Ferragudo

Ferragudo, Algarve, Portugal

Castelo Sao Joao

Ferragudo is not to be missed, but to get the best from this fishing village you have to walk and be reasonably fit for there is a lot of ground to cover. From the railway station we headed towards the Rio Arade and strolled along the sandy banks into the village for a coffee before continuing along the fishermans quay to the lifeboat station walk around the back wall of the lifeboat station through a small alley and you come to the villages first small beach at the far end is Castelo Sao Joao (pictured). Here you will need to go around the rocks at its base onto the next beach bigger this time head towards the far end but don't miss the dinosaur footprint fossils in the cliff on the way. At the far end of the beach you will find the steps to the clifftop path which will take you past a numer of small beaches and the giant breakwater to the lighthouse at the point. The views of The Rio Arade, Porti Mao, Praia de Rocha, Lagos and Pointe Piedade  along the way are breath taking  There are a number of small cafe/bars on the way to rest those legs before returning either the way you came or along the road back to Ferragudo and the little village square for a well deserved rest. Next is the village church which overlooks the Rio Arade just head up to the highest point to find the church and more amazing views. You can then if your legs can take it explore the little backstreets of the old part of the village for photos like the one opposite. - See more at: http://www.manateevoyager.com/locations.html