The Insiders Guide To Algarve’s Gold Coast | Portimão
In and Around Bela Vista Hotel & Spa *****
By João Oliveira | Michelin Star Chef | Vista Restaurante
Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos | General Manager | Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
“This hotel is like a rough diamond that is being cut. We always challenge ourselves to grow. The location and history of the hotel are so extraordinary. It is easy to give guests a memorable experience”
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa | Portimão, Portugal
Once an industrial fishing town, Portimão has grown into a sun-kissed haven for lovers of fine dining and luxury travel. As the oldest city of southern Portugal, it is brimming with life and culinary history.
Where to stay
Be guided by locals of Portimão, Michelin star chef João Oliveira and Hotelier Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, and discover their favourite places to eat, drink and what to do in Portimão. Gonçalo runs the stunning hotel Bela Vista Hotel & Spa hotel and João runs the Vista Restaurante, located in the hotel right on the Algarve’s gold coast. Set over the Praia da Rocha cliff with direct access to the beach, this hotel was built in the late 19th century to serve as the private home of a local businessman.
Relaxation is guaranteed in the luxury spa. It boasts a sauna, hammam and fitness area. L’Occitane provides genuine Mediterranean scents. Let these insiders guide you to experience the world in and around the hotel in Portimão, Algarve.
e-mail | instagram | Av. Tomás Cabreira, Portimão, Algarve, Portugal | call | 74 km from Faro Airport | 281 km from Lisbon Airport
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Where to eat & go for a drink
VISTA RESTAURANTE
Excellent gastronomy led by Michelin Star chef João Oliveira, awarded by the International Gastronomy Academy Chef de L'Avenir in 2019.
Its menu is inspired by national and Mediterranean cuisine, with respect for the original flavours and the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the seafood.instagram | located in the hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef and Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, Hotelier
CAMILO
Some of the freshest fish the coast has to offer, paired with a great atmosphere and warm service.
instagram | 30 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, Hotelier
O REI DAS PRAIAS
This is the place I visit the most to relax. The food is well prepared, the staff is incredible and the spot itself is casual and right at the beach.
instagram | 15 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
FERRAGUDU’S TERRACE
This gastrobar offers great food and the cocktails are even better. Go here for a great view and a relaxing treatment that’ll stir your senses.
instagram | 12 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
CAFÉ BRASIL MARISQUEIRA
For seafood, I suggest this restaurant closer to the old city centre. Don’t expect fancy and hip branding, but do go here for a wonderfully informal atmosphere
10 min drive from hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
RESTAURANT VILA JOYA
One of the best restaurants in the Algarve. It has two Michelin Stars and is led by chef Dieter Koschina, who started working in this kitchen over thirty years ago.
You will find the freshest produce and mouth-watering flavours. It is also a fine hotel for families.instagram | 40 mins drive from hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
VILA VITA PARC
Hotel to visit with the family since there is so much to do for kids.
Located on the beach with multiple restaurants, including a Michelin-starred restaurant so you can also dine romantically as a couple when the kids are asleep.instagram | 30 mins drive from hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
GIGI’S
The perfect spot for a sunset drink, at an amazing location overlooking the beach.
instagram | 50 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, Hotelier
“When I first walked into the hotel I felt it would be one of the most extraordinary projects in my life. 11 years later, I am very proud to have contributed to positioning this beautiful hotel as one of the best in Portugal and the world.”
What to do
CACELA VELHA & VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO
These two beautiful coastal towns, situated right next to each other, are a must-visit for a day or two. Look out over the coasts and wander the hills and quiet streets of Cacela Velha or look at the boats in Vila Real de Santo Antonio’s charming harbour.
1 hour and 15 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, General Manager
MOUNTAIN BIKING AT MOUNT MONCHIQUE
Pay a visit to the mountains of Monchique, beautiful nature and it is perfect for biking.
40 mins by car from the hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
OYSTER PICKING
The picking of oysters can be done on several spots on the Algarve coast, but my recommendation would be Ria de Alvor.
25 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
VISIT LOCAL WINERIES
There are different wineries to visit. Just ask the hotel reception to find a winery to your personal taste.
favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef
L’OCCITANE SPA
The large, 400-square-meter spa of the Bela Vista hotel is definitely worth a long, relaxing visit. It has five treatment rooms including two for couples, a sauna, hammam, a relaxation area, and a comforting Fitness Lounge.
located in the hotel | favourite of João Oliveira, Michelin Star Chef & Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, General Manager
PONTA DA PIEDADE
Take in the breathtaking view of the sun setting between these rugged limestone pillars, rising up out of the sea.
30 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, General Manager
COSTA VICENTINA
A place to contemplate nature. The pristine beaches hidden among the dramatic cliff are popular with surfers and hikers alike for good reason. A uniquely rugged part of the Portuguese coast.
40 mins drive from the hotel | favourite of Gonçalo Narciso dos Santos, General Manager
Gallery Hotel & Spa Bela Vista
