Living in the West Algarve offers an exceptional combination of natural beauty, serene beaches, and top-tier leisure facilities. However, what truly distinguishes the region is the remarkable convenience it offers for daily living. With everything you need — from essential services and shopping to healthcare facilities — all within easy reach, the West Algarve ensures that life here remains as relaxed and efficient as its breathtaking landscapes. This seamless integration of stunning surroundings and modern conveniences is what makes living in the West Algarve truly unique.
At the heart of this region lies Portimão, less than 15 minutes from Reserva da Luz, which has just marked a significant milestone — its 100th anniversary of city status. We now reflect on Portimão’s transformation from a modest Roman settlement to one of the Algarve’s most prominent and cherished cities. The city’s rich history spans centuries, beginning as a Phoenician settlement before becoming a key trading port under Roman influence. The Romans named it Portus Magonis, recognizing the area’s potential for trade and strategic importance.
In 711, during the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the Moors established Portimão as an important stronghold. They fortified the area to control vital trade routes, shaping its growth for centuries. After the Knights of Santiago captured Portimão in 1290, it began to thrive as a fishing hub. The construction of fortifications, including São João in Ferragudo (1643) and Santa Catarina in Praia da Rocha (1621), was essential for defending the town from pirate raids, safeguarding the flourishing trade in figs, olives, wine, and sugar.
Portimão’s journey toward city status began in 1435 when it was granted town status by King Alfonso V. Over time, the town expanded, and in 1453, it established a new settlement named São Lourenço Barrosa. By 1476, it was renamed Vila Nova de Portimão, under the ownership of Dom Gonçalo Vaz de Castelo Branco. This area later evolved into the vibrant urban center that exists today.
The city’s prosperity grew in the 16th century, driven by its shipbuilding industry, and by 1573, it attracted royal attention, with King Sebastian visiting the town. The construction of the Portimão Bridge in 1876, initiated by Viscount Francisco de Almeida Coelho Bívar, significantly improved the city’s connectivity. Portimão’s history also includes notable figures such as Manuel Teixeira Gomes, the seventh president of Portugal, who tirelessly advocated for the city and the region until his death in 1941.
As the 19th century saw a decline in trade along the Arade River, Portimão adapted by turning to tourism, bolstered by its prosperous fishing industry. The opening of the Feu Hermanos canning factory in 1902 became a cornerstone of the local economy, and today, the factory building houses the Museum of Culture and Heritage. The coastal suburb of Praia da Rocha also became a prominent tourist destination, known for its scenic beaches and luxury resorts.
Portimão continued to modernize in the 20th century, with the establishment of Portimonense Sporting Clube in 1914 and the development of notable hotels, including the iconic Hotel Viola. In 1924, Portimão was officially granted city status, and today it is home to over 60,000 residents. The city embraces its rich history while looking forward to a dynamic future, serving as a hub for culture, commerce, and tourism.
On this 100th anniversary of city status, Portimão stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, offering an enviable quality of life to its residents and visitors alike. Feliz Aniversário, Portimão!
