Ferragudo

Ferragudo is a fishing settlement on the Algarve coast that spreads down hillside terraces toward the Arade River. Whitewashed houses create a maze of narrow streets descending to the harbor, where Fort São João do Arade guards the river mouth.

The settlement grew from a fishing community that was already protected by Queen Leonor in the 16th century because of its strategic location. Defensive structures were built to secure the increasingly important harbor and its growing population.

The fishing community shapes daily life at the harbor, where traditional craft techniques remain visible in boats and nets. These practices connect residents to their maritime past and continue to shape local identity today.

The settlement sits on the riverside and is easy to reach from the water, with the Fort serving as a well-known landmark. Visitors should note that the narrow streets descending toward the harbor are steep and require sturdy footwear.

The area encompasses four distinct beaches: Angrinha, Caneiros, Torrados, and Pintadinho, each displaying different geological features. This variety makes the location interesting for visitors wanting to explore different coastal and sand types.