The main square in Ferragudo is named after Queen D. Leonor who established the village in 1520.
After the death of King D. João II, her husband, she received the crown and was in charge of a kingdom enriched by the treasures found in the foreign lands of Africa. On a visit to the Algarvian lands, Queen D. Leonor realized how important Ferragudo was. Since this was the only access by boat to reach Silves, the Algarve’s kingdom at the time, Ferragudo had the potential to secure the river’s entrance. For this reason, the Queen demanded a fortress by the river’s mouth to be built. The Fortress of S. João do Arade is nowadays a Ferragudo landmark.
The Queen was also known for her kindness and Christian virtues, and some people named her the “Perfect Princess”. She helped the villagers to build Ferragudo, by providing enough resources to guarantee their safety.
Along this street, you will find other narrower streets called “travessas”. These connect the main streets, mostly by steps, and provide access to private houses. Walking along these streets will make you wonder how, in ancient times, people would carry larger goods from one place to another. Even today, it is a challenge to renovate a house in the old town.
When you reach the riverside, you will see fishing boats floating in the shallow waters, only to be used by seagulls and cormorants, while they patiently wait for their prey.
With some luck, you might see the local fishermen arriving from a fishing trip and perhaps buy the fish and seafood directly from them.
At the pier, in the afternoon, after the fishing is done, the local fishermen prepare the boats and tend the fishing nets, for the next day. Their skilful hands reflect the knowledge passed on from generation to generation, making the work look easy. However, it takes years of practice.
If you look closely, you will also notice some iron frames covered in a fishing net. These are used to catch octopuses. If you ask the fishermen, they will gladly explain to you how this works.
By this time, you are probably wondering where the strange name of Ferragudo comes from. There are many theories on this, but so far no one seems to know exactly which one is right.
Historians strongly believe the word Ferragudo comes from two ancient Portuguese words: “Ferrar” (which means “to anchor”) and “Agudo” (which means “urgent”). It seems that from the village´s early beginnings this has always been a safe harbour.
Besides the fishermen, the dolphins also use the Arade river to protect themselves from the dangers at sea. If you are lucky enough, it is possible to watch families of dolphins, who usually sleep on the river and spend the day at sea.
As you are leaving the pier behind, you will find a path so narrow it will feel like a squeeze to get to the other side. This part of the walk will take you through a series of tiny streets, connected by “travessas” and steps. If you are not sure where to go, don’t worry! Simply follow a straight line on the path that leads you upward and you will eventually reach your destination: Our Lady of Conception Church.
The Church was built in the 17th century on this location for Our Lady of Conception to bless the fishermen’s departure and welcome their return. Outside, there is a small garden where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. The Church is open to the public every day, except for Thursdays and Sundays. You can attend the mass or simply admire the altar’s design, the religious artworks, and the building’s architecture.
The Café Duplex is located next to Our Lady of Conception Church, and it is the perfect place for a stop before heading to the next location. Here you will be able to sit outside, order a “bica” which is how the Portuguese call an espresso coffee, and order the delicious traditional Portuguese custard tard named “pastel de nata”.
After this break, there is a chance to visit one of Ferragudo’s trademark spots. Close to the Church, there’s Dr. Luiz António dos Santos Street and it stands out among others due to the well preserved traditional Algarvian houses and the pink bougainvillea bushes that shade most of the street.
The traditional Portuguese tiles are known as “azulejos”, and they are part of the heritage left by the Moors during their occupation. Their artisans taught the technique to the local artists, which led them to create a unique style. Nowadays, the azulejos are used as ornamental pieces on buildings.
The atelier Arti Arte Azulejar, which can be found near the roundabout at Torre da Atalaia, is the home of the local artisan Carla Guerreiro, who specializes in this craft.
Inside, you will find some unique pieces or, perhaps, create your masterpiece. The workshops organized by the atelier are available both for children and adults and will teach you all the techniques you need. Numbers are limited and places must be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
Ferragudo’s streets are filled with tile panels hand-painted by local artisans, depicting the village’s daily life. You can see these works of art near the pier at Infante Santo Street, at the Calçada do Compromisso path, and near the main square.
Due to the changes to the original architecture of this tower, historians find it difficult to determine the exact date it was built and its purpose. The local authorities have not been able to identify it as a historic building, since there is little data.
However, it is believed this watchtower was built between 1481 and 1495, with the sole purpose of protecting the villagers from the Moroccan pirates who raided the shores. Throughout the centuries, the tower had other uses, such as being converted into a windmill. Also look at the watchtower Torre da Lapa.
The stairway that leads you down to the starting point at the main square offers a unique view of the village. While standing here, you will see your Ferragudo vacation rentals across the other side, the resort Vitor’s Village, Portimão city, and the Arade river.
Most of these buildings are owned by elderly people who are not physically or mentally fit to sign legal documents and their heirs simply don’t live in the village, nor are interested in the property.
The rebuilding costs are quite high if you take the national minimum wage as a reference. Also, most people would need a bank loan, which can only be accepted if the property has an architecture project approved by the municipality.
Another reason might be a legal battle between heirs: neither of them gets the house, they don’t sell it and it gets run down over the years.
Fortunately for Ferragudo, the tourism activities have attracted new people eager to bring those houses back to life. Therefore, you will see so many reconstructed or new buildings in the old part of the village.
Only a few steps ahead, there is a bakery and pastry shop named Quente Quentinho. The smell of freshly baked bread will draw you in and invite you for a delicious piece of cake. If you are too tired, you can simply take the order back to your vacation apartment. The 25 de Abril Street, will lead you back to the main square.
Most of the places are easily accessible and they do not require any alternative routes. However, to visit the Church it is recommended to use a different path.
Primeiro de Maio Street is a less steep option and it has no steps. If your mobility impairments prevent you from walking, this street is drivable and will take you to the Church’s entrance. The tile panel on Calçada do Compromisso path is accessible from Vasco da Gama Street.