Ferragudo

In this quaint typical Algarve riverside fishing village, simple rustic one-storey houses line narrow cobbled streets and flank the harbour. Here you will still see small boats unloading their catch straight onto the dockside, while in the narrow backstreets sardines spit and sizzle on improvised grill's and old ladies peel vegetables and hand-wash clothes.

Ferragudo’s large main beach, Praia Grande, is set at the mouth of the river and with its castle backdrop, is picture-postcard perfect. Walk around the headland and you will find two more beautiful sandy coves. The town square is often a venue for music and dancing on summer evenings and year-round is home to inexpensive fish restaurants serving catch of the day. On the opposite side of the river is the busy shopping centre of Portimão, famous for its fish restaurants, but otherwise little changed by the tidal wave of Algarve tourism.

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If you are looking for villas in Algarve with private pool Affinity Villas offers many more destinations including Tavira, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Loule, Vilamoura, Silves, Porches, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Praia do Vau, Alvor and Luz.

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Trail of the Headlands

This excellent walking trail of 6km (Caminho dos Promontórios) starts at the parking area of Praia do Molhe and ends at Praia do Paraíso in Carvoeiro. The scenery is absolutely stunning, the trail runs along the cliff tops, following a rugged coastline of rocks which, through the ages, has resulted in promontories, distinctive arches, small coves beaches, caves and sinkholes which are so characteristic of this part of the coast.

Beach life

Along with the charms of the old village and the diversity of things to do nearby, Ferragudo's biggest draw is the array of fine beaches. Praia Grande is considered as the main beach and, just as the name suggests, it is a good-sized stretch of sand on the far side of the Forte de São João do Arade. The sheltered waters of the Arade beaches are ideal for a range of water sports such as kayaking, SUP, water skiing and so on. Praia do Pintadinho is lovely and nestles in the shelter of the imposing headland of Ponta do Altar. There is a choice of beach bars and restaurants, many of them do sunset parties in the summer months, with live music and tapas.

Fontes de Estombar

Off the beaten (tourist) track is the Sítio das Fontes Parque Municipal in Estômbar, more commonly known as Fontes de Estômbar (Estômbar Springs). This natural park is situated on the left bank of the Arade estuary near the village of Estômbar. It is a place to discover and ideal to spend a different day. There is a picnic area with tables and benches and several grills (make sure to bring charcoal!), an open-air amphitheatre, a fitness circuit and lots of shady spots to lie down and relax. But the best of this park are the springs with the natural ‘swimming pools’, a small weir, a restored tide mill and ancient irrigation system which are fun to explore! There also is a pleasant walking trail of 1,3km.