a bar and sun terrace too so you relax with a drink after the game.

Skydiving
At Portimão Aerordromo you can test your nerves with a tandem skydive. No experience required - the instructor is in control of timing, harness, parachute and landing, ensuring safety and maximum enjoyment. If you are going to jump out of a plane, there are avantages to doing so in the Algarve. The weather is generally clear and the views are amazing - birds eye views of Alvor bay and coastline. Advance booking is essential.

Bungy Jumping
Enjoy the thrill of a water touch bungy jump at Albufeira marina. About 30 minute drive from Praia da Rocha, it's worth the journey. Strap on the harness, ride the platform 40m into the air and then....jump!

Indoor Karting and Bowling
Also in Albufeira, you can get speedy at the Hot Wheels indoor karting track. Test your skills on the  400m of track, wicked corners and stretches for fun and fast karting. You can opt for 10, 20 or 30 minutes packs or ask for group rates and group races. Next to the karting is Hot Shot Indoor Bowling. Always fun, bowling is great for a bit of friendly competition. 

Outdoor Karting
You can enjoy outdoor karting at the the Algarve International Racetack which has a karting circuit that can operate two tracks simultaneously. As a bonus for motor sports lovers, the Racetrack is hosting the FIM Super Bike World Championship 15th to 17th September 2017.