Portimão was one of Portugal’s great sardine ports and the festival celebrates that history with sardines grilled on huge barbecues, concerts every night and lots of buzz along the Arade river.
| Next edition | early August 2027 (date to be announced) |
|---|---|
| Last edition | 4–9 August 2026 (30th edition) |
| Where | Portimão riverside |
| Official website / more information | www.cm-portimao.pt |
What it is
The opening includes a re-enactment of the traditional sardine unloading at Cais Gil Eanes. Over six days, tens of thousands of people pass through.
It’s one of the most popular summer events in the western Algarve, great for families and for tasting sardines at their best time of year.
Tips for your visit
- Arrive early for dinner to avoid the longest queues at the grills.
- Parking near the riverside is hard — use the town car parks and walk.
- Afterwards, stroll along the river to the old bridge.
Where to stay
Looking for a holiday home near the event? See the options at Algarve-Férias.com.
Dates are checked regularly against official sources. Before travelling, confirm on the organiser’s website. Page last updated: 14 October 2026.