The Sardine Town

Portimão lived on sardines: the old cannery, the fort and the rocks along the coast.

Portimão grew up on sardines, and this morning tells that story up close: the old cannery that is now a museum, the fort above Praia da Rocha and the carved rocks along the shore. Everything is a few minutes apart by car. A good choice for a rainy day, or for getting to know the town you are staying in.

The day, stop by stop

1. 

   1

   Museu de Portimão

   Housed in a former sardine cannery on the banks of the Arade, the museum tells the story of Portimão through its work at sea and in the factories. You follow the production line, see the machinery, learn about the workers' lives and browse archaeological finds from the area, all laid out clearly. It won the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2010. Allow around an hour and a half; admission is paid separately, and it is worth checking opening times beforehand.

2. 

   2

   Praia da Rocha e Fortaleza de Santa Catarina

   Praia da Rocha is Portimão's big beach, long and wide, backed by golden cliffs and a lively promenade. At the end by the mouth of the Arade sits the Santa Catarina fortress, whose terrace looks over the sand, the breakwater and Ferragudo across the river. Take the steps down to the beach and walk west towards the rock stacks. Early morning is the quietest time, when the sand is nearly empty and the light is gentle.

3. 

   3

   Praia dos Três Irmãos

   Between Prainha and Alvor, this beach mixes open sand with jagged rocks, small caves and passages worn through the stone. At low tide you can wander from cove to cove and peer into corners that sit underwater when the tide is high. It is a good spot for photographs and for swimming in calmer water near the rocks. Check the tide table before you go and wear shoes that can cope with wet rock.

The essentials

Duration

3 h · Morning

Pick-up

At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.

Included

The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.

Not included

Entrance tickets and meals.

Who it is for

Rainy days; anyone who wants to know the town they are staying in.

The route