Portuguese name: Museu de Portimão
Walk along the waterfront of Portimão, and the large building beside the port itself stands out. Once housing a fish canning factory, it has now been renovated into an award-winning museum.
There are several displays about the prehistory of the region, focusing on the megalithic tombs of Alcalar as well as the artificial caves of Monte Canelas.
The rest of the museum paints a fascinating picture of the city, with much space focused on the industrial heritage …which is particularly appropriate for a former fish canning factory! It’s very interesting and well done.
There is also a digital display with a touch screen that has a map of historic (and prehistoric) sites around Portimão, along with photographs and some information.
Location
The museum is in the heart of Portimão, located in the Algarve (Faro district). It’s along the waterfront, next to the port and the Naval Club.
Admission
Entry is €3 (€4 for a combined ticket of museum and Alcalar Megalithic site). Discounted tickets (€1.50) are available for youths and seniors. Entry is free on Sundays for Portugal residents.
Opening hours vary seasonally (check the website), but it’s open Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday through Sunday through the day.
The museum is closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Signage
There are many signs in town directing you to the museum.
Links
- Official website (in Portuguese and English)
- Description (in Portuguese and English) from Visit Algarve tourism website
- Entry (in Portuguese) on Wikipedia
Nearby
There are many menhirs in the region, including three within the city of Portimão itself: the Menir dos Três Bicos, the Menir de Vale da França, and the Pedra Moirinha. The megalithic tombs of Alcalar are a must-see, and are only a short drive north of Portimão, about 12km away.