We have rented a villa in September overlooking the water in Farragudo on the Algarve. Our 2 adult daughters, their husbands, and our four young grandchildren will all be with us. I was in other parts of Portugal last year and enjoyed the visit. I thought I did my homework and now I'm questioning my decision to go to the Algarve. We aren't looking for water slides and high rise condos. We are looking for charm. Did we make a mistake? If yes I've lost a really large deposit on the villa.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1824 posts
I have just spent the last two weeks house sitting in the Algarve. I've been right outside of Lagos and have really enjoyed the area. One of the women I met talked about Farragudo in favorable terms but I did not visit that area. Of course, I've been here during a very quiet time but the beaches and rock formations are amazing. There are some small towns inland that are worth a visit and are quite charming - as is Lagos. I didn't see any water slides and not many high rise condos in this area but understand as you get closer to Faro, those things will likely be there.
Only you can make the decision to cancel, but the western part of the Algarve is pretty spectacular and I would return.
Posted by
OP
south portland, Maine, United States
74 posts
Thank you. You just made me feel so much better. Could you give me the names of the towns that you enjoyed?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Farragudo has seen lots of development like the rest of the Algarve, but it does retain some charm. Towns worth visiting are Lagos, Alvor, Sagres, Loule and Silves.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1824 posts
I returned back home to Cascais yesterday and the train stopped at Farragudo. For what it's worth, I didn't see any high rises in the area. But, bear in mind my view was just along the railroad tracks.
I definitely enjoyed Lagos. Ponte de Piadade and the beaches close to it are a must. Lagos itself has a nice downtown to shop and a great market. The beach east of Lagos, Meia Praia was lovely, with a few great restaurants. I also enjoyed driving to Sagres and out to the southwestern tip of the continent. Luz was also a nice town with a lovely beach. RS sings the praises of Salema but I was very underwhelmed. There are so many more beaches in the Algarve than here in the Lisbon area, so that was really nice. The town of Monchique was something I wanted to visit but didn't make..
I didn't care for Portimao but understand there is a nice beach that I didn't visit.
The shrimp are amazing, as is all the seafood. If you google 'Algarve' you will find lots that is skipped by RS.
Posted by
OP
south portland, Maine, United States
74 posts
thank you. You all are making me feel a bit better about my decision and you've given me some fun suggestions.
Posted by
Porto - Portugal
238 posts
No water slides or high rise condos in Ferragudo (high rise condos in Praia da Rocha - Portimão, although the beach is beautiful). So, don't worry, Ferragudo is a lovely small village where you can buy your fish directly to the fishermem. You have a lot of good restaurants below the bridge at Portimão (that is just nearby), try "cataplana", and you have a lot of small villages you can also visit: Carvoeiro, Odiáxere, Mexilhoeira Grande, and of course the charm city of Lagos. Enjoy!