Santa Catarina Fortress
Avenida Tomás Cabreira 4, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, The Algarve, 8500-802
This sturdy fortress has stood watch at the mouth of the River Arade for hundreds of years, guarding the city of Portimão as it evolved from prosperous port to tourist center. Though the pirates and invaders it was built to fend off are long gone, the structure remains intact, and offers spectacular views of the marina and beach.
The basics
Santa Catarina Fortress is a common stop-off for sightseers in Praia da Rocha, offering an appealing viewpoint from which to soak up the coastal scenery. Many beachgoers come here for a leisurely stroll around the site. Some sightseeing tours of Central Algarve stop at Praia da Rocha, allowing visitors to explore the fortress, before venturing to nearby destinations such as Alvor and Ferragudo. The fort can also be seen from the Arade River estuary and the ocean during boat tours departing from Marina Portimão.
Things to know before you go
- Santa Catarina Fortress is a must for history and scenery lovers.
- Bring your camera to take photographs; the views of the beach, the estuary, and the Atlantic Ocean are among the best in Praia da Rocha.
- Facilities are limited; there are no restrooms or refreshments here.
How to get there
The fortress is situated at the east end of Praia da Rocha, overlooking the marina and mere steps from the beach. Buses run between the center of Portimão and Praia da Rocha.
When to get there
Santa Catarina Fortress is best visited on a clear, sunny day as this is when the views are at their peak. For an extra special experience, get up early and head to the fort to watch the sunrise over the beach, which is usually empty until the arrival of early-bird sunbathers.
Castle of Arade (Castelo de São João do Arade)
The Santa Catarina Fortress is the partner fort of the Castle of Arade, which sits on the opposite bank of the River Arade in Ferragudo. Together, the two towers were designed to defend Portimão from privateers and military invasions. The Castle of Arade is privately owned, but it’s worth heading to one of the two beaches it abuts—Praia da Angrinha and the Praia Grande—to view it from the outside.
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