Lagoa

Lagoa is a municipality in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Lagoa is one of the most important tourist areas of the Algarve. There are various factors which have contributed to its popularity, namely the variety of offerings to visitors (the beauty of its beaches, modern tourist accommodation, its golf courses and cultural heritage), and the friendliness of its citizens.

Understand


The city of Lagoa (luh-GOH-uh, /ɫɐ.ˈgo.ɐ/) is not very spectacular, since it is inland. However, the nearby beaches, caves and nature sights are worth a few stops along the way between Albufeira and Portimao.

By bus
Lagoa is on the main route between Portimao and Albufeira/Faro and most buses will stop here.

Checkout the EVA bus schedule, or the maybe more intuitive/informative Algarve Bus website by an enthusiastic local.

By train
The nearest train station is, where also many buses pass by.

Get around
Mostly by bus, but there are enough trails along the cost to hike a large part of it.

See

 * (Warning... at least two tourists die each year from this surprisingly difficult swim.)Algarve Tourism website
 * Getting there/away: Buses from Lagos and Portimao go to nearby, from where it is 20 on foot. Otherwise regular buses from Lagoa go directly to Benagil Beach.



Heritage buildings have been renovated for cultural uses in the city, notably the Municipal Library and the Convento de São José (St. Joseph Convent) – the Cultural Centre of the City of Lagoa – where various shows and a variety of exhibitions take place. Similarly the Municipal Auditorium hosts numerous shows and other events each week. As well many cultural activities take place at the Parque Municipal de Fontes, north of Estombar, all year round, including theatre, dances, and traditional folk-songs.

Do

 * Each summer it hosts a large exhibition of craft products at the Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Lagoa (FATACIL, Fair and Exhibition Grounds of Lagoa).

Sleep
It is possible to stay closer to the beaches in different towns near Lagoa where the major hotels are located, such as Porches, Carvoeiro or Mexilhoeira da Carregação e Ferragudo.