Things to do in Ferragudo, Algarve

Areas of interest in and around Ferragudo

• Lagoa is one of the main wine producing areas of the Algarve so if you would like to know more about them why not  visit the Adega.
  Adega Cooperativa de Lagoa - wine tasting tours 09:00 – 12:00 and
  14:00 – 18:00.
  Contact details : E.N. 125, Lagoa 8400-901.
  Tel. 282 342 181
  Fax 282 342 369  

Churches in the Ferragudo area

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Ferragudo: Originates from the 16th century, but as with so many in the Algarve was badly damaged in 1755 and had to be rebuilt.

• Igreja Matriz in Lagoa: It was very badly damaged in 1755. After it was rebuilt it still retained a manueline door and the baroque altars from the 16th century.
  
  

• Igreja Matriz in Estombar: It has been classified as a national monument. It was built on a hill overlooking the village in the middle of the 16th century and is reputedly one of the best examples of manueline architecture to be seen in the barlovento region of the Algarve.

• Igreja Matriz in Porches: Originated in 16th century, but reduced to a ruin after 1755 and was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century.

Historical remains in the Ferragudo area

• Forte de São João do Arade at Ferragudo: The fort began life in the 15th century as a lookout tower protecting the Arade estuary and was extended in 17th/18th century. At the beginning of the 20th century it was turned into a home on the initiative of the poet, Coelho Carvalho. It is now privately owned. 
   
  

• Other historical remains in the Ferragudo area are those of Atalaia and Quinta da Torre which were medieval watchtowers to give warning of attacks by pirates and corsairs.
  
   

• Convento de São Francisco, Sítio do Calvário, Estombar: A Franciscan convent in the 17th century, but badly damaged in the earthquake.

Leisure activities in the Ferragudo area

• Walking: Follow the painted arrows from the town to the furthest beach Praia dos Caneiros for a lovely long stroll around the Ferragudo coastline. There are shorter walks labelled for the less energetic too!

• Santa Benarda pirate ship trips to the caves (from Portimão), Tel: 282 422 791
   
  

• Slide and Splash water park near Lagoa - operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. It opens daily at 10am and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year.

• Aqualand (The Big One):  Water park near Alcantarilha. Open from 26th May to 12th September (2008) 10.00h to 18.00h.

• Dolphin watching (Alvor): Sea Life, Tel: 919 919 966

• Horse riding: Quinta da Gill (Lagoa), Tel: 966 619 136

• Tennis: Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis at Mato Serrão, Sesmarias.
  Tel:282 357 847

• Golf: 'Gramacho', 'Pinta', 'Morgado' and 'Silves' are the nearest courses

• Municipal swimming pool in Lagoa: 
  Opening hours -
  Monday and Friday - 09h30 -14h30  and16h00 - 21h00
  Tuesday and Thursday - 16h00 - 21h00
  Wednesday - 15h00 - 20h00
  Saturday - 09h00 - 13h00
  Closed Sundays and holidays. You will need a swimming cap and flipflops for poolside use.
  
   

• Zoomarine at Guia (10km from Albufeira): It's open all year round and is a great day out for the family with dolphin and sealion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds show. It's both educational and fun. There are places to eat and drink, and also some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in!
  Opening hours are 10.00h to 17.00h in the winter (closed Mondays in January and February); 10.00h to 18.00h mid March to end of June and 10.00h to 19.30h during the summer.
  
  

• Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos)  - a beautiful zoo, just on the outskirts of Lagos. It is a fantastic day out for all ages, with lots of lovely animals.
  Open all year round, 7 days a week.
  Winter (from the 1st of October to the 31st of March) 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Summer (from the 1st April to the 30th September) 10.00am – 7.00pm
  Quinta Figueiras – Sítio do Medronhal
  Barão de S.João
  8600-013
  Tel: 282 680 100
  
   

• Hotel Algarve Casino in Praia da Rocha - a daily show, dinner, dancing and maybe try your luck! Tel: 282 402 000
  
  

  
   

• Estômbar Parish Museum, Rua da Igreja - Opening hours 09.30 to 17.30.
  Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

• Museu do Rancho Folclórico do Calvário, Rua do Rancho, Estombar -  a collection of daily objects that have been used in agricultural and craft activities. 
  Opening hours: 14.00 to 18.00. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

• Bongard Studio (Atelier Bongard), Rua Infante D. Henrique, Ferragudo - displays of the works by artist Sylvain Bongard.
  Opening hours: 10.00 to 18.00 (20.00 April to October). Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

• Galeria de Arte Kunst, Escadinhas do Povo do Burro, Carvoeiro. 
  Opening hours 10.00 to 12.00. Closed Mondays.

• Maré D'Arte Galeria, Rua do Casino, Carvoeiro.
  Opening hours 11.00 to 13.00 and 17.00 to 22.00. Closed Sundays and holidays.