Ferragudo

Ferragudo sits on the eastern bank of the Arade opposite Portimão, and it has kept the shape of a fishing village where the far bank became a resort: whitewashed houses climbing a slope in narrow stepped lanes to the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição at the top, boats drawn up on the riverside, a square with restaurants facing the water. At the river mouth stands the Castelo de São João de Arade, built in the sixteenth century to work with the fort at Praia da Rocha opposite in closing the estuary to raiders; it is privately owned and not open, having been a residence at various points. Praia Grande, the long beach south of the village, is calm because the river mouth shelters it. A small ferry crosses to Portimão in a few minutes, which is the pleasant way to arrive.

History

The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans knew the sheltered mouth of the Arade, and fishermen began settling here in the 14th century to escape the Atlantic winter storms; in 1520 Queen Leonor secured the area's protection. Fishing and farming brought growth in the 18th century, Ferragudo was separated from Estômbar in 1749, and it became a town on 3 May 1999 (Wikipedia, Ferragudo).

What to look for

• The stepped lanes - whitewashed houses climbing to the church at the top.
• The castle - São João de Arade at the river mouth, privately owned and closed.
• The riverside square - boats and restaurants facing Portimão across the water.
• Praia Grande - the sheltered beach south of the village.

When to go

April to October. Half a day. The ferry from Portimão runs seasonally and is the best approach.

Things to know

The castle cannot be visited - it is private, which catches people out. Lanes are steep, stepped and narrow; parking in the village is very difficult. Busy in August. The village is small and an hour covers it.

Nearby

Portimão and Praia da Rocha are across the river; Carvoeiro and Algar Seco are east.

Key facts