Ferragudo Guide: 8 of the Best Things to Do

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Written by: | Last updated on September 22, 2023 | Est. Reading Time: 9 minutes

Ferragudo, tucked away on the eastern banks of the Rio Arade in the Algarve, stands as a testament to the region’s traditional charms. Unlike some of its bustling neighbours, this small fishing village has managed to retain an authentic atmosphere, where narrow, cobbled streets wind their way past whitewashed homes.

Many people say this is the prettiest village in the whole of the Algarve and one of the few villages in the Central Algarve. There aren’t a huge number of attractions, but that’s what’s nice about it: it’s small and peaceful, making it a perfect base for visiting or living.

Ferragudo town square

The maze of Ferragudo’s alleyways, flanked by traditional whitewashed houses adorned with terracotta roofs, leads explorers to unexpected gems: little squares where locals gather, age-old chapels that have withstood the test of time, and vantage points offering breathtaking views of the sprawling coastline and the majestic Portimão across the river.

ferragudo docks

The timeless charm of Ferragudo is further amplified by its sandy beaches, like Praia Grande, which are ensconced between jagged cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for a tranquil day by the sea. Moreover, Ferragudo’s rich history is deeply intertwined with its natural fortifications, which once shielded the town from pirate invasions. Today, remnants of ancient forts and battlements serve as a testament to the village’s strategic importance in bygone eras. 

Useful Resources for Your Trip to Ferragudo

Here’s our top tips and tricks for getting the best deals for your trip to Ferragudo. 

  • Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are the two most comprehensive websites for finding hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Ferragudo. 
  • Car Rental: Discover Cars and Rental Cars are the two most useful sites for booking local car rental. 
  • Airport transfers: There are taxis and Ubers at Faro Airport, but you can also pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
  • Tours & Things to Do: Both Get Your Guide and Viator list lots of local tours and activities in Ferragudo and the surrounding Algarve region. 
  • Luggage Storage: Luggage Hero and Bounce are two great sites for finding places to store your luggage in Portugal. 
  • Public Transport: Cp.pt is the main website for trains in Portugal. For longer distance buses, see Rede Expressos. Flixbus.pt often has cheap tickets between cities in Portugal. 
  • Flights: Skyscanner and Google Flights are the two most useful websites for finding flights to Portugal: The nearest airport to Ferragudo is Faro Airport. 

What to Do

There aren’t a huge number of attractions in Ferragudo itself. However, the town serves as an excellent base for exploring the whole of the Algarve and, in particular, the Central Algarve region. There is a beach that’s walking distance from the town centre, but some of the nicest nearby beaches may require a taxi or short drive. 

Wander the old streets

street in Ferragudo

Wandering through Ferragudo’s narrow streets is like stepping back into a more tranquil time in the Algarve. The town retains a traditional charm, with its cobbled pathways winding amidst whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers. Each corner holds a story, from the local fisherman mending their nets to the inviting aromas wafting from family-run tavernas.

tourist shop in Ferragudo

The timeless feel of Ferragudo’s streets offers a serene respite from the more tourist-heavy parts of the region, letting visitors immerse themselves in local culture and history. The town square of Praça Rainha Dona Leonor is the centre of it all, and where you’ll find many of the towns restaurants and local businesses. At night, it’s where locals and tourists alike gather to chat and enjoy the cooler evening air. 

Igreja da Nossa Senhora

Nestled atop a hill, overlooking the quaint village of Ferragudo, stands the historic Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The church’s history is both rich and turbulent. Records reveal that an original establishment existed long before 1520, with the Câmara de Silves making a formal request for its renovation in that year. Tragically, the seismic devastation of the 1755 earthquake reduced the church to rubble. Undeterred, the community rallied, and in the aftermath, they reconstructed the church, giving it the imposing Baroque facade we see today, mirroring the architectural styles prevalent in the neighbouring churches of that era. Stepping inside the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição is like journeying through time. Visitors are greeted by gilded altarpieces in rococo style, juxtaposed against relics from various epochs — from a 16th-century cruise fragment depicting the dual-sided representation of Our Lady and Christ’s Crucifixion to statues from the 17th and 18th centuries. Particularly poignant is the extensive collection of ex-votos, tokens of gratitude from sailors and fishermen of the 18th and 19th centuries, with the oldest piece dating back to 1744. However, it’s not just the artefacts that beckon visitors. The churchyard and its adjacent gardens offer breathtaking views of the sea, the estuary, and the city of Portimao. Here, amid sculpted gardens and shaded benches, one can truly absorb the Algarve’s essence, far from the madding crowd.

