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Lagoa

Surrounded by cliffs and beaches

Lagoa has one of the most beautiful coastlines of the Algarve.

Its pristine beaches are among the best in the world and its sea caves attract hundreds of visitors to the region every year. There are four areas worth visiting in Lagoa: Carvoeiro, Benagil, Ferragudo and Porches.

Carvoeiro is a picturesque town perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. The town is known for its small beach, Praia do Carvoeiro. The beach is a quiet swimming spot and provides a series of water activities like scuba diving and boat trips to the caves.

Praia do Carvoeiro with the town of Carvoeiro in the backgroundPraia do Carvoeiro with the town of Carvoeiro in the background
Praia do Carvoeiro with the town of Carvoeiro in the backgroundPraia do Carvoeiro with the town of Carvoeiro in the background

Over the years, the sea erosion has created unique rock formations around Lagoa, beneath which you can find secluded beaches, tunnels and grottoes. The most interesting formations are the Algar Seco and the Benagil cave. The first one is located near Carvoeiro and can be easily accessed through a wooden boardwalk that connects Algar Seco with the fort of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação. The second one can only be reached by boat or a swim from the nearby beach, Praia do Benagil. Read our ultimate guide to visiting Benagil cave.

Algar Seco, CarvoeiroAlgar Seco, Carvoeiro
Praia do Benagil with the village of Benagil in the backgroundPraia do Benagil with the village of Benagil in the background

While Lagoa is renowned for its natural landscape, it does have a few historical landmarks, including the Convent of São José, an 18th-century convent that has been converted into a cultural centre and a menhir dating back to 5-4th Century BC that is displayed in the gardens of the convent.

Convento de São José (Convent of St Joseph), Lagoa, AlgarveConvento de São José (Convent of St Joseph), Lagoa, Algarve
Igreja Matriz de Lagoa - the Mother Church of LagoaIgreja Matriz de Lagoa - the Mother Church of Lagoa

Located on the West side of Lagoa, Ferragudo is an old fishing village with whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs that is set on the opposite margin of Portimão. To the East, there is Porches, a small village famous for its ceramic work. The village has several shops and factories where you can buy handmade tiles and pottery that are typical of the area.

Lagoa is also considered the centre of viniculture in the Algarve. There are several vineyards spread around Lagoa that organise wine-tasting sessions and tours where you can sample the local wine, like Quinta dos Vales in Estômbar.

If you enjoy golf, the best golf courses in Lagoa can be found at the Pestana Golf Resorts and at Vale do Milho. Besides golf, Lagoa is home to the largest water park in Portugal, Slide & Splash.

The Fort of São João do Arade, FerragudoThe Fort of São João do Arade, Ferragudo
The mouth of the Arade River, with Portimao and its marina on the left, and Ferragudo on the right.The mouth of the Arade River, with Portimao and its marina on the left, and Ferragudo on the right.

Each summer, Lagoa organises the Portuguese Gastronomy week in June and the FATACIL fair in August. This last one is dedicated to handicraft, tourism, agriculture, commerce and industry. The event gathers some of the major producers in the Algarve and is a great opportunity to discover more about the region.

Explore this region by following our Lagoa 2 day tour. Also read about Lagoa Beaches, Carvoeiro, Porches and Ferragudo.

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