Day 2 in Portugal: Alvor, Praia dos Três Irmãos, Ferragudo & Portimão

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Ferragudo – One of the Algarve’s Most Charming Villages

Morning – Heading to Alvor

The next morning, we planned a relaxed itinerary that didn’t require a long drive. After a calm and cozy breakfast, we set off, and our first stop on our Algarve adventure was the nearby town of Alvor, just a few minutes’ drive from Portimão.

Since we arrived fairly early, around 9:30 a.m., there were still plenty of free parking spots along the main street, so it was easy to find a place for the car.

Strolling Around Charming Alvor

Alvor is a lovely little town in the Algarve region. Once a fishing village, it has now become a popular holiday destination that still manages to keep its traditional charm thanks to its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and proximity to the Rio de Alvor estuary.
We wandered through its picturesque alleys lined with cozy cafés, family-run restaurants, and small souvenir shops.
Family tip: There’s a free public restroom on R. Dr. Frederico Ramos Mendes, right next to BarBar D’Alvor. Perfect for those exploring the town with kids!

Church and Castle Ruins

We were curious to see the parish church, Igreja do Divino Salvador. This 16th-century building showcases the Manueline style typical of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and is often considered one of the most beautiful churches of its kind in the Algarve.
Nearby, the ruins of Alvor Castle evoke the village’s eventful past and add to its historic atmosphere.

The Rio de Alvor Estuary

Alvor’s true treasure lies in its natural surroundings. The estuary of the Rio de Alvor is now a protected nature reserve where you can walk along long wooden boardwalks through dunes, lagoons, and wetlands rich in birdlife. It’s a peaceful, relaxing experience and a must if you enjoy nature walks.

Beach Time at Praia dos Três Irmãos

Our second stop of the day was the beach – Praia dos Três Irmãos. This stunning beach is actually an extension of Praia do Alvor, and you can easily walk between them along the sand.
We drove there and once again found a free parking spot close to the beach. From there, it was just a short walk through the paid parking area to reach the shore.

The sea here is usually calm and shallow, so you can walk quite far into the water – ideal for families with young children. What makes this beach really special are the dramatic rock formations and hidden coves scattered along the coastline. Every turn reveals another picture-perfect arch or secret little bay.
The “three brothers” rocks gave the beach its name, and their unique shapes create a truly magical setting – it’s not just another long sandy beach.
We loved that our beach time came with a touch of adventure, exploring caves and natural arches. If you appreciate unspoiled coastal beauty, take your time to wander and discover all the hidden corners of this beach.

Lunch Break and Rest Stop

We had packed sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and of course, plenty of water. After our morning stroll and some beach time, our little one started to get tired. We had a sun umbrella, high SPF sunscreen, and a hat, but we prefer not to stay too long on the beach during the hottest midday hours.
So we packed up, Liny ate her sandwich lunch, and as soon as we got back in the car, she fell asleep – just in time for the short drive to nearby Ferragudo.

Ferragudo – One of the Algarve’s Most Charming Villages

Just a short drive from Portimão lies Ferragudo, a tiny yet magical fishing village, often described as one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve.

Arrival and First Impressions

It took us about half an hour to get there, and Liny was still fast asleep when we arrived. We parked in a roadside spot close to the town center. Not wanting to wake her up, I went for a short solo walk to explore and take some photos.

Ferragudo sits beautifully along the mouth of the Arade River. Walking by the riverfront, I saw small fishing boats bobbing on the water and fishermen working with traditional methods – a scene that gives the village its authentic, timeless charm.

The Heart of the Village

When Liny woke up, we headed together to the main square, Praça Rainha Dona Leonor. This lovely spot is surrounded by cafés and restaurants – perfect for relaxing with a cold drink or an early dinner while soaking up the peaceful rhythm of local life.

Exploring the Cobbled Streets

After dinner, we wandered through the narrow cobbled streets. Everywhere we looked, there were charming details: whitewashed houses with colorful doors and windows, flower-filled balconies, and cozy corners that begged to be photographed.

We had planned to visit Castelo de São João do Arade and Praia Grande, but decided to skip them this time. When we travel, we try not to rush through sights – instead, we focus on truly experiencing the atmosphere of each place. The essence of travel lies in slowing down, being present, and appreciating every color, sound, and story around us.

The medieval Castelo de São João do Arade sits proudly on a hill overlooking the village. Although it’s not open to visitors, it’s worth admiring from the outside.
Praia Grande, the nearby beach, is just a short walk from the center – a long sandy stretch at the river mouth where the water is calmer than on the open ocean, making it perfect for families with children.

A Short Stop in Portimão

On our way back to the hotel, we made a quick stop in Portimão to visit Forte de Santa Catarina. This 17th-century fortress once protected the town from pirate attacks and now serves as a fantastic viewpoint. It’s well maintained, has free public restrooms, and offers a stunning panorama over Praia da Rocha and the harbor entrance.
Although some parts of the fort aren’t open to visitors, its exterior is impressive and definitely worth a stop.

If Portimão is your base, you can easily find exciting activities and tours on sites like GetYourGuide, Tiqets or Freetour and book them in advance.