Praia da Rocha Travel Guide

Portimão

Rocha Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views
Rocha Beach featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and rugged coastline
Rocha Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Rocha Beach featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Rocha Beach showing a beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha is an all year round holiday destination, known internationally for having one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Algarve. One of its most popular stretches of sand, Rock’s Beach, owes its name to the rocks that rise between the sand and the sea.

Praia da Rocha is also a cosmopolitan resort with a buzzing nightlife, restaurants, water activities, sports and shops. Since the 19th century, Praia da Rocha has had a long tradition of tourism, not only in summer with Portuguese families but also during the winter when it attracts waves of Brits looks to escape the rain. The Palace, which houses the Bela Vista Hotel, was one of the first hotels to open on Rocha's beach in 1934.

Avenida Tomás Cabreira

The Avenida Tomás Cabreira is a long avenue that follows the coastline to the Fort of Santa Catarina, and is one of the most popular areas of Praia da Rocha. It’s lined with an incredible selection of of restaurants, hotels and even has a casino.

St. Catarina Fort

The St. Catarina Fort was built by the Governor of the Algarvean Kingdom in 1621 to protect the city from pirates. Located near the Marina on the far eastern part of the Praia da Rocha, it is accessible by a staircase carved into the cliffs. It also has a bar and provides stunning views overlooking Praia da Rocha.

Marina

Located at the eastern end of Praia da Rocha, the Marina is the place to be. Here you can join a boat tour for a little dolphin-watching, get into some water sports or simply have a meal. With its great selection of restaurants and bars, the marina is lively both day and night.

Things to do in Praia da Rocha

During summer, Praia da Rocha holds the annual Mundialito, an international beach soccer tournament, organized by Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW). The nearby Arade River also plays host to powerboat racing and jet-skiing events during the summer months.

One of the Algarve's biggest attractions are golf resorts and Praia da Rocha is no exception. It has several golf courses within a 10 minute drive, including the three courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton at Le Méridien Penina Golf Resort and Morgado do Reguengo Resort.

Visit the nearby city, Silves, a historic town with a beautiful Moorish castle. Make the journey by boat down the River Arade and enjoy the one hour trip to the largest castle in the Algarve on the water.

Shopping

Praia da Rocha is also a shopping paradise, with a nearby shopping mall that’s home to around 100 stores. You’ll also find a great selection of stores that specialize in local handicrafts and souvenirs along the main streets.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Praia da Rocha

RR Hotel da Rocha
RR Hotel da Rocha
4 out of 5
Ave Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Room was large and clean . Perfect location and amenities . helpful cleaning staff .I would come again ."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

RR Hotel da Rocha
Hotel Algarve Casino
Hotel Algarve Casino
5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
The price is £174 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£174
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Very clean and staff very helpful and friendly! Breakfast was excellent!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
Jupiter Algarve Hotel
Jupiter Algarve Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
The price is £123 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£123
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (802 reviews)
"Le service et la nourriture étaient excellents. Par contre, La première nuit, la climatisation dans notre chambre ne fonctionnait pas. Il y a eu de la musique très forte jusqu’à 23h30 le samedi et le lundi. Le lundi matin, l’immeuble adjacent est en construction et donc on s’est fait réveiller à ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Jupiter Algarve Hotel
Flor da Rocha
Flor da Rocha
3 out of 5
Rua das Conchas, Sitio dos Castelos, Portimão
The price is £106 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£106
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (235 reviews)
"This hotel had a lot of space, with nice apartment style rooms. The front desk staff were very kind and helpful. We enjoyed the terrace and the view from the room. There is a great pool. This is walking distance to the ocean and beaches but we didn't love the area because it is so busy and touristy. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Flor da Rocha
Hotel Avenida Praia
Hotel Avenida Praia
3 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão
The price is £60 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£60
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Rocha Beach and ...
7/10 Good! (256 reviews)
Birthday retreat..
"I got exactly what I wanted..nice clean room .bathroom and veranda.."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Hotel Avenida Praia
NH Marina Portimao Resort
NH Marina Portimao Resort
4 out of 5
Marina Portimao, Portimão
The price is £160 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£160
23 Jun - 24 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (818 reviews)
"Beautifull spot in the middle of the marina , property in general neeeds a llitle more maintenance"

Reviewed on 9 May 2025

NH Marina Portimao Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Praia da Rocha

Portimao featuring food

Portimão City Centre

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Portimão City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Algarve Racing or Portimão Harbor.

Portimão City Centre
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes night scenes

Prainha

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Prainha. A stop by Tres Irmaos Beach or Prainha Beach might round out your trip.

Prainha
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Alagoas

While Alagoas isn't home to many top sights, Alvor Boardwalk and Tres Irmaos Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Alagoas
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Montes de Alvor

Montes de Alvor is well liked for its historical sites. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Alvor area, you might plan a trip to Alvor Boardwalk or Tres Irmaos Beach.

Montes de Alvor
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Torralta

While visiting Torralta, you might make a stop by sights like Alvor Boardwalk and Tres Irmaos Beach.

Torralta
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Monte Judeu

When in Monte Judeu, you can plan a visit to Le Meridien Penina Golf and Portimão Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Monte Judeu


Praia da Rocha Travel Guide

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