Fort of São João de Arade

Overlooking the azure waters where the River Arade meets the Atlantic, the Fort of São João de Arade stands as a sentinel of Ferragudo’s rich maritime history. This stoic fortress, with origins dating back to the 15th century, once served as a crucial defensive bastion against pirate invasions. Its weathered stone walls and turrets tell tales of bygone eras when sea battles and navigational exploits were commonplace. However, by 1896 the fort was abandoned and auctioned for private sale. Today, while privately owned, the fort’s majestic presence can still be admired from the shores of Praia Grande or by those traversing the waters, offering a picturesque snapshot of the Algarve’s historical tapestry.

River Taxi to Portimão

ferragudo river taxi

Portimão, the second-largest city on the Algarve, is just across the water, as is the seaside resort town of Praia da Rocha. Although you could easily get a taxi over there and you can even walk to Portimão in about an hour, a much more fun way of crossing the water is to take the taxi ferry from Ferragudo. This ferry typically has two routes: either to Portimão (next to Portimão Museum) or to the Marina at Praia da Rocha. In Praia da Rocha, you will have a number of bars and restaurants to choose from while Central Portimão offers museums, restaurants, and shopping malls like Aqua. 

Take a boat trip up the Arade

Embarking on a boat journey up the Arade River to Silves is an enchanting experience. As you navigate the calm waters, the Algarve’s picturesque landscapes unfold with lush banks, traditional houses, and citrus orchards reflecting in the shimmering waters. The destination, Silves, was once the Moorish capital of the Algarve and greets visitors with its majestic castle perched above the town. This river voyage not only offers a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty but also provides a historical insight, tracing a route that has been used for centuries to connect the coastal towns to the inland treasures of the Algarve.

Praia da Angrinha

Praia da Angrinha, slightly more rugged than its neighbouring beaches, offers a unique insight into traditional Ferragudo life. While it might lack the scenic charm of Praia Grande or Caneiros, it compensates by offering a glimpse of the local fishermen’s daily routines. Along the beach’s edge, a line of old, makeshift sheds can be seen, where fishermen are often spotted mending their nets and prepping their boats. Though the waters of the estuary are clean, those keen on swimming might favour the nearby Praia Grande. Additionally, Praia da Angrinha boasts a spacious sandy car park, free of charge, making it a convenient spot for visitors during busy times. From here, a leisurely stroll along the beach will lead visitors past the historic Castelo de São João de Arade and onwards to Praia Grande.

Praia Grande Beach

Praia Grande

Nestled in the embrace of Ferragudo’s rugged coastline, Praia Grande Beach offers a serene escape for sun-seekers and beach lovers. Its vast stretch of golden sands, caressed by the gentle waves of the Atlantic, makes it a favourite for both locals and tourists. Flanked by impressive cliffs and crowned with the historic São João de Arade castle’s silhouette, this beach is not just a haven for relaxation but also a picturesque setting that captures the Algarve’s raw beauty. Whether it’s for sunbathing, beachcombing, or enjoying a leisurely swim, Praia Grande promises a delightful experience by the sea.

Caneiros Beach

Caneiros Beach, a serene haven located close to Ferragudo, is a picturesque blend of golden sands and rugged cliffs. This pristine stretch of the Algarve coast offers visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist spots. Flanked by towering limestone cliffs, the beach’s seclusion makes it an ideal spot for sunbathers and those seeking a quieter coastal experience. As the waves gently kiss the shoreline, beachgoers can enjoy the natural beauty, while nearby seafood restaurants, like the ever-popular Rei das Praias, offer a delightful culinary experience with fresh catches of the day. 

Getting Here

  • Flying: The nearest airport to Ferragudo is Faro Airport, which is around 50 minutes by car. There are taxis, Ubers, and car rental options at Faro Airport. 
  • Train: The nearest train station to Ferragudo is in Parchal, which is around 3.5 km (2.17 miles) from Ferragudo Town Centre. From here, you can easily get the train to nearby towns and cities like Portimão, Lagos, and Faro.
  • Bus: In most cases, you will need to get a bus to and from Portimão as there are few buses to Ferragudo itself. You can easily get a taxi or Uber from Ferragudo to Portimão. Portimão bus station is a major hub for this part of the Algarve so you can get buses to most places in the Algarve or the rest of mainland Portugal from here. For local buses, see vamos.pt. For longer distance buses, see Rede Expressos or Flixbus.pt. 
  • Car: Ferragudo is easily accessible from Faro Airport, a drive of approximately 45 minutes via the A22, or from Lisbon, which takes around 2.5 hours on the A2 motorway.