Ferragudo is formed around an inlet of the Arade estuary, a natural harbour. The oldest quarter is to the south. The quaint little square of the Praça Rainha Dona Leonor is lined with cafés and restaurants, an ideal spot to take your time sampling the slow pace of life. Fresh fish is landed a short distance away, where local fishermen dry their nets and restaurants skillfully cook the catch of the day. From the quayside, a ferry taxi operates services between Ferragudo and the Marina in Praia da Rocha. Here too, boat tours disembark to Silves, Club Nautico and the Arvad winery in Estombar. Ferragudo Boat Trips Wildwatch offer Dolphin watching, kayaking and other nautical adventures. Wildwatch Algarve. From the palm-lined quayside a maze of cobbled streets lined with whitewashed cottages accend into the old village.

IGREJA DE NOSSA SENHORA DA CONCEIÇÃO

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição has overlooked the village from its vantage point since 1520. The main joy of the church is the journey through the quaint flower-clad cobbled streets to reach it. Take a leisurely pace up, avoiding the shortest route and absorb the atmosphere to the full. The church's somewhat plain exterior is the result of rebuilding work carried out following the earthquake of 1755. Inside, 16th & 17th-century paintings survived the disaster, along with a golden retable where fishermen made offerings to Our Lady of Conception in return for a safe voyage. From the terrace in front of the church, one can marvel at the impressive views over the river, Portimão, and the mouth of the Arade.

Daily: 10h00 – 12h00/15h00 - 17h00
Rua da Igreja, 8400-254, Ferragudo, Portugal. | 37° 07' 24.9" N | 08° 31' 18.7" W

FORTE DE SÃO JOÃO DE ARADE

The 15th-century castle stands on the southern side of the Praia da Angrinha beach where the river Arade empties into the ocean. It was commissioned by Dom João II. It is the oldest of a pair of fortifications defending the estuary from North African pirates and corsairs. Following the restoration of the Portuguese crown in the 17th Century, the castle was renovated and enlarged. The structure sustained only minor damage during the 1755 earthquake. It remained in operation until 1896 before being sold into private ownership. The writer Joaquim José Coelho de Carvalho (1855-1934) bought the property and converted it into a summer house. Despite being classified as a National Monument in 1974, it remains closed to the public.

Daily: 10h00 – 12h00/15h00 - 17h00
Rua Dr. Coelho de Carvalho 8 8400, Ferragudo, Portugal. | 37° 07' 10.9" N | 08° 31' 19.8" W

PRAIA DA ANGRINHA

Praia da Angrinha is the closest beach to Ferragudo town centre and therefore has no facilities. The beach is a pleasant stretch of fine sand backed by low dunes. The beach has views of the Marina de Portimão on the opposite bank of the river Arade. The calm waters make the beach ideal for families. Local fishermen use the beach to land their catch and their huts line cliff edge. The headland on the southern edge is topped by the fort São João de Arade and divides Praia da Angrinha from Praia Grande. 37° 07' 17.1" N | 08° 31' 23.4" W

PRAIA GRANDE

Ferragudo’s largest beach lies south of the town, beyond the castle. There's a cluster of cafés and restaurants on the north side of the beach and Praia Grande enjoys ample parking. There's a small adventure playground to help keep the youngsters occupied. The calm waters here are ideal for bathing and watersports such as windsurfing (there is a watersport centre on the beach). The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season. 37° 07' 17.1" N | 08° 31' 23.4" W

The trail of the headlands is a path that follows the jagged and geologically dramatic coastline from Praia Grande do Ferragudo to Carvoeiro. Along the six kilometre (4mi) route, you encounter stunning views, sheltered beaches, huge sink holes, small headlands and a diverse habitat for fauna, birds and marine life. At Praia do Molhe there's a breakwater (molhe) that leads to one of a pair of small lighthouses. The other is on the opposite bank. Praia do Molhe can be accessed down a set of stairs. The beach's calm waters are ideal for families and safe bathing. Another sheltered beach, Praia do Pintadinho, is located close by and is home to Edd's Beach Club, where you can enjoy a great meal and laze away the day on sun loungers. Overlooking Praia do Pintadinho is the Ponta do Altar lighthouse dating from 1893. Beyond the Ponta do Altar headland lies the pretty little beach of Praia dos Caneiros. Here there's a small restaurant serves good food and drinks and rent sun loungers.

Beyond Praia dos Caneiros, the coastline feels the full power of the Atlantic. The footpath becomes more rugged and challenging. Most of the small coves and beaches along this part of the route can only be accessed from the sea. The route here onwards meanders through a truly stunning landscape for which the Algarve is famous for. Look out for the Torre da Lapa watch tower. It was built in the 16th century to warn local villagers of raiding pirates from North Africa. From end to end, the trail takes about three hours to traverse. Care must always be taken when walking close to the edge of cliffs as there might be loose ground. The footpath is not recommended for children or people with mobility issues. Always remember to wear suitable footwear and carry a bottle of water.