Ferragudo
Information on Ferragudo
Ferragudo is smaller and more traditional than its neighbour, Portimão. Located across the river estuary of Rio Arade, Ferragudo is a beautiful village and has actually been tipped to be one of the Algarve’s new hot spots. First impressions of the little picture postcard fishing village of are of this towns resemblance to a traditional, quaint, Portuguese fishing village. This picturesque village remains unspoilt and has retained its character and traditional values, as well as a lot of its old charm. Many of the houses in Ferragudo are traditional fisherman’s homes. It is truly a picturesque scene when you arrive in Ferragudo to see the whitewashed houses tumbling down the hillside towards the river front.
The authentic fishing ‘industry’ continues still only a short walk from the centre of town. Small and medium boats land daily catches here, so the local restaurants boast fresh produce on their menus. A selection of fine seafood restaurants line the Ferragudo harbour front often visited by the rich and famous who moor up their boats in the harbour and stay for a spot of lunch. Here you can watch your chosen seafood prepared and cooked on an open barbeque whilst watching the local fishermen bringing home their catch of the day. These restaurants are situated in a super position to sit and watch the beautiful evening sunset over Portimáo whilst enjoying a glass of local wine. Quite often, the smaller restaurants that are frequented by local residents are the ones to seek out, if you”re after flavour and value.
Ferragudo town is embraced by palmfringed gardens, which run alongside a narrow riverlet up to the main cobbled square, Praça Rainha Dona Leonor. This is a lovely square, with a variety of restaurants and café’s you can sit outside of and restaurants and watch the world go about its business.
Although it has plenty of places to eat and partake of refreshments, the nature of the town means that you may need to look outside of its boundaries for something to do. Fortunately, because of its relatively central position, it’s surrounded by lots of opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. If you fancy Algarve bird watching, then Ferragudo is a good spot to stay. There”s the nearby estuary, which usually proves rewarding for sighting of popular species. There are also lots of fun activities that will keep families of all ages entertained close to hand. The calm waters of the river are particularly good for windsurfing and other water sports and Slide and Splash Water Park is just a short distance away at Lagoa. There are all sorts of boat trips from the river front in Portimáo fishing, trips around the coastline and caves, dolphin watching or even a trip up the river to Silves. if you enjoy golf there are numerous golf courses in the area two of which were only completed in 2008. One course has been designed by Nick Faldo and the other by Christy O’connor Jnr. so there are plenty of new challenges to conquer. You won”t miss out if tennis is your game either as there is Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis at Sesmarias which is conveniently positioned between Ferragudo and Carvoeiro. The summer months however, are witness to nightly goingson in the town square, for which all the locals turn out to take part. It”s something of a nonstop party, and everyone is invited.
There are two sandy beaches within walking distance and a further three superb beaches in close proximity to the village. Praia da Angrinha is the closest beach to the village in Ferragudo, there are other beautiful beaches such as Praia Grande and Praia do Pintadinho in Ferragudo. They’re neatly separated by the romantic shadow of the riverside fort, São João de Arade. If you fancy trying some Algarve water sports, then you can indulge yourself at Angrinha.
The Fort of São João de Arade. It began life in the 15th century as a lookout tower and then was extended in 17th/18th century as part of the fortifications protecting the mouth of the river. The fort in Ferragudo, also known as the ‘castelo’, started life as a watchtower back in the late 15th century. A village sprang up around the watchtower, probably within defensive walls. Since the fort was intended, along with its counterpart at Praia da Rocha, to defend the entrance to the Arade River and the inland areas it serves; it was furnished with artillery batteries to repel marauding ships. During the 1755 earthquake, the fort was devastated, even to its foundations, and cost the authorities a lot to repair. About 140 years later, it fell into disuse and was sold at auction. Early in the 20th century, it was prettified and renovated by a Portuguese poet and remains in private hands today, although it has been classified as a building of historic national importance. Its walled gardens extend as far as the two beaches, Angrinha and Praia Grande, which it separates.
