Sardine festival Portimao

  Portimao is a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination on the Algarve, known for its trendy beaches, golf courses and restaurants. The fine golden sand beaches, framed by the imposing cliffs behind, are the backdrop for all the fun in the sun you could wish for: water sports include sailing, diving, fishing, windsurfing, wake boarding and boat trips. You might wish to sail up the Arade river from the inlet as far as the town of Silves.  

At night Portimao comes alive: quayside restaurants, bars and clubs offer a buzzing scene for evenings out. Try local gastronomy like sardines on toast, fresh from the mornings catch, bean and whelk stew, claim rice or fried cuttlefish. The main local produce of the region are figs and almonds, so a perfect sweet accompaniment is ‘figos cheios’ (stuffed figs). The waterfront is a fine place for a post meal amble too.  

If the taste of sardine really takes your fancy, the best time to visit is August. The dates of the festival change each year, but is usually in the first 1-2 weeks of the month. Visitors are in their thousands for the fishy treat, enjoying open air barbecued sardines that are easily caught in the nearby waters.

The local restaurants are in on the act too, with an estimated 2,500 seats available for hungry customers. The restaurants usually open from 6.30 pm till late. If you fancy a change – there is Portuguese tapas and other snacks available.  

For entertainment, craft stalls, childrens shows, sweet stalls, live Fado music and some of the biggest names in Portuguese music wait to regale you.  

Entry to the festival is by ticket: usually around €5-7 per person, with family tickets available, plus free entry for young children.  

For your next trip to the Algarve, be sure to take part and banish those memories of the soggy tinned versions you used to dine on, instead savouring the freshly caught real deal in one of Portugal’s emblematic towns.

Read more at https://www.cm-portimao.pt/festivaldasardinha/