Ferragudo is one of the most charming fishing villages in the Algarve coast and still a real insider tip for your next travel to Portugal. In Ferragudo, traditional Portuguese flair meets untouched nature and invites you to discover the many secrets of this unique town in the south of Portugal. So next time you ask yourself what to do in Ferragudo, here are the best things to do and see in this beautiful town in the Algarve.
What do do in Ferragudo: Old town & historic places
When you visit Ferragudo, you will notice the many colourful places which are perfect for taking your Instagram feed to the next level. The small cobblestone streets will lead you past characteristic whitewashed houses, lush summer flowers and colourful doorways.
Therefore, don’t forget to take a break at Praça Rainha Dona Leonor which is the heart of Ferragudo. In this area, you will find many small restaurants with terraces that offer live music and a special atmosphere.
Another place which you should not miss out is the Igreja de Ferragudo. The white and yellow church towers over the riverbank are the perfect places for a beautiful panoramic view. Besides the church, the fort of São João de Arade is also worth a visit. Although the interior is not accessible for visitors, the exterior of the terracotta castle built into the rocks is a great experience!
If you’re more into action, Ferragudo also has a lot to offer. First, you can take the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Atlantic coast on a surfboard or you rent a bike to explore the secret corners of the fishing village and surrounding beaches on your own. During our visit, we headed over to Praia dos Carneiros, where we spent the afternoon at the beach.
Where to eat in Ferragudo
When we came back to the center of Ferragudo in the evening, we enjoyed a local dinner at Restaurante Borda do Cais. The Portuguese restaurant is known for its great selection of fish dishes and we gave it a try. Even if this restaurant is not the cheapest one in Ferragudo, the food was great and we were even able to enjoy the sunset through the wide windows of this place.
Photo from Borda do Cais
Apart from this great restaurant in Ferragudo, you will find many more small fish restaurants around the area of the old town. However, for a romantic dinner or special occasions, Quinta dos Santos is also a great choice. The restaurant is located slightly outside of Ferragudo (not more than 10 minutes from the center), but a secret tip to go. With seasonal Mediterranean dishes and a beautiful view from the Terrace over the countryside, you will fall in love with this culinary experience at Quinta dos Santos.
Boat tours & perfect daytrip from Ferragudo
And while you’re in Ferragudo, be sure to take one of the popular boat tours. What about a trip to the famous Benagil Caves? If you decide to do so, we would recommend to book a place before and to avoid peak times. It might get crowdy. For an exceptional boat trip to the Benagil Caves in the Algarve, you can book under this link*.
Whenever you spend some more time in this beautiful region, you might consider making a daytrip to see more of the Algarve. In this case, Lagos is a great choice. The drive will take you around 35 minutes by car which is not that long compared to what Lagos has to offer. We even wrote an entire article about what to do in Lagos. On top of that, Lagos is one of the best places in the Algarve to enjoy a boat tour. So don’t miss that out!
Is Ferragudo worth a visit in the Algarve?
Even if Ferragudo might seem to be a small town, it’s the perfect place to calm down and enjoy the authentic summer vibes in the Algarve. You have great beaches such as Praia dos Caneiros, delicious seafood and fish restaurants as well as a beautiful center of the town. Especially if you’re into photography, you will love the colourful fishing village of Ferragudo.
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