Situated slightly to the east of Lagoa, in peaceful countryside, is the small village of Porches. Surrounded by vineyards and citrus groves this unspoilt location has charm in abundance, but is virtually untouched by tourism.
Its main industry is the production of ceramics. All along the tourist routes, and in particular the EN 125 coast road, there are dozens of shops and stalls selling colourful pottery, but for authentic Portuguese ceramics Porches is the place to go. On the N125 between Lagoa and Porches there are two traditional potteries, the Porches Pottery, and the Olaria Pequena (which is just outside the village). The Olaria Pequena produces attractively decorated designs which are unique to this pottery.
Apart from the potteries, and the subliminal peace and quiet, Porches doesn’t have much more to offer, except an excellent restaurant – The Porches Velho, which offers great traditional Algarvian cuisine and, on Friday evenings, live fado music. As befitting a building that was once a wine warehouse, it also has an excellent wine list.
Wherever you are in the Algarve you are never far from a golf course, and the Salgados, the Milho, the Gramcho and the Vale de Pinta are all easily accessible from Porches.
For those who want to immerse themselves into a truly Algarve experience Porches is ideal for investment, as either a main home or for family holidays. The beaches are close, but for those who prefer to relax away from the more frenetic coastal resorts Porches is the perfect choice.