| Portugal Cove South | |
|---|---|
| — Town — | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 225 |
| Time zone | Newfoundland Time (UTC-3:30) |
| • Summer (DST) | Newfoundland Daylight (UTC-2:30) |
| Area code(s) | 709 |
Portugal Cove South ( NST) is a small fishing town on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. It is located 138 km south of St. John's.
Its name is derived from its origins as a Portuguese station first settled in the 16th century. 'South' was added in order to distinguish itself from Portugal Cove, near Conception Bay.
Portugal Cove South had a population of 225 in the Canada 2006 Census.
Until 1992, many residents participated in the in shore cod fishery. More recently the economy has diversified and some being self-employed and others pursuing work in nearby communities.
There is an interpretation centre in Portugal Cove South, which is the starting point for guided tours of Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve which has a collection of some of the oldest known Ediacaran fossils. Cape Race is accessible by gravel road via Portugal Cove South, 19 km away.
It was originally visited by Basque, English, French and Portuguese migratory fishermen, and permanently settled in the late 18th century by William Hartery of Waterford Country, Ireland.
Portugal Cove South was settled by the Molloy's from Trepassey and the O'Leary's from Renews from the 1800-1850s. From 1850 to 1890, the Coombs, Power and Ward families arrived. From 1900-1950, more families arrived from the small coastal communities of Long Beach and the Drook, which are now abandoned communities.
In 2010 Hurricane Igor made a direct hit on the town.