Ferragudo sits across the River Arade from Portimão, where large cruise ships are planned to dock. However, altering the flow of water from the Atlantic into the river by shortening the jetty by 70 metres is putting the village at further risk of flooding according to officials.

Flood risk
Ferragudo Parish Council president, Luís Alberto said that although they are still waiting for the completion of technical studies, he has “every reason to believe” that the alteration to the flow of water will mean more sand will be deposited in certain areas around Ferragudo and that there could also be an increase in the likelihood of flooding in the village at any time of the year.
“The changes will lead to increases in flooding, not only when it rains but also during high tides,” he said, arguing that while he is favour of developing tourism in the region, he also believes it is important that tourists and residents should be protected.
Lagoa councilor Anabela Simão, who is responsible for the coastal environment and coastal zone in the municipality, said she was “greatly concerned” about the planned interventions along the river, which also include the dredging of the River Arade. While Simão is concerned she is, however, waiting for the publication of a hydrodynamics study which is currently being put together by the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC).
“One of the negative impacts that can occur is the removal of sand from our estuarine beaches, we are told by fishermen,” she said, remembering that the “Hercules” storm which took place last January battered the Ferragudo jetty area and led to large stones being dragged onto the banks of the river.
Tourism boost
But not everyone is worried about future plans to allow larger cruise ships into Portimão. Local Ferragudo resident, Peter Goulding told The Portugal News: “We have already had cruise ships docking at Portimao, although not so many in the last couple of years. If the Ferragudo parish had more vision instead of negativity they could turn it in their favour.
“If they arrange with local minibus and taxi companies to include Ferragudo in a tour from the ship, they could include a meal, a drink and walk around the souvenir alleys to bring more revenue to the village.”
While he also believes that the flooding in Ferragudo is no threat to businesses: “The flooding these days causes minimal disruption to the residents. The worse thing that happens is the water comes up the drainage pipes and into the square. But even then the bars could charge waterfront prices!”
Redevelopment
In addition to the plans to reduce the length of the Ferragudo jetty, changes are also in the pipeline to redevelop the riverside quay in the village and to revamp the look of Angrinha Beach.
A number of the makeshift buildings used by fisherman and located on Angrinha Beach are expected to be demolished while the quayside is to be tidied up as part of the overall project.