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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.