The oldest record from this region, the Cartório Notarial de Tavira (of 10 April 1601) identified the organized settlement of Santa Catarina.

The southern part of the parish, south of the EN 270, is based in limestone, characterized by superficial deposits that extend from the sub-soils.

To the north, and parallel the limestone areas, is a narrow strip of red sandstone, known as the grés de Silves, locally referred to as arneiro or pedra amoladeira.

The red sandstone grés de Silves has also been used by locals for planting orchards, irrigated by rainwater collected from the slopes of the ridges.

A sítio is a determine area of the territory with disperse habitat, while the montes is a mountain-top locality, independent of the number of dwellings, but relying on its influence.

November 11 - Saint Martin's Day - marks the arrival of winter, associated with men, the celebration of the maturation of the new wine, and roasted horse chestnuts.

Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

For Soil Moisture Index, Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo is covered by The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, (IPMA).