Ferragudo: The Algarve's Prettiest Fishing Village

Ferragudo is one of the Algarve’s prettiest fishing villages. Whitewashed houses climb a hill above the Arade estuary, facing Portimão across the water, with a little castle guarding the beach. It’s small, charming and a great base for the central Algarve.

Quick answer: Ferragudo is across the river from Portimão, about 10 minutes away by car and 15 minutes from Carvoeiro. Eat grilled sardines on the riverside, walk up through the lanes to the church, and swim at Praia Grande or Praia da Angrinha by the castle. See places to stay in Ferragudo.

Things to do

• The riverside: fishing boats, a little square and seafood restaurants.
• The old town: cobbled lanes up to the church, with views over the estuary.
• Praia Grande: a wide, sheltered beach that suits families.
• Praia da Angrinha: a small beach beside the castle of São João do Arade, which is privately owned.
• Caneiros and Pintadinho: pretty cove beaches nearby.
• Boat trips from Portimão to the Benagil caves. See Benagil boat tours.

Nearby

• Portimão and Praia da Rocha: see things to do in Portimão.
• Carvoeiro: see Carvoeiro.
• Silves: the old Moorish capital, upriver. See Monchique and Silves.

Tips

• Parking: limited in the village centre in summer.
• Evenings: quieter than Portimão or Albufeira, and perfect for dinner by the water.

More: the best Algarve villages and where to stay in the Algarve.

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