Edd’s Beach in Ferragudo: Quiet luxury on Praia do Pintadinho

For our anniversary this year (11 years!), we discovered a true slice of paradise: Edd’s Beach in Ferragudo. Tucked along the golden sands of Praia do Pintadinho, this dreamy beachfront restaurant and lounge isn’t just a place to eat… it’s an experience.

From the moment we arrived, the scene was straight out of a coastal daydream. Edd’s blends modern beach-chic design with laid-back Algarve charm. Think natural wood tones, airy fabrics, thoughtful details, and an open layout that lets the ocean breeze flow right through. You’re literally steps from the sand… you can hear the waves and feel the sun on your face while sipping a crisp glass of wine. We couldn’t have chosen a better spot to celebrate.

About the beach: Praia do Pintadinho

Praia do Pintadinho is one of Ferragudo’s most stunning beaches. Quieter than Praia Grande, but just as beautiful. Surrounded by cliffs and sprinkled with shells, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a slow walk down the shore. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the iconic red-and-white striped Farol da Ponta do Altar just up the coast — one of the best spots in the Algarve to catch the sunset.

The vibe of Edd’s Beach

Edd’s has a grown-up, coastal-cool energy without being pretentious. It’s elegant but approachable… great for a romantic date, an elevated beach lunch, or even just a midday escape with friends. The staff are warm and attentive, and the music is just right: upbeat but never overpowering.

The food: fresh, local, delicious

The menu is focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients with global beachside flair. We shared a few dishes and loved every bite… a vibrant poke bowl loaded with fresh fish and veggies, a refreshing seafood salad that tasted like summer on a plate, and a wood-fired pizza that hit the perfect balance of crispy and chewy with rich, simple toppings.

Everything was beautifully presented, full of flavor, and clearly crafted with care. The kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor.

No dessert this time (we were happily full!), but the food, setting, and sea breeze were more than enough to make it a meal to remember.

How do you book Edd’s Beach?

Reservations are required, especially in the summer season. You can now book directly on their website at eddsbeach.com, quick, easy, and worth it to snag a prime table with ocean views. Whether you’re planning a romantic meal or an afternoon lounge session, booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out.

Why should you go?
There are plenty of beachside spots in the Algarve, but few offer what Edd’s does. A luxurious and spectacular setting, exceptional food, stylish design, and a calm, relaxed atmosphere that invites you to stay all day. It’s both a destination and a vibe — the kind of place you dream about long after you leave.

We came for our anniversary and left planning our next visit. Whether you’re local or just passing through, Edd’s Beach is a Ferragudo must.

When we first stumbled into Ferragudo, we felt it… not just saw it. A slower pace. A friendliness. A kind of untouched beauty that instantly felt like home.

Tucked between dramatic cliffs and the Arade River on Portugal’s southern coast, Ferragudo remains one of the Algarve’s most charming, soulful villages. It’s where fishermen still pull in the daily catch, kids play in the central square, and sunset seekers gather on cliffs and café terraces to toast the end of the day.

We loved it so much… we moved here! And this is your full guide to Ferragudo, its history, landmarks, beaches, views, and even a peek at our life here. Note: if you are looking for the best places to eat in Ferragudo, check out these recommendations.

A bit of Ferragudo history

Ferragudo has roots dating back to the 14th century when its strategic location along the Arade River made it a hub for fishing and trade. The name “Ferragudo” comes from an old iron device – ferro agudo – used to pull boats ashore.

Though it has grown gently with time, Ferragudo hasn’t lost its soul. The village retains its old-world charm with whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and a working fishing harbor that still feeds local restaurants with fresh seafood each day.

Top things to experience in Ferragudo

1. Visit the Castelo de São João do Arade

This ochre-colored castle perches dramatically over the river mouth (and is located right on our favoritae beach… Praia Grande!). Built in the 16th century to defend the coastline from pirates, it’s now privately owned (our girls wish we owned it lol) but still worth a visit for the view. Climb up past the village church and wind through old streets to reach this quiet, majestic spot.

2. Explore the Farol da Ponta do Altar

Just a 5-minute walk from our home, this lighthouse sits on a cliff’s edge and offers arguably the best sunset views in the Algarve. The surrounding cliffs and trails are perfect for an early morning jog or a golden-hour picnic. You’ll watch the sky explode in color, with waves crashing below and the silhouette of Portimão across the water. Don’t miss this spot.

Link to our Airbnb rental just steps from the lighthouse if you want to make it your base during your Algarve stay.

Here is my hubs and I enjoying a beautiful sunset at the lighthouse 🙂

3. Have sunset drinks at Mohle

Prefer to watch the sunset with a drink in hand? Head to Mohle, a tucked-away café bar perched above the breakwater. Grab a glass of wine or a local beer and enjoy front-row seats to the sky show. Their simple menu of toasts, snacks, and pastries pairs perfectly with a laid-back evening. View from Mohle during sunset:

4. Wander the Praça Rainha Dona Leonor

This is the heart of Ferragudo. Locals sip espresso at sidewalk cafés while kids ride scooters and dogs laze in the sun. We love grabbing pastries at Quiosque da Vila or breakfast at Gastro Bar, and people-watching our way into the day.

