Ferragudo
A fishing village on the Arade estuary facing Portimão, with an old fort, sandy beaches and a working waterfront.
Ferragudo is a village in the municipality of Lagoa, sitting on the east bank of the Arade river where it meets the sea, directly across from Portimão. Fishermen first settled here for shelter from winter storms, and boats still tie up along the riverside, even though tourism now drives the local economy.
At the river mouth stands the Fort of São João do Arade, built to guard the estuary against pirates. Nearby, Praia Grande offers a long stretch of sand, while smaller Angrinha sits closer to the village. The parish church is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição. It suits visitors who like a relaxed base with a lived-in feel.