Guide to Ferragudo

Ferragudo is one of the last remaining unspoilt fishing villages of the Algarve. Situated on the east bank of the Portimao river, the village is a delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets. The leafy square is backed with alleyways meandering up the hill to the church which affords a panoramic view of the estuary and the famous 17th century fort. The village centre has a good selection shops and places to stop for a refreshing cool drink on a warm summers day.

The harbour is lined with good quality seafood restaurants overlooking the boats of the wealthy, who moor their boats there. These restaurants prepare and cook your chosen seafood in the traditional Portuguese way and are ideally situated to watch the fishermen bring in the day’s catch or enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over Portimao.

The surrounding coastline has a mixture of sandy coves and wider golden beaches. Snorkellers will find the cliffs and rocks at nearby Algar Seco a must. The Praia Grande is a great beach for water sports, and wind-surfing, catamaran sailing and water skiing are all available at the Wind-Surf School there.

Our well equipped villas in Ferragudo and the surrounding area are well positioned so you can take every advantage of all the amenities on offer.

Villas to go recommended beaches…

Praia da Rocha - One of the Algarve’s most famous beaches. Immense and very sandy, with walkways to protect feet from hot sand. Several beach bars. Flags and lifeguard in season. Interesting rock formation, especially to the west towards Praia do Vau. Very good surf spot near the pier. Pedaloes and canoes for hire.

Alvôr - A long sandy stretch. At the east side of the beach is the small sheltered sandy cove of Três Irmãos – good for snorkelling. The main beach at the west has wide easy access. Windsurfers and sailing boats for hire. The resort is a lovely place to stroll around in the evening. If dining here, sardines are a must.

Villas to Go recommended golf courses...

Penina was originally paddy fields where rice was grown and is the grandfather of courses in the Algarve. Now a flat course which is especially challenging for the experienced player. Designed by Henry Cotton, there are strategically placed water hazards to catch out long hitters. 5km east of Portimao.

Alto Golf, located between Portimao and the coast, so has stunning views of the sea at various points. Elevated greens, well placed trees and strategic bunkers make good tests of a player’s ability. The par-5 on the sixteenth is one of the longest holes in Europe.

Morgado is the newest in the Algarve, north of Portimao. Has large greens to test your putting skills, and deep aggressive bunkers.

Alamos another new course to the north of Portimao, in a similar layout to Morgado.

Take time to go…

Have a family day of fun at a water park. Slide and Splash, is east of Lagoa and children up to 5 years old are admitted free.

Sail away from Portimao on a Pirate Ship Adventure Cruise in a two-mast vessel bound for the east. Visit enormous caves at Benagil, Alfanzina and Lagos. Have a barbecue on the beach and be reassured that the boat does have a toilet for its younger pirates!

Discover Krazy World near Silves, with its 36 hole mini golf course. There are live alligators in the swamp, a snake pit and a quad bike circuit.