Portimão invites restaurants to join 30th Sardine Festival

The municipality of Portimão has opened registration for restaurants to participate in the 30th edition of its annual Sardine Festival, which will run from 4 to 9 August 2026. Organisers ask eligible eateries that regularly serve grilled sardines to offer the official "Plate Festival" – five sardines, bread, boiled potatoes and Algarve salad – at a price agreed with the municipality. Participating venues will display the "Aqui há Sardinha!" seal at their entrances and be listed on the event’s official website, helping visitors locate the featured dishes.

The festival, first held in 1985, has become a key cultural and tourism driver for the Algarve, attracting thousands of visitors and receiving national and international recognition. By integrating local restaurants, the city aims to extend the gastronomic experience beyond the main festival site, boost the local economy, and reinforce Portimão’s reputation as a premier destination for traditional Portuguese sardine cuisine.