5. Hit the Beaches

Ferragudo’s coastline is a masterpiece:

• Praia Grande – Long, calm, and family-friendly. Great for swimming, paddleboarding, and letting the kids run wild.
• Praia do Molhe – Quieter, with rugged beauty and a long jetty perfect for walks.
• Praia dos Caneiros – Postcard perfect, with golden cliffs and a fine-dining beachside restaurant, Rei das Praias. Come early or late in the day for fewer crowds and softer light. I’ll do a whole separate blog post on this beach – it is truly special and a 5 minute walk from our home.

Living here: why we chose Ferragudo

We’ve always dreamed of having a family home in a walkable, warm, and welcoming village… and Ferragudo checked every box. In 2023, we bought a home just 5 minutes from the lighthouse, and soon after, fell in love with a second project: a centuries-old ruin in downtown Ferragudo, just steps from the main square.

Yes, a ruin.

It had no roof, no windows, and no plumbing. But it had history. It had charm. And it had that feeling again – the kind that says, “This could be something incredible.”

We made the decision to take it down to its bones and rebuild it, honoring Ferragudo’s architecture and soul while creating a space that’s modern, warm, and filled with light. When completed in 2026, this home will feature views of the harbor, a rooftop terrace, and all the charm that drew us here in the first place.

Stay tuned… this renovation is our love letter to Ferragudo!

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Ferragudo is small, yes, but it’s layered. It’s history, cliffs, and color. It’s grilled fish and sidewalk wine. It’s the kind of place where you still greet your neighbors, watch kids chase pigeons through the square, and see the same boat go out to sea each morning.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or dreaming of a new chapter in Portugal, Ferragudo welcomes you in a way that few places do.

We’re grateful to call it home, and we can’t wait to share more of it with you.

Planning a visit?
Stay at our Airbnb near the lighthouse and Caneiros beach, or sign up for our newsletter to follow along as we bring our downtown Ferragudo home back to life.

In the Algarve, every town has its own personality… and with it, a different mix of people who fall in love with the place and never want to leave. In Ferragudo, where we live, there’s a wonderful blend of Portuguese locals alongside British, Dutch, German, and even Scandinavian neighbors. But just twenty minutes west, Alvor Portugal is its own vibe entirely, and it’s got a distinctly Irish soul.

Maybe it’s the cozy streets lined with pubs and family-run restaurants, or the warm, welcoming energy that reminds me of Galway summers. Whatever it is, it makes Alvor feel different from anywhere else in the Algarve—and it starts with the beach.

The Alvor Portugal Beach: long, wild, and wonderfully natural

Praia de Alvor is one of the longest beaches in the Algarve, stretching nearly 4.5 kilometers from the Alvor estuary all the way to Praia dos Três Irmãos. This isn’t your typical packed seaside. The beach is wide, with soft golden sand and shifting dunes that give it a natural, untouched feel, even on a sunny summer day.

On one side in the distance, you can see the charming town of Lagos; on the other, the beach transforms into towering rock formations and sea caves, perfect for a sunset stroll or a photo op. The blue water is striking and usually calm, though it does get deep quite quickly, which may make it less ideal for toddlers or less confident swimmers.

Shells, treasures & shark teeth

What really makes Alvor Portugal Beach a personal favorite for our family is the shell hunting. This is, hands down, the best beach in the Algarve for finding shells – not just a few here and there, but bucketfuls of them. Tiny spirals, ridged fans, glistening pinks and purples – it’s like nature’s own treasure hunt with every tide.

We’ve spent hours here just collecting, sorting, and marveling at the variety. And the best part? One day, my daughter found a huge shark tooth! I couldn’t believe it. It’s still sitting on her dresser as proof that magic lives at the beach.

Swimming in blue

If you’re a strong swimmer or love the ocean, this beach is a dream. While the shoreline is a bit shelly underfoot (bring water shoes if you’re sensitive), the water is some of the clearest and most inviting in the Algarve. It’s cooler than some of the smaller coves but perfect for a refreshing dip. You can float for ages, watching the sky shift and the waves roll in.

Eats & Treats: Restinga, donuts & Wild Sandwiches

When it comes to beach day food, Restinga is an ideal stop. It’s a laid-back beachfront restaurant with a stunning view and even better food. We ordered grilled fish and it was as fresh as it gets, perfectly flaky, seasoned just right. And the sangria? Cold, fruity, and absolutely hit-the-spot delicious.

As you lounge on the sand, you’ll also spot vendors walking by with “beach donuts” – hot, sugary fried dough made right on the spot. It’s one of those Algarve traditions that brings instant joy to kids and adults alike. They’re warm, soft, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. We grab one every time.

