Lagoa county is divided into the following parishes:
Carvoeiro; Estômbar; Ferragudo; Lagoa; Parchal; Porches

Municipal Holiday : 8th September | Inhabitantes: 21.600 | Area: 88.5 km²

This town grew up on drained swampland that was reclaimed for agricultural cultivation. In bygone times it survived on agriculture and fishing. While still keeping many traces of its origins and customs, it has now turned to tourism. Located near to the River Arade and with a charming and unusual coast, many appreciate the beaches of Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Lagoa and Porches.

The municipality has many points of historical and artistic interest for visitors to admire. The main Parish Church, with statues from the 18th Century and Baroque style altars, and the Convento S. José, are examples.  

The now famous Fatacil Fair takes place at the end of August. It is the largest agricultural, gastronomic, handicraft, tourist, commercial and industrial event of the Algarve.

Porches is synonymous with a centuries old ceramic production that has a characteristic colour and design. It is in this neighbourhood that you can discover some of the most beautiful and rare chimneys of the region. Take the chance to visit the main Parish Church and the Chapel to Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Our Lady of the Rock).

The exceptional and charming location of the village of Carvoeiro enchants all who visit it. Not to be missed is the splendid panoramic view from the lighthouse at Alfanzina.

In Estombar, aside from the 16th century Parish Church and the Misericordia Church, there is the Parque de Lazer das Fontes, (on the banks of the river Arade) a delightful place to discover and walk.

Get to know the fishing port at Ferragudo, along with the Chapel to Nossa Senhora da Rocha and the incredible rocky seashore at Algar Seco.

For a good day out, with family or friends, you can expend some energy at one of the water parks of the region.

Ever present in Algarvean cooking, is the flavour of the sea or country, making any dish from the various regions something special and not to be missed. Here, also, you can enjoy the Fish Soups, Grilled Fresh Sardines, “Cataplanas” (copper steamers) of Fish or Shellfish, White Beans with “Buzinas” (large whelks), Fish Stew or “Carapaus Alimados” (cold horse mackerel with oil, garlic and onion). If you appreciate meat, try the Cozido de Rabo de Boi com Grâo (Boiled Ox Tail with Chick Peas) and the Borrego Assado Arabesco (Roast Lamb Arab Style).

Whatever your choice, you will always have a good local wine to accompany your food. For desert, the regional Morgadino de massa de Amêndoa (marzipan cakes), the Dom Rodrigo (shredded sugar and egg), o Morgado de Figo (fig cake), o Pudim de Laranja (orange pudding) or the Florado de Lagoa (Lagoa “flowers”) are small irresistible “sins”.