The fish market

One of the oldest fishing villages in the Algarve, Armação de Pêra’s Saturday market is famed throughout the region for its showcase of the sea’s bounty. Fishing has been a tradition at Armação de Pêra for over 400 years. In fact, its name speaks of this sustainable heritage, with tuna traps laid in Pêra bay by generations of local fishermen.

From freshly caught sea bass and red mullet to clams and shellfish, the traditional methods of local fishermen mean that quality and sustainability are guaranteed.

The small, brightly painted fishing boats that launch every day from Armação de Pêra use lines and small nets to bring in their catch, and are proud of their reputation among the best fishing markets in the country.  

The best time to visit of course is early in the morning - but even towards lunchtime there is still great fish available to buy. 

What makes this market so special is the sustainable practices of the fishermen here. The Portuguese have a saying – nem tudo o que vem à rede é peixe - which translates as ‘not everything that comes to the net is fish’, meaning ‘not every opportunity is a good opportunity’.  

By preserving the old traditions, the fishermen are ensuring that they are not in danger of over-farming the seas and turning a good opportunity into a bad one.