Porches Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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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 ฿11,305 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿11,305
฿12,059 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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! (672 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Lots of activities and dining options. The staff is very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Vila Vita Parc
Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve

Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve

5 out of 5
Praia Das Gaivotas, Lagoa
The price is ฿9,264 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
฿9,264
฿9,896 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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 in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (607 reviews)
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Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve
Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort

Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort

4 out of 5
Praia Senhora da Rocha, Lagoa
The price is ฿2,156 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿2,156
฿2,361 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (498 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 1 Sept 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! (215 reviews)
"Great place outskirts of Lagos city. Good beach at walking distance from hotel. Nice evening walk to the cliff nearby where local live musical staged. Good restaurants and an Intermarché supermarket at walking distance."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Ukino Terrace Algarve - Concept Hotel
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! (1,293 reviews)
"A challenge to park, but true everywhere in Portugal. Outside pool very cold, but indoor pool very warm."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Agua Hotels Vila Branca

Agua Hotels Vila Branca

3 out of 5
Rua Santa Casa da Misericordia, Torraltinha, Lagos
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (334 reviews)
"The room was nice. They put us in an accessibility suite which had been specifically fitted for a wheelchair user. This made showering challenging as the height of the shower head couldn’t be raised. They require you to put a deposit for beach towels and we were not able to use the bathroom towels, ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Agua Hotels Vila Branca
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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