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Photo: Hugo Cadavez from Maia, Portugal, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The beautiful beach.
Praia da Rocha is a beach and built up area on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern section of the concelho of Portimão, Algarve, southern Portugal. On the eastern edge of the beach stands the Fort of Santa Catarina, a 17th century fortress built to defend the mouth of the Arade River, and now a popular tourist attraction accessible directly from the beach or the road above. In summer the beach hosts the Afro Nation music festival, Rolling Loud techno festival and the Secret Project music festival.
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Fort of Santa Catarina
It was built in the 16th century, with the objective of defending the coast against piracy attacks. The fortress also belonged to the small chapel dedicated to Santa Catarina, still visible today. With a magnificent view over Praia da Rocha and the Marina, it is one of the most visited spots in the region.
Built in the 17th century by Diogo Gonçalves . On the façade, three bodies are distinguished, the highest corresponding to the church. The church has a single nave, one of the largest in the Algarve. The altars are in gilded wood carved from the 17th century.
Mother Church
Built in the 15th century and almost completely destroyed in the 1775 earthquake. Later, its portico, Gothic with capitals decorated with vegetative motifs, was rebuilt. It comes from the original church.
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
A motor-racing course that hosts Formula One, motorbikes and other races. The next F1 / Grand Prix is 18-20 June 2027.