TAKE a look at the Portuguese sunshine spot that’s three hours from Ireland with €2 pints, music festivals and a huge nightlife scene.
Praia Da Rocha is located at the estuary of the River Arade in the Algarve right next to Portimao, Rocha.
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Famous for its amazing beach, bustling vibe and great nightlife, this is the ultimate sunshine holiday spot.
Praia da Rocha is the most well-known in the Algarve, and the main beach in Portimao.
Many Portuguese and northern Europeans spend their summers here – with average temperatures of around 26C.
The beach stretches over 1km with ocher rocks and cliffs.
Tall apartment buildings and hotels from the 1980s and 90s overlook the beach.
The skyline is comparable to Miami Beach.
A pint will set you back a delicious €2-€3.
One of the most well-known beaches and resort towns in Portugal, it is located just an hours drive away from Faro Airport.
The town is reached by flying into Faro, located just over 50 km away from Praia Da Rocha.
Flights to Faro cost from €32 with Ryanair, and take around two hours and 45 minutes.
From Lisbon, a train or bus can be taken to Portimao, and the beachside resort is closeby.
The area benefits from beautiful weather, sun and high temperatures for most of the year.
The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 28C and an average low of 19C.
During the summer the area is crowded and vibrant, whereas in spring and autumn it is more relaxed.
The golden beach is backed by limestone cliffs, and loungers and parasols are available for hire along with pedaloes and jet skis.
The beach is lined with restaurants and bars, and a wooden boardwalk runs the length of it.
As well as the main popular beach, there are also smaller beaches and coves along the cliffs just down the coast.
Praia da Rocha offers numerous water sports, including jet-skiing, parasailing, and kayaking.
On the other side of the beach is the marina, where you can rent a boat or go dolphin watching.
There is also a shopping street on the main avenue along with restaurants offering world cuisines.
At night, the area comes alive with beach parties as bars host live music and karaoke, and nightclubs open up.
There are also beach-side lounge bars.
Music festivals have taken to Praia da Rocha in recent years including Afro Nation and Rolling Loud.
There are many day trips that leave from Praia da Rocha, including to Portimao, the fishing village of Alvor, Sagres and Lagos.
Just 20 minutes away in the town of Lagoa, there is a water park called Slide and Splash, which is sure to excite the kids.
By climbing up to the Forte de Santa Catarina on the western end of the beach, you can get exceptional views of Praia da Rocha.
The old fortress dates back to the 1600s and is perfect for those interested in history.
The Santa Catarina Fort is located on the eastern end close to the marina.
Built in 1621, the fort defended the coast from pirates and military invasions.
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