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Latest update: 22 July 2024
Ferragudo is the perfect alternative to the more massive Portimão in southern Portugal. The small fishing village has charming corners, wonderful beaches, countless restaurants, beach bars, and cafes – and plenty of fun things to do!
This is Ferragudo in the Algarve
Ferragudo is on the Rio Arade. On the other side is the better-known Portimão. There is more to do there, but those looking for more peace and quiet should choose Ferragudo. However, there is a lot of construction going on to accommodate more tourists. Who knows what it will be like in a few years? For now, it is an excellent alternative to the Portimão hustle and bustle without missing anything of Portimão. You can easily take the water taxi back and forth between the two places until late at night.
In the evening, Ferragudo comes to life
Ferragudo is a small fishing village that comes alive in the evening. Where do all these people suddenly come from? During the day, you wander a few streets with a handful of other tourists. You can also go to the beach or explore the area. In the evening, everyone goes to the outdoor cafes.
There are many fish restaurants in Ferragudo. Across the terrace, a lonely cook often prepares the fish at a barbecue, surrounded by the squid cages. They are left along the quay – just far enough away from the diners not to smell the odor.
What to do in Ferragudo, Portugal?
It was raining; otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought that one night in Ferragudo would have been enough. Because yes, you can walk around the village in no time, but there is more to experience in the area. A nice lazy day at the beach, for example, a wine tasting, a boat trip, or… Let me list what you can do in Ferragudo!
Cute streets of Ferragudo
The center of Ferragudo is on a small inlet of the Arade river that flows into the sea. There is a large street in the lower part, and the old part of Ferragudo is on the side of most restaurants and bars. Here, you can wander around a bit through the narrow streets and past the white houses. Don’t forget your camera!
The church of Ferragudo
If you are walking around the old center, walk up to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. It is beautifully situated by the sea and offers a view of Portimão.
Ferragudo’s castle: Castelo de Ferragudo
Unfortunately, this castle is privately owned. So you cannot visit Ferragudo Castle, but you can admire it from a distance. The castle (or fortress) is called São João de Arade.
Beaches of Ferragudo
The stretch of beach between the church and the castle is called Praia da Angrinha (here). There are no facilities on this beach, so most people go to Praia Grande (here). It has nice beach clubs, such as Club Nau and Kalu Beach Bar. If you follow the coastline, you will come across even more beaches.
Hiking in and near Ferragudo
The iconic cliffs of the Algarve are the perfect setting for a hike. Many people follow the coastline from the center of Ferragudo to the Ponta do Altar lighthouse (Google Maps location). But from Ferragudo, you can also easily go to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. It is only a twenty-minute drive to the starting point (Google Maps location).
Wine tasting and sculpture garden Quinta Dos Vales
It is just outside Ferragudo, so you have to take the car. Quinta Dos Vales is a vineyard with a huge sculpture garden. Quinta dos Vales means farm of the valleys, and there is no less than 200,000 m² of rolling hills full of vines. For €14.50 (in 2023), I get to taste three wines and a liqueur. You can come by on spec; the employees will help you select three wines. If you want a tour or make your own wine, you must make a reservation in advance. Visit this page to do so.
After the tasting, I walk around the garden. There are statues everywhere, and most of them were made by the vineyard’s owner.
Tip! A rental car is useful in the Algarve. Compare your options at DiscoverCars or Rentalcars. And when you drive around in the Ferragudo area, look up: so many stork nests!
Trip to the Benagil Caves
It is not a long drive from Ferragudo to Benagil. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Benagil beach (here). All kinds of companies offer kayak tours to the Benagil caves. You can arrange a tour on the spot or reserve online. It is also possible to go to the caves by boat from Portimão.
Unfortunately, my tour was canceled due to bad weather. Such a shame because the Benagil Caves are supposed to be one of the highlights of the Algarve. I was keen to see the huge cave with arches and a hole in the roof and get some pictures. Will you make them for me?
Visit Silves (by boat)
Another popular day trip from Ferragudo is Silves. The main attraction is the castle of Silves. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the perfect village to enjoy yourself in for a few hours. Silves is close to Ferragudo: half an hour away by car. But you can also sail down the Arade river from Portimão to the town. A guide will explain the rich history of the region. The tour lasts approximately half a day. First, spend 1.5 hours on the boat, then 1.5 hours in Silves (it’s only small!) and then 1.5 hours back. View all details.
Restaurants in Ferragudo
During the day, the village is still quiet, and the beach bars are empty or even closed due to the bad weather. But in the evening, the terraces quickly fill up. It is really busy in the square. To be honest, I think it’s terrible here: a guitarist is playing along with some music on a large (and loud) speaker, and the waiting staff is trying to talk you into their bar or restaurant. So my advice is to avoid the square – unless you like super touristy.
Indian restaurant Tasca David
I’ve been in the Algarve for a few days, but when I end up in Ferragudo, I feel like something other than Portuguese tapas or fish. Indian restaurant Tasca David turns out to be a good call. The couple sitting behind us just tells the waiter that they are coming here for the third time this week. And I get it: a lot of choices on the menu and a helpful waiter. For a cozy atmosphere or alcoholic drink, you must visit a bar after dinner, but the Mango Lassi here is on point!
Brunch in Rio
The name already gives it away. At Brunch in Rio, you can enjoy brunch all day long. It opens a little too late for breakfast for me (10:30). It is a hip brunch place in terms of decor and dishes. Unfortunately, someone ordered the last bao buns in front of our noses – we had just set our sights on them. Luckily, there are many more delicious foods on the menu.
Free parking in Ferragudo
You can actually park for free everywhere in Ferragudo. Just along the road or in one of the parking lots. This one for example or this one at Praia Grande.
Need a rental car? Compare your options at DiscoverCars or Rentalcars.
Spend the night in Ferragudo: Vitor’s Village
I’m staying for a night at Vitor’s Village in Ferragudo. But this is more of a place to stay for a little longer. It has a bit of a resort vibe. The apartments are very spacious and neat. A bit lifeless in terms of decor, but oh well. There is a large balcony and also a kitchen. The pools are a real bonus! And you can park easily and free of charge around the apartments. You have to drive to the beach, but you can easily walk into the center.
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Amazon.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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