Praia da Angrinha Beach Guide

Praia da Angrinha is one of the Algarve's most relaxed and natural beaches, hidden in the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo. It is a golden sands destination sheltered by the historic Fort of Sao João do Arade, overlooking the river estuary of Arade and offering a flavour of local lifestyle. It is far quieter than the surrounding Praia da Rocha or Carvoeiro. This undiscovered gem is well worth visiting by tourists looking to relax, enjoy history, and experience a quintessential Portuguese coastal experience.

Why visit Praia da Angrinha

Praia da Angrinha is full of dramatic cliffs, busy resorts, and postcard-perfect coves, and at other times, the best things are the little-known, less frequented beaches. Praia da Angrinha in Ferragudo in the municipality of Lagoa is one such treasure. Angrinha is quiet, natural, and provides an opportunity to experience the fishing culture of the Algarve, unlike the busy hotspots of Praia da Rocha, Portimão, or Praia de Carvoeiro.

The beach is located on the Arade River estuary, with views of the Portimão marina and the famous Fort of São João do Arade. This is the place where history, nature, and local culture meet, and it is an ideal place when peace is needed rather than crowded sun beds.

What to Expect at the Beach

Praia da Angrinha is not a touristy beach flaunting--it is plain and quiet and feels natural. The sand is dune-like and tawny, running along a lee shore. As it belongs to the estuary, the water is still, and hardly a wave violates the surface.

You will not find any parasols for hire or sunbeds in rows. In its place, you will discover tiny fishing boats drawn ashore, huts where the local fishermen stay, and the family occasionally jumping in the water. It is casual and informal, one that a traveller would enjoy as an alternative to the hectic resorts.

Fort of São João do Arade

The best attraction of Praia da Angrinha is, doubtlessly, the Fort of São João do Arade, or the Castle of Ferragudo. The tower stands on the beach's southern end and was initially constructed as a lookout tower during the 15th century, which was later fortified in the 17th century to guard against pirates in the Arade estuary.

The fort, privately owned today and not open to the public, is nonetheless a backdrop of atmospheres. Its orange walls are lit by the late afternoon sun, giving it great photo chances with the skyline of Portimão in the background. The combination of the view of fishing boats bobbing in the distance with this historic fortress makes a really Algarvean picture.

Our tips

• Bring supplies: Beach bars and restaurants are not located on the sand. Bring water,cks, and shade if you stay long.

• Arrive early: The small car parking lot is crowded in the summer. Early morning also provides the best light to take photographs.

• Combine with Praia Grande: If you are interested in livelier beach life, which should include restaurants, walking around the fort at low tide to arrive at the neighbouring Praia Grande is possible.

• Best for families: The calm, low waters are best when young children are involved or a person is afraid of Atlantic waves.

  
  

Praia Grande

Just a short stroll from Angrinha lies Praia Grande, one of Ferragudo’s most popular beaches. Larger and more developed, it has restaurants, beach clubs, and lifeguards in summer. Many visitors start their day at Praia da Angrinha for peace and authenticity, then move to Praia Grande for a swim, meal, or sundowner cocktail.

Praia Grande is also known for its vibrant summer events, making it a fun contrast to Angrinha’s quiet charm.

How to Get There

Angrinha is very accessible. From the Faro Airport, it is approximately a 60-minute commute by the A22 motorway. The beach is right in the village of Ferragudo; therefore, one can walk there in a few minutes.

The parking space behind the beach is not big. Although this is usually adequate during non-peak summer, it can be busy during July and August. Fortunately, the size of Ferragudo is small, and it is not difficult to find other parking places in the village and walk.

If you stay in Portimão, a ferry crosses the river to Ferragudo during the summer, and you can therefore visit Angrinha without a vehicle.

Best Restaurants Near the Beach

Although Praia da Angrinha itself doesn’t have facilities, Ferragudo is full of excellent dining options:

Facilities are not provided there, but Ferragudo is full of great restaurants:

Restaurante Sueste: A nearby local favourite on the waterfront, deals with fresh grilled fish.

A Ria - Traditional Portuguese seafood, and river-view.

Club Nau (on nearby Praia Grande) is a glam club that serves Mediterranean food and cocktails.

O Barril: A small Ferragudo village restaurant serving cataplana (typical seafood stew in the Algarve).

The cafes in Ferragudo's main square are within 5 minutes walking distance for a snack in between swims.

Where to Stay

Ferragudo and its surroundings have accommodation options to suit different tastes:

• Private villa – Private villa with pools, perfect for families.

• Hotel Casabela – Just steps from Praia Grande, set in tropical gardens with a pool and restaurant.

• One2Seven – Modern boutique accommodation with a gym, pool, and self-catering options.

• Tivoli Marina Portimão (across the river) – A stylish stay in Portimão, with views back toward Ferragudo and Angrinha.

Top Excursions Nearby

Praia da Angrinha is ideally located for exploring the Algarve. Popular excursions include:

• Boat tours to Benagil Cave – Departing from Portimão or Carvoeiro, these trips explore the Algarve’s most famous sea cave.

• Kayaking along the cliffs – Paddle past dramatic limestone formations near Carvoeiro and Praia dos Caneiros.

• Day trip to Silves – Visit the Moorish castle, cathedral, and medieval streets of this historic inland town.

• Portimão Museum – Learn about the region’s sardine canning heritage in a converted riverside factory.

• Hiking coastal trails – Walk the cliffs from Ferragudo to Carvoeiro for breathtaking views.