And when we were heading back home, we decided to try Wild Sandwiches on a whim. I’m so glad we did. I had what might be the best sandwich of my life, fresh bread, creative fillings, and so much flavor. Their cinnamon rolls? Don’t even think about skipping them. Gooey, buttery, warm perfection.

Why we keep coming back

There’s something about Alvor that keeps pulling us back, maybe it’s the welcoming feel of the town, the natural beauty of the beach, or the thrill of finding treasures in the sand. It’s not just a place to sunbathe. It’s a place to explore, to eat, to play, and to breathe.

Whether you’re planning a beach day with the kids, a solo stroll with your camera, or a romantic evening meal by the sea, Alvor Portugal Beach should be at the top of your Algarve list.

Pro Tips:

• Bring a shell-collecting bag or small bucket… you’ll thank me later.
• Water shoes help if you’re sensitive to the shelly shoreline.
• Reserve at Restinga if you’re going for dinner (or even lunch!) during high season.
• Try Wild Sandwiches early in the day before they sell out (they do sell out!).

If you’re traveling through the Algarve and only have time for one inland town, make it Silves in Portugal. This beautiful, history-rich gem offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a shopper, a foodie, or a parent trying to entertain energetic kids. Silves isn’t just a pretty place to pass through. It’s a town with soul.

A Castle with a story to tell

The town’s most striking feature is hard to miss: Castelo de Silves, one of the best-preserved castles in southern Portugal. Built with deep red sandstone and perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the castle is a powerful symbol of Silves’ Moorish past. Back in the 11th century, Silves was the capital of the Algarve, known as Xelb under Islamic rule. It was a center of science, poetry, and politics, thriving long before Lisbon took the spotlight.

Walking along the castle’s towering walls, you can almost hear the echoes of history. The views from the top are stunning, rolling hills, citrus groves, and terracotta rooftops stretching toward the sea. Inside the castle grounds, you’ll find remnants of a large underground cistern, built to sustain the town during sieges, and a tranquil courtyard garden perfect for a quiet pause.

Just outside the castle is the Silves Cathedral, originally built as a mosque and converted into a church after the Christian reconquest in the 13th century. The blend of architectural styles here, Gothic, Baroque, and Moorish, tells the story of Silves’ layered, complex past.

Silves in Portugal: Boutique shopping with Algarve soul

Silves is not a town of tacky tourist shops. It’s a place where you can find authentic, locally made goods that reflect the region’s deep artisanal roots. I found a beautiful pair of handmade earrings that instantly became my new favorite, and a small bottle of Algarve-inspired perfume that smells like sunshine and citrus trees, a scent that instantly transports me back to this magical town.

There are shops offering cork products, hand-painted ceramics, linen, soaps, and locally produced olive oil. The best part? You’ll often meet the makers themselves. Everyone we met was proud to share the story behind what they make, which makes shopping here feel personal and meaningful.

Flavors you’ll dream about later

When you’re ready for a bite, you’ll have no shortage of options. Chicken piri piri is a must — grilled chicken seasoned with spicy piri piri sauce that’s both fiery and full of flavor. Silves is also known for traditional Portuguese dishes like cataplana (seafood stew served in a copper pan), local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh grilled fish.

Grab lunch at one of the open-air terraces in the town center or find a quiet corner with views of the hills. Many restaurants serve food made with ingredients grown nearby, and some offer Algarve wines, many of them from local vineyards you can visit after lunch.

Family-friendly fun by the river

If you’re traveling with kids, Silves in Portugal delivers. Down by the Arade River — once a bustling trade route used to export cork, dried fruits, and almonds, there’s a wide open park and playground area perfect for letting kids run free. Our girls especially loved the small zipline that zips them just high enough to feel thrilling but safe.

Right next to the park are the giant SILVES letters, and if you’re like us, you won’t leave without a few photos of the kids climbing all over them. It’s one of those silly, joyful travel moments you’ll remember forever.

There’s also plenty of space to stroll along the riverbank or grab an ice cream while you take in the views. You might even spot turtles or birds if you pause long enough by the water.

Why everyone loves Silves

One of the things that struck me most about Silves in Portugal is how many Algarve locals say it’s their favorite town, or that they have family roots there. It has the feel of a place that people are deeply proud of. You can feel it in the way the castle is cared for, the pride of the local shopkeepers, and the peaceful energy of the town.

It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be trendy. It just is what it is… and what it is, is wonderful.

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What to do in Silves (in one perfect day)
☑️ Tour the castle and soak in the history
☑️ Visit the cathedral and wander the old town streets
☑️ Do a little shopping for handmade treasures
☑️ Savor chicken piri piri and local wine
☑️ Let the kids run wild at the riverside park
☑️ Snap a family photo with the SILVES letters
☑️ End the day with a sweet treat and a riverside stroll

Whether you’re staying nearby or road-tripping across the Algarve, Silves is worth the stop. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you came to Portugal in the first place, for beauty, culture, warm people, and little surprises that turn into lifelong memories.

Don’t miss it. Silves in Portugal is waiting.