Lagoa

Lagoa is a town (cidade) and municipality (concelho) in the district of Faro (Algarve), the southernmost region in Portugal. It is one of the agricultural centres of the western Algarve.

Lagoa is situated in the fertile Barrocal landscape a few miles away from the coast. The tourist hot spots nearby are Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, surrounded by one of the most beautiful parts of the Algarvian coast. The lower course of the river Arade marks the border with neighbouring Portimão.

The national road EN125, the most important transport axis of the Algarve, goes directly through the town. The distance from the A22 motorway (exit 7) to the centre is only a few kilometres.

The next railway station of the one lane Linha do Algarve from Lagos to the Spanish border is situated in the neighbouring parish of Estômbar. More convenient are the bus lines of EVA Transportes.

The building of the former Convent of Saint Joseph of Carmelite nuns is the historical landmark of Lagoa.  A menhir from the 4^th or 5^th millennium BC, found in the area of Porches, is exhibited in its front garden. Today the convent serves as cultural centre to the town. The cloistered courtyard and the chapel create a special ambiance, whereas the multipurpose auditorium, equipped with state-of-the-art technology is a stage for art exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and much more.

On the coast near Carvoeiro you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of the entire Algarve, small sandy bays on both sides protected by steep limestone rocks. Many of them have excellent facilities, offering a wide variety of water sports options.

The rugged rock formations of yellow limestone and the grottos and caves shaped by the sea and the erosion over thousands of years can be explored by boat or walking on top of the cliffs. Grotto tours, dolphin watching excursions and big game fishing trips are on offer at many places.

Some of the best known golf courses are located between Lagoa and Carvoeiro: the Gramacho and Pinta courses of the Pestana Golf Resorts and the 9hole golf course of Vale do Milho. Several other excellent courses can be reached by car within half an hour.

One of the best and most popular leisure facilities in the region is the Slide & Splash water park.  This is located between Lagoa and Estômbar.

The area around Lagoa is the most important winegrowing region of the Algarve. One of the best known places is Quinta dos Vales in Estômbar with an exhibition of modern sculptures.

Another place of interest is the picturesque village of Ferragudo, situated on the estuary of the river Arade opposite Portimão. We recommend a stroll through the narrow lanes to the parish church at the top of the hill, where you will enjoy marvellous views over the Arade and to the Serra de Monchique, and you can finish  the trip with a nice lunch or dinner in one of the typical restaurants serving the catch of the day and traditional dishes.

The largest limestone springs in the Algarve are located on a branch of the river Arade north of Estômbar. At Sitio das Fontes visitors can see a water mill,  learn more about the local flora and fauna while walking  along an educational trail or enjoy various leisure facilities such as a barbecue area and an open air theatre.

A trip to Silves, the former Moorish capital of the Algarve located on the upper course of the river Arade is a must.  The famous castle with its huge cistern, now open to the public, is a place not to be missed. The archaeological museum and the Cathedral, erected on the foundations of a former mosque are also places of great historic interest.

in algarve-portal.com