Castelo de Sao Joao do Arade

Historic Site

The Castelo de Sao Joao do Arade stands on the eastern headland at the mouth of the River Arade, directly opposite the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina on the Praia da Rocha side. Together, the two fortifications formed a defensive gateway that controlled access to the river and the port of Portimao upstream. The castle dates from the early seventeenth century, though a defensive structure has occupied this promontory since at least the medieval period.

The castle is privately owned and not open to the public, but its exterior and the beach beneath it are freely accessible. The building has been well maintained, its white walls and crenellated battlements presenting a picturesque image against the blue of sea and sky. The beach of Praia da Angrinha curves around the base of the headland, sheltered from the predominant westerly swell and popular with families.

Ferragudo itself is a compact fishing village that has largely resisted the high-rise development visible across the river in Portimao and Praia da Rocha. Narrow streets climb from the waterfront to the parish church on the hill above, and the quayside restaurants serve fish landed from the small boats that still operate from the harbour. The village has attracted a community of artists and writers, drawn by the light, the relative quiet and the proximity to the coast without the bustle of the larger resorts.

The view from the harbour across the river to Portimao and the high cliffs of Praia da Rocha is one of the classic perspectives of the western Algarve, and the walk along the waterfront from the village centre to the castle takes no more than ten minutes.