Lagoa
Access to about a dozen beaches and complete tourist amenities in a place
that is rich in heritage and yet has kept up with the times. This is Lagoa for
thousands of vacationers who come year-round to soak in some sun and a true
Algarve experience. Developments in recent years, plus the natural beauty of the
location and the remnants of its past are what makes Lagoa one of the top
destinations in Portugal's popular resort region.
There are plenty to do in Lagoa, but spending a day at the beach is always a top
priority for visitors. If you like smaller beaches where the water seems to be
calmer, you can go to Pintadinho or Cova Redonda. The beaches of Caneiros and
Carvalho are likewise very peaceful locations. Water sports, meanwhile, are
being offered at Angrinha, Praia Grande (canoeing and windsurfing) and Vale de
Centeanes (sufing). Carvoeiro beach, Praia Nova and Nossa Senhora da Rocha are
also notable beaches. The first, for its crystal clear water and commercial
center, and the other two for their interesting feature of being separated by an
outcropping of rock on which the Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel is built. These
two beaches are connected by a tunnel carved through the rock.
Lagoa also attracts golf enthusiasts, as it offers three courses within its
vicinity. Each course has different characteristics and presents different
challenges for players. Vale da Pinta is a championship golf course located in
an old olive grove, while both Quinta do Gramacho and Vale do Milho are
nine-hole courses.
Sightseeing is a definite must if you are visiting Lagoa. Details of 16th
century Manueline design are still found on the doorways and windows of a lot of
the old structures. From the town's layout, it is obvious that the community has
been built mostly around the parish church that dates back to the early 1800s.
It is a beautiful church featuring Manueline details and an 18th century
sculpture of the Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of the Light). Misericórdia
Church is an even older church, built in the 1700s, that also has beautiful
artworks. Other interesting places include the Convento do São José and also the
Fort of São João de Arade in Ferragudo.
There is a wide selection of accommodations in Lagoa to suit just about any kind
of preference and budget. Aside from hotels, there are also villas and
apartments for rent within the municipality and nearby areas. In Carvoeiro, for
instance, good options include Rocha Brava, Tivoli Carvoeiro and Hotel Apartment
Solferias.
It is best to visit Lagoa in the summer, even if it typically packed during this
season, because it is when a lot of the special events are organized. One such
yearly affair is the Fatacil, a fair featuring the best products from all over
Portugal.
To complete your holiday in Lagoa, make sure you try out some authentic
Portuguese cooking. O Ciclo and O Lotus are just a couple of Portuguese
restaurants popular even with locals. Try out some of the local wines as well,
the place is still known to produce full-bodied red wine. |
