Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Rocha is a busy resort which attracts families, groups and couples due to it's good selection of attractions and amenities. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and not forgetting the famous beachfront casino. As well as the great beaches, there is plenty to do in the area such as waterparks, watersports and various excursions to keep the whole family entertained.
Praia da Rocha
On the "strip" you will find a wide selection of restaurants, lively bars and a 5 star casino. Spend lazy days on the beautiful beach situated at the far end on the main drag. Praia da Rocha is an excellent base for visiting the many attractions of the west, for example the Monchique mountain range, Cape st Vincent and the historical fishing village of Portimao. Transfer time approx 1hr 15.
Beaches
This 2km stretch of golden sand is one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve. The beach is backed by cliffs and is easily the resorts most popular attraction. There is a wooden walkway that runs the whole length of the beach with a variety of restaurants and beach cafes. The walkway provides easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are lifeguards on in summer and there are sunshades and awnings available to rent. For those who enjoy watersports, there is a good variety such as windsurfing, jet skiing, paragliding and pedalos.
There is a wide paved walkway that runs along the top of the cliffs which is perfect for walking or cycling and the views of the beach from here are really good.
Things to Do
Sport is a big thing here, whether it is horse riding, watersports, golf or even a spot of deep sea fishing, there is so much on offer.
The casino in Praia da Rocha is very popular and not only can you try your hand at the tables or slot machines, you can also have dinner and even see a show. It's a great night out and a little different than the usual nightly entertainment.
St Caterina Fort was built in 1621 to protect the City of Seville and Vila Nova de Portimao from Spanish pirates and moors and offers a fantastic view over the surrounding area. There is a cafe/bar here so you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the lovely views
Out and About
There are plenty of shops in the resort and you should be able to find the perfect souvenir in one of the many stalls and boutiques that can be found along the promenade. If you don't find what you are looking for in Praia da Rocha, head to the nearby Portimao, where you will find a great shopping centre with everything from designer clothes to local hand crafted goods.
There are plenty of restaurants here which cater for different tastes. There are lots of traditional restaurants which serves lots of local dishes which include fresh cheese, smoked ham and smoked salmon or if you prefer, you could try one of the seafood restaurants. Whatever your taste, I'm sure you will find something.
As well as the many bars here, you will also find many discos, so if you fancy staying out until the early hours then you can and there are plenty of options too.
Nearby Attractions
With so much going on in the area, there will not be time to get bored.
Lagos Zoo is not huge but concentrates more on smaller animals and birds. The monkey island is great fun and there is a pets corner too. There is also a children's playground, picnic area, snack bar and restaurant here which makes it the ideal place for a family day out.
Lagos itself is worth a visit, it is one of the most attractive towns in the Algarve with its main avenue running the length of the town. The marina and beach is on one side and the cobbled streets of the town centre are on the other side. There are some great restaurants to sample and plenty of shopping if you fancy.
Zoo Marine in Guia is a very popular choice for families with children and is the highlight of many a holiday. Visitors will be able to see dolphins, sea lions, seals, tropical birds and various birds of prey. There is also an aquarium with exotic fish and sharks and there is a 4D cinema too so there is plenty to keep everyone occupied.
Why not check out Portugal's largest water park, Slide and Splash which is situated between Lagos and Albufeira. There are loads of rides for all the family and a separate children's area for little ones so everyone is happy. There is a grassy area if you fancy a spot of sunbathing and there is a couple of restaurants and kiosk serving food and drink. Slide and Splash is a great day out for all the family and a great way to cool down.
If you haven't had enough of shopping, you could visit the Algarve Shopping Mall in Guia which is huge and offers a great selection of shops.
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