The fishing village of Ferragudo sits across the Arade river from Portimão, looking back at Praia da Rocha from the eastern bank. It has resisted the high-rise development that defines its neighbour: a cluster of low white-washed cottages around a central square, fishing boats drawn up on the slipway, and a cobbled lane climbing to the parish church.
It is a quieter, more local alternative to a day on Praia da Rocha — most of the cafes serve a Portuguese clientele, the bar prices are lower, and the seafood at the simple restaurants by the water (try Rei das Praias for the grilled sardines) is excellent. The Fort of São João do Arade on the headland is privately owned but visible from the village.
The walk along the riverbank or a short ferry across from Portimão are the easy ways to reach Ferragudo from Praia da Rocha.