Forte de Santa Catarina 
Fortress of Santa Catarina, Portimão Forte Santa Catarina
The fort of Santa Catarina was built in 17th century on the site of a 15th century defensive structure and chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It was one of the various forts built around this time to protect the area from raids by pirates and privateers.
Today it is possible to climb up a steep set of steps to walk around the battlements. There is no museum here, but an old canon provides a quick photo opportunity and the views of the marina and the cliffs of Praia da Rocha make the hike worthwhile.
Address
Avenida Tomas CabreiraPortimão8500-802Attraction type
Portimão travel guide »
Located towards the western end of the Algarve, Portimão is one of the largest towns on this coast with a population approaching 40,000. As a tourist destination in its own right the town doesn't really jump out, as with much of south and west Portugal it was extensively damaged in the great earthquake of 1755.Set on the Rio Arade estuary Portimão's economy has been dependent on fishing and…
