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.
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.
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.
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.
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.