About the Area
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Situated at the mouth of the river Alcantarilha it is believed that the Romans had a military base here. Salt tanks that they collected salt to preserve their fish have been found along the beach.
In 1661 a fort was built to protect the villagers from pirates and invaders, named after the local patron saint Antonio do Pedra. A chapel was built within the fort. Part of the fort and chapel remain to this day.
In 1661 a fort was built to protect the villagers from pirates and invaders, named after the local patron saint Antonio do Pedra. A chapel was built within the fort. Part of the fort and chapel remain to this day.
In the warren of narrow streets and alleys every-one, young and old, male or female, were employed to keep the boats out to sea to catch the fish. A few of these streets remain today bearing witness to the activities they housed - Street of fishing nets, Street of sails, Street of candles and lamps, for example. We still have Fishermen's beach where you can see all the fishermen hard at work, and a few of the streets remain.
We are just ten minutes either way by bus or coach from 2 large water parks or Zoo Marine, the oceanographic theme park. However, if you wish, there is much more to do than sunbathe on the beach. For a day out with a difference go up the river Alvor with a canoe with paddles, or visit one of the many potteries in Porches. If it is high quality hand painted pottery you are after you will find it all at Piaria Pequeria and Porches Pottery.
We have many details of tours and excursions you may wish to go on. Lisbon and Seville are only two and a half hours away by coach.
Maybe you would like to visit the tiny chapel of Our Lady of the Rocks, just five minutes away. This was built by local fishermen to commemorate a sighting of the Virgin Mary on this very spot.