Ferragudo Harbor – Igreja Matriz de Portimão ⛪️ loop from Praia dos Castelos

Mountain biking trails

Portugal

Algarve

Carvoeiro

Ferragudo Harbor – Igreja Matriz de Portimão ⛪️ loop from Praia dos Castelos

Easy

5.0

(4)

riders

Ferragudo Harbor – Igreja Matriz de Portimão ⛪️ loop from Praia dos Castelos

01:41

28.9km

220m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 16.1 km for 294 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

6.31 km

Arade River mouth

Highlight • River

6.69 km

Castle of S. João de Arade 🏰 Angrinha Beach

Highlight • Castle

The area where the castle stands has been inhabited since at least Roman times, due to the presence of salting tanks nearby. In the 15th century, a watchtower was built.

In the early 17th century, under Philippine rule, the government began a programme to build several fortresses along the coast to defend it from attacks by pirates and corsairs. A fortress was planned to be built at the mouth of the Arade River, although initially no agreement was reached on which side of the mouth it should be built. The Italian military engineer Alexandre Massai argued in favour of the left bank, where Vila Nova de Portimão could be better defended, and so the fortress was built on this side.

It was only after the restoration of independence in 1640 that plans began to be made to build the castle on the right bank, as a way of protecting the coast from Spanish attacks. The works took place between 1643 and 1644, on the site of the old watchtower, known as Ferragudo Castle, which was no longer considered strategically effective. In fact, it served not only to protect but also to control the mouth of the Arade, and was a customs registration point for ships sailing along the river to the city of Silves. In 1654, the castle underwent a process of refurbishment.

The building was gradually abandoned and was already in ruins by 1669. However, the castle was still subject to extension works in the 18th century, and was only slightly damaged by the 1755 earthquake, due to the solid rock on which it was built.

In 1821, two batteries were still in operation on the highest part of the castle, both with gun ports. By 1861 it was once again in ruins, and in 1892 it was leased to the writer and diplomat Joaquim José Coelho de Carvalho, whose family had bought the building in 1896. Joaquim de Carvalho carried out renovations at the beginning of the 20th century, which gave it the appearance of a romantic castle. Some time later, it became the property of the politician Francisco Vieira Machado. The monument did not undergo any major renovations in the 20th century. The changes that were made to its interior were mainly used to transform it into a holiday home, although much of the building remained in a state of disrepair. In 1976, the Ferragudo Parish Council asked for the fort to be ceded to it, so that a cultural centre could be set up inside.

Translated by Google •

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7.86 km

Ferragudo Harbor

Highlight • Settlement

Nice harbor in the town of Ferragudo with the old town on a hill.

Translated by Google •

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10.8 km

Igreja Matriz de Portimão ⛪️

Highlight • Religious Site

The Igreja Matriz de Portimão (Main Church of Portimão) dates from the 15th century. It is located in the highest area of the city inside the old city walls. The late Gothic gateway is inspired by the most imposing monument of the age, the Batalha Monastery, and you can identify fine moulded sculptures of musicians and women. Different architectural epochs come together such as baroque, rococo and Manueline styles, the result of several phases of reconstruction and artistic enrichment of the Igreja Matriz de Portimão. Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 10am – 12.30pm and 3pm – 7pm;
Saturday 5pm – 7pm and Sunday 10.30am – 1pm and 5pm – 7pm.
Eucharist: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 11.30am and 6pm, Weekdays 10am
visitportimao.com/en/content/834/igreja-matriz-de-portimao-main-church-of-portimao

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11.5 km

waterfront promenade

Highlight • Structure

The waterfront promenade stretches on endlessly. Here you can book many tours to various highlights such as dolphin tours or the Benagil cave.

There are also many bars here, probably quite full in summer, but at the end of November there was nothing going on here at all.

Translated by Google •

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12.1 km

Fish Transport System at Museu de Portimão

Highlight • Monument

The Museo de Portimao is in the true sense of the word an excellent museum. Be sure to visit!

Translated by Google •

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14.3 km

Santa Catarina Fortress

Highlight • Castle

View from the harbor / beach up to the medieval fortress.

Translated by Google •

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16.2 km

View of Praia da Rocha from Miradouro dos Três Castelos

Highlight • Viewpoint

A narrow trail leads out to the edge of this narrow rock formation, jutting out far onto the beach. Erosion has cut an enormous arch through the castle-like cliff, creating an impressive connection between the Praia da Rocha and the Praia dos Três Castelos far below at sea level.

Tip by

28.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types