Are you looking for a family beach where you can spend the afternoon with your children in Portimão? Located in Ferragudo, on the opposite shore, Praia Grande is an excellent option. In our opinion, it is one of the best equipped family beaches in the region. It perfectly combines relaxation and entertainment with a wide range of facilities and services.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips on how to make the most of this pleasant interlude by the ocean.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Praia Grande worth it?
Yes, this is one of the most family-friendly beaches in the Ferragudo area. With a wide range of facilities (children’s playground, showers, bars, pedal-boat hire, massage services), everyone can enjoy the day to their heart’s content. Walking north, you can even enjoy a quieter corner with a view of Ferragudo Castle. It is one of Portimão’s most beautiful beaches.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The floor of Praia Grande is made of fine golden sand. It lends itself perfectly to children’s games and sandcastles, reinforcing the family character of this beach.
Swimming conditions and supervision
Praia Grande is ideal for swimming, especially for families. In season, the beach is supervised and equipped with a first-aid post, enhancing visitor safety. The swimming area is clearly marked by buoys, and access to the water is gentle thanks to a gradual slope. The water is clear and pleasant, making it the perfect place to relax in peace and quiet. The beach has also been awarded the Bandera Azul 2024 label, a guarantee of environmental quality and services.
Installations
The beach is well equipped for a full day at the water’s edge. Showers and toilets are available, which is very practical. Leisure options include pedal-boat hire with integrated slide, kayaks, beach volleyball courts and even a children’s playground. For those who want to relax, book a deckchair and parasol or enjoy a seaside massage.
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
Praia Grande in Ferragudo: how to get there
Where’s the beach?
- In the Algarve region
- Near Portimão
- South of the village of Ferragudo
- Facing the Arade Estuary
- 15min walk from Ferragudo center
- 15min drive from Portimão
- 40min drive from Lagos
- 1 hour drive from Faro
Access by car and parking
La Rua Dr. Coelho de Carvalho, which leads to Praia Grande, is a little narrow, but leads directly to a small beachside parking lot. The latter has a number of spaces reserved for the disabled, facilitating access for all.
Access from the parking lot
Once your vehicle is parked, access to the sand is via a concrete staircase. We appreciate this new layout, which makes the descent to the beach easier, even if it does require a little physical effort.
Public transport access
The beach can be reached by bus on line 110, which runs from Lagos to Portimão. The nearest stop, appropriately named “Praia Grande”, is about 5 minutes’ walk away. This is a practical solution if you don’t have your own vehicle. Before you leave, be sure to check the latest timetables and itineraries on the official website here.
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
Disabled parking spaces are available in the parking lot at the top of the beach. However, access to the sand can be difficult for wheelchair users, as it is via a concrete staircase. Once on the beach, a wooden pontoon was installed to facilitate movement on the sand, making circulation more comfortable for people with reduced mobility.
With children
Praia Grande is the best equipped beach for families in Ferragudo, offering a multitude of services and activities. We were delighted to discover a children’s park with a slide and swing. Pedal boats with integrated slides add a playful dimension that will delight young and old alike.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Eating out
Several restaurants and beach bars are located directly on the beach, including the Kalu Beach Bar, which offers good value for money. The atmosphere is relaxed and toes-in-the-sand. For more great places to eat in Ferragudo, don’t miss our article dedicated to the village’s best restaurants (available soon).
Hotels
For your stay near Praia Grande, we particularly recommend Vila Castelo Parque, a 7-minute walk away, for its fully-equipped apartments and superb swimming pool. – See prices, photos and availability.
Just a 20-minute walk away, theHotel Rural Brícia Du Mar is also an excellent option for those looking for upmarket accommodation. – See prices, photos and availability.
To discover our complete selection of quality accommodation in the region, see our article on the best hotels in Portimão:
WHERE TO STAY IN Portimao
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best luxury hotel
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – See prices, photos and availability
Best 4-star hotel
Jupiter Marina Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel for families
Vitor’s Plaza Aparthotel – See prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
How many days?
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
