Ferragudo
Small but packed with personality
Ferragudo is one of the Algarve's secret gems. Once a small traditional fishing village, today Ferragudo is still a small, traditional fishing village! Located on the banks of the River Arade the village offers spectacular views across the river to Praia da Rocha, to Portimão and up river towards Monchique.
The best way to explore the village is on foot as its charm resides in the labyrinth of cobbled streets that run around the central square, down to the waterfront and uphill to the church. In the square you can find plenty of restaurants which are ideal for a relaxing drink or meal while watching the comings and goings of the village. Follow the waterfront down to the fishing pier and you may see the fishing boats unloading their catch of the day.
From the high vantage point of the church you can see where the river flows into the sea. The estuary is overlooked by the São João Fort, at the beginning of Praia Grande. This is the main beach for Ferragudo - a broad expanse of golden stand and calm waters that is perfect for watersports. Aside from a good selection of watersports the beach offers several beach restaurants and a children's park.
Ferragudo is the ideal place for coastline walks. You can follow paths and trails from the village to Praia Grande and across the cliff tops to the small lighthouse, heading towards Carvoeiro, passing on the way the beaches of Praia do Molhe, Pintadinho and Caneiros. These are small cove beaches that can pretty much disappear at high tide. Most of them have a restaurant or snack bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and soak up the beauty and tranquillity of this special place.
