Guide to Ferragudo

'With its quaint cobbled streets and fishing village atmosphere, Ferragudo is one of the last outposts of the traditional Algarve.'

It's rare to find the authentic Algarve amongst the well developed resorts of the west. But Ferragudo bucks the trend magnificently. A classic combination of cobbled streets and whitewashed, flower-decked houses clustered around a simple village church, it's a reminder of how sleepy and unspoilt this part of Portugal was just a few decades ago. Wander up to the terrace in front of the church and you'll be rewarded with fantastic views across the terracotta rooftops to the colourful boats bobbing about in the estuary below. Carry on walking and you'll come to the Castelo de Sao Joao de Arade, which stands proud on a rocky headland. Built as a lookout post, this medieval fortress was turned into a well posh gaff by the poet Coelho Carvalho and is still a rather palatial private house today. From there it's just a short stroll down to the village's main resort area, Praia Grande. Protected by a sea wall, it's a great sport for watersports, particularly windsurfing. Not to mention having one of the best beaches this side of Carvoeiro. In the evening, Ferragudo's marina is a pleasant place to while away a few hours and you can sample the catch of the day in one of the harbourside fish restaurants. As for days out, you can follow the route plied by ancient Phoenician traders up-river to the Moorish town of Silves or explore Portimao, one of the Algarve's main fishing ports.

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