Porches is a small town, famous for its pottery, lying a short distance from the coast in the Algarve. It is a quiet place that remains largely untouched by tourism and yet is only a short distance from the lively resorts of Carvoeiro and Armacao de Pera. Porches lies in a beautiful area surrounded by orange groves and vineyards. Red tiled roofs contrast sharply with the whitewashed houses whose walls are adorned with bougainvillea and gardens awash with colour. Porches is ideally placed for those who wish to be close to the coast while avoiding the bustle of these busy resorts.
Porches is a wonderful place to go to enjoy the sunshine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It makes a good base for those who wish to combine the pleasure of the beach with a countryside retreat. The local beaches are wide and long with fine sand and shallow seas and provide a variety of water sports. One of the areas main attractions is the choice of excellent golf courses.
A Porches holiday appeals mainly to couples looking for a relaxing break in pretty surroundings close to many recreational facilities. It is also popular with golfers. Families would probably prefer to be closer to the beach.
Porches has hot dry summers and pleasant winters making it a year-round holiday destination although summer is the busiest season.
Porches is situated inland, a short distance from the coastal resorts of Armacao de Pera and Carvoeiro. The small town lies in fertile countryside surrounded by fragrant orange trees and vineyards and is noted for its distinctive pottery in shades of blue and green. There is a range of accommodation including villas with pools. To make the most of your visit, car hire is recommended.
On a hill a short way from Porches, is the Roman and medieval settlement of Porches Velhos. Its claim to fame is a two storey high chimney in one of its narrow streets.
The Hermatage of Nossa Senhora da Rocha is also worth a visit. It was built on a narrow spit of rock jutting out into the sea, at one time surrounded by the walls of a fort destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
Golfers have a choice of course in the vicinity including the championship course near Carvoeiro. There are also two nine hole courses.
The nearest coastal resorts have wonderful sandy beaches shelving gently into the sea offering safe bathing as well as a range of water sports. These resorts are vibrant tourist centres with many lively bars and pubs and a wide choice of restaurants. Explore the deserted coves and grottos beyond the Senhora da Rocha headland by taking one of the many boat trips that leave from the harbour.
A water park in the area provides entertainment for children.
A Porches holiday offers an oasis of calm in a beautiful area with lots of opportunities for sightseeing. It is the ideal base for those who like to experience the facilities of the larger coastal resorts knowing they can return in the evening to their country hideaway.
Nightlife in Porches is very low-key with evenings spent wandering through the village and enjoying a meal in the local restaurants. Those who wish for more lively evening entertainment should make the short journey to the coastal resorts where there are many pubs, clubs and discos providing entertainment until dawn.
Porches is famous for its pottery and ceramics and there are many shops where you can purchase these distinctive gifts. You even watch the potters at work. The coastal resorts have the usual numbers of souvenir shops and market stalls. Popular items include wicker work, leather goods, lace and embroidered linens.
There are a number of superb restaurants in Porches including the seventeenth century country house O Leao de Porches, said to be the oldest in the Algarve, on the Rua da Igreja. Here they serve an excellent menu of international cuisine. The coastal resorts offer a wide choice of eateries and cater for even the most pernickety of palates. Fish always features prominently on menus as does the spicey chicken piri piri. Wines are an excellent accompaniment to dinner, while the almond liqueur or, for chocolate lovers the Alfarroba liqueur, is a great way to relax at the end of the day.
