Ferragudo is said to be one of the prettiest and most photographed traditional fishing villages in the entire Algarve and it is easy to see why.

This whitewashed village, with its tiny fishermen's dwellings all jostling for space amongst cobbled streets, is like something from a fairy tale. It even has its very own life size sandcastle to explore set amongst the dunes on one end of the beautiful Praia Grande beach.

The small village stands on the edge of the Arade River opposite the resort of Praia de Rocha and near to the town of Portimao and is a popular and much visited spot.

If you aren't soaking up the Portuguese sunshine on the glorious beach or strolling through the meandering lanes, then you'll be sitting with a Bica or cold drink in the colourful and vibrant main square and watching the world go by.

There are an abundance of excellent fish restaurants to enjoy along the main harbour path and many of the individual bars on the beach and in the centre of the village provide great entertainment, some with live bands, during the popular summer seasons - you'll be in for a lively night! There is even a water taxi to take you across the bay to the bustling and elegant resort of Praia de Rocha and its gleaming marina should you seek a night out of town.

One of the village's most prominent attractions is its 15th century fort which stands at the entrance to the village's harbour, overlooking Praia Grande beach and the Arade River. The fort of Sao Joao de Arade was once a vital look out tower to guard against invading pirates and buccaneers and is thought to have been extended in the 17th century and a smaller fortress, Santa Catarina de Ribamar on the other side of the estuary, built. The Portuguese poet Coelho Carvalho inspired its renovation in the early 1900s and the sandcastle-esque landmark is now a private home. It's a wonderful place to watch the sun go down.

Why not stroll into town at sunset via the main Portimao road and see the fishing boats crammed into the harbour, gently bobbing around on the sea? It's simply breathtaking.

From Ferragudo it is just a short five minute stroll to another golden beach at Angrinha which is a peaceful spot with excellent windsurfing and canoeing facilities for the sporty. For golfing addicts, the fairway at Pinta and Gramacho are just 15 minutes by taxi.

Explore a little further along the coast and you'll come to the tiny beaches of Ponte da Atlaia and Quinta da Torre, hidden away between dominating cliff faces.

This peaceful, picture postcard village just oozes holiday charm. From sun rise to sun set you can be sure of pure bliss in Ferragudo.