Located in Lagoa’s county, Ferragudo has rapidly become one of the most beautiful and scenic villages in the Algarve. Ferragudo, a small but lovely municipality, occupies a territory of only 5.41 km2 and is home to approximately 2 thousand people, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a typical quiet village experience during their holidays. Ferragudo offers breathtaking views of whitewashed homes perched on a hill overlooking the River Arade in the Algarve.
A Rich History and Authentic Culture
Fishermen who sought refuge and food from the rich fish of the River Arade established the village of Ferragudo in the fourteenth century. The iron mechanism known as 'ferragudo', which pulled large fish and materials ashore, gave this village its name. A testimony to this fishing past is the fact that the majority of the inhabitants of the village continue to have one or another connection with the sea and fishing at the present time.
Although It may not be a large destination, it is today a rather beautiful sight, with attractive and friendly people who open up the traditional Algarve to tourists. For Ferragudo, what has kept it unique is the fact that, despite the modern lifestyle and growth, it still has this rural feel.
Where to Stay in Ferragudo
The accommodation available in Ferragudo comprises a guesthouse and some rather luxurious hotels in line with the travelers’ tastes. The picturesque Angrinha Beach, surrounded by beautiful white houses, is now an ideal destination for family vacations. There are other tourist-friendly beaches; however, Praia da Rocha, known for its vibrant nightlife, is only 15 minutes drive away.
Vale da Areia, which is a rural area with pine trees around, provides the opportunity to rent villas and guest houses. This three- and four-star hotel, Casabela, offers stunning views and direct beach access to the golden sandy Praia Grande. Option: Ferragudo offers a wider range of accommodations, such as the Caneiros Luxury House & Suites, as well as beach and holiday villages.
Ferragudo’s Stunning Beaches
According to visitors, one of the best things in Ferragudo is the fact that this area provides beautiful beaches that are completely different from each other.
Praia Grande and Praia da Angrinha
Visit the tourism sites at Praia Grande and Praia da Angrinha.These two beaches are divided by the Castelo de São João do Arade and sit on the banks of the River Arade. Praia Grande is larger, boasts softer gold sand, and is family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. On the other hand, Praia da Angrinha is less energetic, and the fishermen’s houses are an added bonus.
Praia do Molhe
At the river mouth of the River Arade, one must ascend the steep natural cliffs to reach this small beach. Still waters and the warm color of the rocks that have enveloped the region make the place very quiet and perfect for a vacation. But this is a perfect place for tourists who do not like a crowded shore.
Praia dos Caneiros
Praia dos Caneiros
Praia dos Caneiros is perhaps the most renowned beach in Ferragudo; one can appreciate the outline of the Ponta do Altar lighthouse and the Leixão das Gaivotas rocks, for example. On this beach lie the steep cliffs and standing rock, which are ideal for a vantage point when the tides of the sea are low. During the summer period, the beach is well-equipped with restaurants and lifeguards.
Explore the Attractions in Ferragudo
Forte de São João do Arade
Forte de São João do AradeThis is a seventeenth-century fort sitting majestically between Praia Grande and Praia da Angrinha. Though it is not very accessible to the public, its architectural design and exciting landscape are worth viewing, especially if you’re from the shore.
Farol da Ponta do Altar
Ponta do Altar lighthouse, which is on the headland at the entry of Portimão’s harbor, gives a beautiful view of the coast. Many tourists visit the area surrounding the lighthouse with the intention of photography or simply to enjoy the view.
Igreja Matriz de Lagoa, also known as the Lagoa church, is the parochial church. Constructed in the 16th century, this beautifully built church stands in the town of Lagoa. The Christian Portuguese built this charming old-style church, adorned with a statue of Nossa Senhora da Luz and adorned with a sky blue and gold overhang. Its interior is rather simple, built of white walls, and capable of creating a quiet and pious atmosphere for praying.
Boat Trips on Rio Arade
Take a barge ride along the River Arade to witness Ferragudo's remarkable sight. From the village, clients embark on scenic rides across the caves and cliffs that characterize the Algarve area. For this reason, you have the option to engage in dolphin watching or take a boat ride to the renowned Benagil caves.
Where to Eat in Ferragudo
Marisqueira Maré Viva
If you are especially interested in the final quality and freshness of fish and other seafood products, then Marisqueira Maré Viva would be ideal for you. People like it for its grilled fish and seafood platters. This warm and friendly restaurant appeals to the citizens and tourists.
Club Nau
Located at Praia Grande, Club Nau is a nice restaurant where you can taste really good Mediterranean cuisine, setting up a friendly ambience. This beach bar boasts a prime location and offers live music every summer, making it a popular destination for social gatherings.
Gosto Na PedraTry
Gosto na Pedra for a more street-side gastronomic experience, where they prepare dishes like the renowned Algarve cataplana in front of their patrons. The restaurant features a pleasant terrace where you can enjoy the sunset or simply enjoy coffee and cake while relaxing.
Best Time to Visit Ferragudo
The climate in Ferragudo is temperate all year round, and it is ideal to visit the destination in the high summer between June and August, when the weather is hotter and people swarm the beaches. During winter, it is not very busy, and the weather is still lovely and warm.
Ferragudo Nightlife
One of the advantages of a night out in Ferragudo is that it is not exactly a hot party town at night. While al fresco cafés close their doors at three in the morning during the summer, Club Nau, a funky beach bar in Praia Grande, continues to host live music performances.
But if you wish to find more vibrant bars and club spotting and indeed themed parties, then it is a speedy 12-minute taxi ride to Portimão, for whilst this is a lively hub, it is also one ferret away from the serene plane of Ferragudo.