Fortaleza da Santa Catarina

The Algarve


Praia da Rocha's petite fortress was built in 1621 to stop pirates and invaders from sailing up the Rio Arade to Portimão. Panoramic views extend along the river, marina and beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Algarve attractions

1. Museu de Portimão

1.01 MILES

Housed in a 19th-century fish cannery, the ultramodern, award-winning Museu de Portimão is the city's number-one draw. The museum focuses on three areas:…

2. Igreja Matriz

1.61 MILES

The town’s parish church stands on high ground to the north of the centre. A 15th-century Gothic portal and a gargoyle are all that remain of the original…

3. Praia do Carvoeiro

3.5 MILES

Right in the town, this diminutive arc of sandy beach gets very busy in summer.

4. Benagil Caves

6.21 MILES

One of the Algarve's – and Portugal's – most emblematic sights, this huge natural seaside cave has a hole in its ceiling through which streaming sunlit…

5. Praia da Marinha

6.72 MILES

One of a few nearby beaches with karst rock stacks, Praia da Marinha is among the most beautiful. It's 7.5km east of Carvoeiro; the nicest way to reach it…

8. Museu Municipal de Arqueologia

7.05 MILES

Built tight against the defensive walls, this archaeological museum has a mix of interesting finds from the town and around. The modern building was…