Porches Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by amylie paquin
Photo by Rebekah Adams
Photo by H Kurt
Photo by Marcia Barradas
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Porches is a small town near the coast in the municipality of Lagoa in the Algarve. It’s renowned for its traditional pottery, wine and singular architecture (namely the Algarvian chimney). For tourists seeking an active break, there’s golf, water sports, biking and tennis, as well as gyms and wellness centres. For those of you that just want to chill on the beach, look no further than the epic beach of Senhora da Rocha.

History

The area is believed to have been inhabited since the Neolithic period, but the first known official record of Porches dates back to the 16th Century. Although Porches still has a rural ambience, the growth of tourism is in town over the past few decades means holidaymakers are well catered for.

Landmarks

The Praia da Senhora da Rocha is a picturesque beach, well protected from the elements by magnificent cliffs – hence why in a past life it was a refuge for fishermen’s boats. It can be reached through fairytale-like tunnel, cut from the rocks just under the chapel – or alternatively can be accessed via the western cliff via some steps.

The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha was built to protect the coast between Faro and Lagos, used to watch out for pirate attacks on the fishing fleets. Today it provides visitors with stunning views out to sea.

Inside the fort is the whitewashed Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, one of the most romantic chapels in Portugal a popular setting for weddings. On the first Sunday of August, the image of the Virgin is taken from the fort and down to the beach as part of an annual religious procession – well worth catching a glimpse of if you can.

Also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the beautiful medieval Convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo was once home to the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. When the Carmelites abandoned this site in 1834, it passed to a seigneurial family who continued to provide church services. It is located on National Highway 125, 12 minutes drive from the Beach of Senhora da Rocha. Don’t miss this unique piece of Portuguese religious architecture.

Food and drinks

Although Porches is only small there are several top notch restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience then you must try Ocean Restaurant, which exceptionally sophisticated cuisine in one of Europe’s finest resorts, Vila Vita Parc.

Shopping

Porches is the top location in the Algarve for traditional pottery. Visit Porches Pottery on the N125, close to Lagoa, to see how ceramic artists at work and observe the process. Here you can find everything from tea sets to plates, pots and lamp, all eloquently decorated. There’s also a bar and garden inside for refreshment.

Although small in size, Porches is big in variety. You’ll never have a dull moment in Porches.

Where to stay in Porches

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Alporchinhos

If you're spending some time in Alporchinhos, Senhora da Rocha Beach and Cova Redonda Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Alporchinhos
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
The price is ₹68,343 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹68,343
₹72,848 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (644 reviews)
"Vila Vita Parc exceeded our expectations. We traveled with our two kids and had an incredible experience from start to finish. The food was exceptional, our room was spacious and comfortable, and the service was top-notch. There was so much to do on the property. Our kids especially loved the morning ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Vila Vita Parc
White Shell Beach Villas

White Shell Beach Villas

4 out of 5
Empreendimento White Shell, Quinta da Sra. da Rocha, Lagoa, Faro
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews)
"Loved our time here! Thank you!!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

White Shell Beach Villas
Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort

Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort

4 out of 5
Praia Senhora da Rocha, Lagoa
The price is ₹22,158 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹22,158
₹23,891 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (490 reviews)
"Is older that it looks on the pictures Stuff is ok Rooms are tiny View amazing so overall is 3-4 stars"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ukino Terrace Algarve - Concept Hotel

Ukino Terrace Algarve - Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Quinta das Palmeiras - E-3-IV, Alporchinhos, Lagoa
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagoa. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, breakfast (surcharge) and a theme park shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (213 reviews)
"Loved the location of this hotel. 10 minute walk from a beautiful beach! Restaurants nearby and breakfast had a lot of variety and tasty options. Would definitely stay here again with my family."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Ukino Terrace Algarve - Concept Hotel
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory

4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (791 reviews)
"We spent a week in AQUALUZ Lagos and enjoyed our stay. The hotel is some 15 minutes walk from the old town with all the restaurants and bars. Pool area is great, we always managed to find loungers whenever we needed them. The only disappointment was that the healthy breakfast options were limited, ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,231 reviews)
"Good property, but be aware that expectations of a "Resort" should be tempered. It's a close walk to the beach. While there are alot of positives, they openly note that they don't provide typical services or amenities of a full service resort, or hote. Small things like charging for in-room coffee ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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