From Ferragudo you look straight across the river: that is Portimão. Where Ferragudo is a quiet fishing village, Portimão is a lively city with shops, museums and one of the best-known beaches in the Algarve. A perfect day trip if you fancy a bit more bustle.
How do you get to Portimão?
In summer you take the water taxi from Ferragudo to the other side, a short and fun trip across the Arade. By car you drive over the bridge into the city in a few minutes.
Museu de Portimão
The Museu de Portimão is housed in an old sardine and mackerel cannery on the river. You see how fish used to be cleaned and canned, with the original machines and beautiful old tins. The museum also tells the history of the city and of finds from the sea. In 2010 the museum won the Council of Europe Museum Prize. Well worth a visit, even if you are not usually into museums.
Sardines on the quay
Portimão has always been a fishing town and you can taste it. In the old harbour by the river you will find restaurants where sardines and other fresh fish are grilled over charcoal. Simple, but delicious. Sit down on a terrace and watch the boats go by.
The old centre
In the centre of Portimão you stroll through shopping streets and across squares with white facades. Also visit the Igreja Matriz on a hill in the centre. Much of the city was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, but the Gothic portal of the church survived.
Praia da Rocha
A few kilometres south of the centre lies Praia da Rocha, a huge sandy beach with ochre cliffs. It is one of the best-known beaches in the Algarve and a lot busier than the beaches near Ferragudo. At the end of the beach stands the Santa Catarina fortress, which together with the castle in Ferragudo protected the river. From the fortress you have a beautiful view, especially at sunset.
Portimão Marina
Next to Praia da Rocha lies the Portimão marina. Many boat trips along the coast depart from here, for example to the caves or to spot dolphins.
Back to the peace of Ferragudo
The beauty of a villa in Ferragudo is that you have the liveliness of Portimão close by, but return to the peace of the village in the evening. View Casa Coppa and Villa Cocheira, or read our tips on things to do in Ferragudo.