Praia da Rocha
The Algarve region in southern Portugal is famous for being one of the
country's busiest tourism centres, and among the most popular resorts that draw
in the crowds during the summer is the Praia da Rocha.
Located on the western side of Algarve, with the bustling district of Portimao
close by, Praia da Rocha has the beach as its main attraction. Named the "Rock
Beach" because of its geological characteristics—with large and interesting rock
formations and the resort centre perched atop a cliff overlooking the beach—it
is not, however, lacking in sandy areas. In fact, beach lovers particularly
enjoy the resort's two-kilometre long and 100-metre wide sandy beach.
Praia da Rocha is a destination for just about anybody. There are a lot of
places to stay and things to do for both couples and families with children.
Aside from the beach, other places to visit are the marina, the water park
(Slide and Splash) and Zoomarine, which is a favorite with kids.
The Algarve Casino Hotel is one landmark on the Avenida Tomas Cabreira you
should not miss. The casino is a great place to go for both entertainment and
dining, with at least three satisfying restaurants—Aladino, Amendoeiras and
Zodiaco—to choose from. Staying in the hotel is also recommended, as it has all
the top-class amenities and facilities required to make for a very comfortable
vacation. You can even stay connected while on holiday with free wireless
internet available to guests.
Along the same promenade (Tomas Cabreira) is the Jupiter Hotel, another nice
option for accommodation that is only a short 70-metre distance from the beach.
A bit farther from the casino but also on the beachfront is the cliff-top Hotel
Presidente, which boasts sweeping views of the sea from each apartment's
balcony.
Praia da Rocha likewise has an alternative to hotel accommodation—apartment
rentals. This is advisable for people who prefer to have the option to cook
their own food or do their own laundry, especially for lengthier stays. The
Castelos da Rocha and Tres Castelos condominiums have available 1-bedroom and
2-bedroom units for rent that are equipped with most of the modern appliances
necessary for comfortable apartment living.
Cuisines and dining places are diverse enough around Praia da Rocha resort.
While Irish restaurants and bars seem to be the highlight, there are also places
that feature local Portuguese food, as well as Italian and English fare. Among
the notable restaurants are La Dolce Vita, the Dockside seafood restaurant,
Dina's Snack Bar, and Daly's Irish Bar, which serves authentic Irish breakfast.
Bars are also numerous, fuelling the exciting night life of the resort. Most
bars either have live entertainment, satellite TVs, game rooms, or discos. A
few, however, do not have any of these things and simply offer a quiet, relaxing
spot for drinking and talking with friends. Places you should check out include
the Taverna, Squash Pub, Daly's, and Kerri's Bar.
It is very easy to get to Praia da Rocha, which is only about an hour (or less)
away from the Faro airport. When vacationing here, remember to pack really light
clothes and prepare for the heat, as it can easily reach 30°C in the summer. |
