Ferragudo went from a small fishing village to a quaint town, ideal for relaxing vacations near some of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve. But in the transition, it has not lost its coyness or succumbed to urban pressure. It is one of the few places that still preserves the traditional look and feel of Algarve while still offering accommodation options for tourists — and apartment and villa options for those who fall in love and decide to live there. Are you curious? Then come and see Ferragudo, which is considered the most beautiful village in Algarve!
Ferragudo is in the Lagoa county, in a region of Algarve that overlooks the city of Portimão. The village was elevated to a town in 1999 and has about 2000 inhabitants (including several foreigners). Situated at the western end of the municipality in an area of 5.41 km², Ferragudo is characterized by a cartoonish clump of white houses and narrow streets, which flow into the riverside area.
A little bit of history...
The village of Ferragudo was "born" in the fourteenth century when some men decided to seek the sea to support their families. However, the human presence in Ferragudo dates back to prehistoric times: there is evidence that the Arade River attracted Phoenicians and Carthaginians and, later, the Romans who did not hesitate to set up rays in the area, dedicating themselves to fishing in a place known (even today!) for the abundance of fish.
And from the fishing industry, we also moved on to agricultural activities and then tourism, with Ferragudo already attracting tourists in the seventies of the last century, like the entire coastal strip of Algarve. Today, besides traditional fishing and agriculture, there are small industries and a network of services and commerce that meets all the needs of local inhabitants and tourists.
The name Ferragudo? It's thought that it comes from an iron device placed on the beach of Angrinha to help fishers hoist fish and heavy goods from the boats to shore.
If you land at Faro Airport, you can take a transfer, cab or UBER to Ferragudo or take the bus to the center of Faro and from there take the train to Portimão, and then take another bus to Ferragudo.
Of course, you also have the chance to rent a car at the airport and drive at your own pace to the most beautiful town in Algarve, following the EN125 or Via do Infante (A22).
From Lisbon, you can reach Portimão by train, either by Alfa Pendular or Intercidades. And then take a cab or bus to Ferragudo.
The historical center, Arade River, São João do Arade Fort and Ponta do Altar lighthouse!
1. Historical Center
Not to be missed! You really must explore the narrow streets and get to know the details of the Algarve architecture, visit the yellow and white painted Church of Ferragudo, have a coffee in Rainha Dona Leonor Square, and watch the fishermen's work.
2. Arade River
Go down to the pier at the Arade River, where you can see up close the boats waving on the river, Ferragudo's best calling card! And you know what else? You can enjoy a ride on one of the tourist boats and get to know the coastal area better.
3. São João do Arade Fort
Located in a strategic point on the banks of the Arade River is São João do Arade Fort, built to watch over the passage of boats in the 17th century and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
4. Ponta do Altar Lighthouse
Do you enjoy the breathtaking views? Then visit Ponta do Altar Lighthouse, where you can see with a single glance the sea, the beaches and the towns near the village.
Lagoa's Mother Church, Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Slide & Splash Water Park and golf!
1. Lagoa's Mother Church
If you like sacred art and typical constructions, don't miss out on Lagoa's Mother Church, built in the 16th century.
2. Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
The name says it all! The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock was built on a huge rock and still preserves a statue of Our Lady with the Child. Outside? The view is breathtaking!
3. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
How about a walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail? This is one of the most beautiful trails in Algarve, between Praia do Vale de Centeanes and Praia da Marinha.
4. Slide & Splash Water Park
Water fun? Yes, you can find it there. At the Slide & Splash Water Park —just a few minutes away from Ferragudo — you'll find slides for all ages, animal shows, and plenty of rest areas.
5. Golf
Golf fans were not left out! When visiting Ferragudo, you have the opportunity to play golf on excellent courses in the neighboring areas, such as Gramacho Golf Course near Carvoeiro and Vale da Pinta Golf Course in Lagoa.
Ferragudo as a beach destination? Absolutely! The village has several paradisiacal beaches around it: starting with Praia Grande and Praia da Angrinha, divided by the Castle of São João do Arade, passing by Praia do Molhe, Praia do Pintadinho, Praia do Torrado and finishing in Praia dos Caneiros. In Ferragudo, there are beaches for all tastes! Some are wider, with easy access via wooden walkways, others are narrower with a river beach style, with access via steps dug into the cliff, and others are only reachable by boat or on foot when the tide is low! Some with very calm and warm waters, others with enough swell to attract surfers!
Don't get your hopes up! Ferragudo is a very quiet town where you won't find more than a few terraces open late in the summer months. But if you want to extend the night, just go to the city of Portimão, where there is no shortage of bars and discos, theme parties, fairs, and much more!
In Ferragudo, you can try a little bit of everything when it comes to typical food (and drink), but we can't end this article without highlighting the fish stew, fish cataplana, grilled sardines, octopus bean stew, and roe salad.
And whether because you were delighted by the fish stew or by the paradisiacal beaches, because you fell in love with the tranquility and quality of life in the village or because you can no longer do without a vacation in Algarve ... whatever the reason, consult us! We have a wide range of properties in Ferragudo, to live or spend their vacations: land, apartments, and villas.