Praia da Rocha beach is large and excellent stretching along the length of the town with a wide and walkable boardwalk lined with lots of restaurants and bars.

The Praia da Rocha strip is a classic tourist trap.  Shops of various sorts offering groceries, fresh fruit, nuts, clothing, souvenirs, newspapers, magazines, sporting goods and handicrafts. This area is the hotel central. There is also a casino if that’s your thing. They do have a daily show, dinner and dancing.  Outside the summer months, it is a lot calmer atmosphere.  Don’t expect to find culture or heritage here.

There are dozens of restaurants for every budget and taste, perhaps a bit heavy on British pub type food.  Several were offering three-course meals in the 7 to 8 euro range.

Praia da Rocha Marina

Praia da Rocha Marina

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There is plenty to do in the Algarve for families.

Slide and Splash water park near Lagoa which operates from the beginning of April to the end of October.

Aqualand (The Big One)  Waterpark near Alcantariha.  Open from 26th May to 12th September.

Parque Zoologico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos)  A beautiful zoo, just on the outskirts of Lagos.  It is a fantastic day out for all ages with lots of lovely animals.  Open all year round 7 days a week.

Zoomarine at Guia (10km from Albufeira).  Its open all year round and is a great day out for the whole family with dolphin and sea lion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds how.  It’s both educational and fun.  There are some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in!

Santa Bernarda pirate ship trips to the caves from Portimao riverfront

Plus golf, diving, dolphin watching and a massive exhibition of sand sculptures

Campsite

Praia Da Rocha
Aire GPS:  N 37.11911,  W 8.53097
N 37°07’09”,  W 8°31’51”

We found an Aire in Praia da Rocha which was situated right next to the marina and easy walking distance to the beach and town centre.  I BELIEVE THAT THIS AIRE HAS NOW CLOSED.