Weather Lowdown
The month of April is a great time to take a spring break, and Praia da Rocha is an excellent location to do so at this time of year. Particularly for those coming from Northern Europe, the long hours of sunshine, minimal rainfall, blue skies and mild temperatures will be a welcome break from colder climes.
In April, Rocha is seeing average rainfall of 44mm over nine days, slightly wetter than March, but still offering a very modest amount of rain in the month. For sun-lovers who really want to avoid the rain, there is a big drop in rainfall between April and May / June alone. The month of May sees an average of just 15mm of rainfall a month, spread over an average of nine rain days, and as the year moves into June, the driest months of the year overall begin.
Temperatures become much warmer this month however, with an average high of 19°C, falling to an average low of 12°C. This promises for some really beautifully warm higher-than-average days to enjoy. The sea temperature remains at 16-17°C, but most visitors will be enjoying the views rather than braving the water itself. Most of the water-side sports activities will be starting off for the season by now however, and for people who enjoy surfing, kayaking, or other activities which allow for a bit of gear for warmth it won't be a problem. There is also a gain in the number of hours of sunshine, with ten hours of sunshine per day in April, increasing from nine in March.
Where to Stay
Independent travellers, who want accommodation that offers good value, a central location, but is not part of a resort or complex, will enjoy Ryan's Flat as an alternative option. It is not offering luxury accommodation, but does offer a sense of a "home away from home", with a self-catering apartment overlooking the marina and the main strip of Rocha. The beaches, bars and restaurants are all close-by, but the apartment gives the feeling of being a little removed from it all.
Another hotel that wins points for location alone, is the large, modern Hotel da Rocha. Thankfully it also receives praise for its staff, range of clean, large rooms and direct access to the fabulous beach. Another one to catch the sunset views from. To indulge, go for the top-floor rooms with sea-view. They also have family-size suites.
Some visitors will appreciate the chance to be outside of the business and modern buildings of Praia da Rocha itself, but still want to access the amenities there. The Hotel Casabela offers just that. It is located in the neighbouring fishing village of Ferragudo, but only 1.1.9km to the main beaches of Rocha. In addition to that, it has private beach access itself, as well as a pool and sun terrace. It is very much a traditional, more old-fashioned hotel, but has some charm as a result. Those staying there can have the peace and quiet of the out-of-town location, but the opportunity to enjoy the multiple restaurants, bars, etc if desired. Expect to pay slightly higher rates for rooms here, particularly with sea views.
Things to Do
There are some beautiful coastline drives outside of Praia da Rocha, best seen at the slower pace a scooter allows for. Enjoy the views of lemon and orange groves, white-washed villages and blue skies as you amble along winding roads. Grasp a Wasp provides affordable scooter rentals, are praised for the friendliness and excellent service of the owners, and will conveniently drop off the vehicle to your hotel and pick it up if required. They will provide maps and tips on where to go, and have the options of bicycle hire if a more rigorous work-out is required. The mild April weather will truly make this an enjoyable experience.
Finally, April 25th marks Portugal's Liberation Day, and is often celebrated with fireworks displays around the country. Visit the tourist information office on Av Tomás Cabreira or call them on +351 282 419 132, to find out about local events in the area.
Hit the Beach
Praia da Rocha beach, as always offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy the scenery of the place, particularly with the warmer days of April. The beach, located close to the Marina, is serviced by lifeguards from April onwards. This is also when a lot of the activities become available, so jet-skiing, banana boat hire, and any other way to be entertained on the water can be arranged with one of the many companies along the beachfront. The beach is wide and long, so there is always space to be found, even at peak times. The walkways and multiple entry points make it mostly accessible, particularly at the Portimão end, where Fortaleza Santa Caterina is located, and there are wonderful views of the coastline.
Take a trip out of Praia da Rocha and enjoy some nearby beaches, with a stunning boat trip around the caves and stacks of Benagil. It's a well-spent 17.50, a great way to pass a clear day, and you have a better chance of getting a place in April before the summer rush. Located approximately 20km from Portimã it is seen as a big highlight of many trips, and the boat company offers informative, expert staff and unforgettable photo opportunities. Tickets are available on the beach, or can be booked online. There are also some private tour operators running from Portimão.
Restaurants and Nightlife
The highly regarded Atlantis Restaurant is a great venue for family gatherings, or for more intimate settings. They serve a wide Mediterranean and grill menu, and also have wine-tastings of some of the oldest and most established grapes in Portugal. They sometimes have live music and jazz nights which are worth checking out. Their set menus can be good value.
For food and drinks of the cheap and cheerful variety, try the popular Bacchus Bar, just off the main strip. The owner Arthur, is near legendry for his more than four-decade knowledge of the resort, his multilingualism, friendliness and large drink measures. It's a lively place to enjoy company and conversation, and they serve well-priced pub grub of the British variety. It stays open until 2am.
The Manhattan Café is hidden away off the main strip, and almost small enough to miss, but that's part of its charm. Run by two brothers, who know their way around a cocktail menu, this little place keeps locals and tourists happy with its excellent and well-priced selection of cocktails of all varieties. Sometimes sports events are shown on the big screen, and you need to cut through a shopping centre to find the front door.
