Lagoa is a small town named after a lagoon that no longer exists. Its old center maintains some of the traditional Algarve architecture and two 18th-century churches. But its stunning coastline has made it grow as a major destination, and its beaches now compete with the best ones in the Algarve.
A turquoise sea bounded by ochre cliffs and soft, sandy beaches. Such are the attractions of Lagoa and its surroundings, along with the colorful fishing port of Ferragudo, the romantic chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha perched high above the sea, and the fascinating rock formations of Algar Seco.
There’s a good hotel in the town center, but most people stay in the neighboring villages, such as Carvoeiro and Porches, which offer better access to the beaches that are some of the best in the Algarve (and Europe!), with spectacular rock formations and caves.
It is also a popular destination for families with children because of the nearby Slide & Splash waterpark. For grownups, there’s the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, which is the region’s most beautiful hike, going over golden cliffs and magnificent beaches.
To the west is located Ferragudo, which still looks like a traditional Algarvian fishing village. Even more picturesque is Carvoeiro to the south, once a fishing village but now the tourist center of the region of Lagoa, with some of the best places to stay. It’s also home to the fantastic Algar Seco rock formations, but the most famous natural wonder is the Benagil Cave, only accessed by boat, mainly from Benagil Beach.
To the east is the much-photographed headland of Senhora da Rocha, topped by an iconic little chapel. It belongs to the village of Porches, which is known for its pottery and has a number of excellent hotels.
Lagoa’s main annual event is FATACIL, one of the most important fairs in Algarve. It takes place in August, showcasing traditional arts and crafts for 10 days. Even more popular is the International Sand Sculpture Festival in the Sand City, which invites dozens of professional sculptors from all over the world to make the most amazing sand sculptures based on a theme, some of them reaching 12 meters (40 feet) in height. Themes have included the wonders of the world, Hollywood films and characters, the animal kingdom, world-famous personalities, and music, among many others. It usually inaugurates in the spring and lasts until autumn. It’s the largest event of its kind in the world and very much worth visiting.
Beaches in Lagoa
The beaches of the Lagoa coast are relatively small but incredibly scenic and considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. The water is usually calm, so these are not beaches for surfing. Do bring a snorkel, as the clear waters allow you to explore the underwater world. Many of them are only accessible by car or can be reached on foot from hotels. A few others are so secluded, you’ll only find them on a boat tour.
• Praia da Marinha
Widely considered the Algarve’s best beach and even one of the world’s most beautiful, it has turquoise waters and a series of intriguing rock formations. The most famous formation is a double-arched rock which looks like a heart when seen from the right angle at the top of a cliff. The views from above are breathtaking, and from here you can head west to other beaches, following the Seven Hanging Valleys trail.
• Praia de Benagil
The Benagil Cave, one of the Algarve’s most famous and romantic sights is hidden just a few feet from this beach. That natural wonder is only accessible by boat, so you’ll see people lined up at the beach, waiting for the next departure. When the sea is calm, it’s possible to rent kayaks and paddleboards. The beach is often crowded in the summer, so don’t expect much peace and quiet.
• Praia do Carvalho
This is another romantic beach found just to the west of Benagil, following the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Accessed via a tunnel hidden on the ground, i.e. a secret passage. At the bottom of the steps of the tunnel is a “window” carved on the cliff framing a postcard view, and on the sea is a perfectly centered rock. Who can resist taking countless photos here? This has led to a bigger number of visitors to this beach. If your priority isn’t photos or sunbathing, the late afternoon is the best time to experience it at its most magical.
• Praia de Vale Centeanes
This is the second most popular beach to hop on a boat and visit the region’s famous Benagil Cave. It can get crowded, as it’s relatively long but narrow. Unlike many in the area, it has a restaurant and a ramp, making it accessible to those with mobility issues. When the water is calm, it’s good for snorkeling. There are beautiful views from the top of the golden cliffs. In fact, this is the start or end of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail.
• Praia da Nossa Senhora da Rocha
It’s a small but very picturesque beach, as it’s also a fishing harbor and located next to a headland topped by an ancient chapel. It illustrates many Algarve tourist guides and the views from the top of the headland and cliffs are extraordinary. On the days when the water is calm, it’s great for swimming, jet skiing, and kayaking.
• Praia Nova
Connected to Praia da Senhora da Rocha by a tunnel carved on the cliff that separates them, this is a longer and quieter beach. The view of the chapel is even better from here, and there’s more space for privacy. When the sea is calm, it’s excellent for swimming. However, there are no lifeguards or facilities of any kind, just nature all around you.
• Praia da Cova Redonda
This beach was once considered one of the best in Europe, perhaps because of the luxury resort above it, which is one of the top thalassotherapy centers in the world. It’s hidden at the bottom of a cliff and reached via a long staircase, so not many people come here. It therefore offers peace and quiet, and plenty of space.
• Praia de Albandeira
It’s a small beach, divided into two sections by rocks, and it remains somewhat of a secret, although its arched cliff has begun to attract more visitors, at least when compared to the others in Lagoa. The arch became famous through photos shared on social media and when Condé Nast Traveler magazine placed the beach on a list of the best ones to visit in Europe.
• Praia das Fontainhas
From Praia de Albandeira, walk east through the woods and over the cliffs to this “secret” beach. On the days when it’s discovered by tourists on boat tours, it can get crowded, but it’s usually frequented by just a few locals and guests of a hotel nearby. It’s quite small and half of it is shaded in the midafternoon, but it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to relax in the sun or in the calm waters.
• Praia do Barranquinho
It’s small and secluded but very much worth finding, as it’s quite beautiful. An unmarked path leads to a magnificent scenery of pine-covered cliffs and the beach facing a massive islet. The water is usually crystal-clear and calm, and despite the growing number of visitors, it remains a very peaceful place.
• Praia dos Beijinhos
Because of the name (“Beach of the Kisses”), this beach attracts couples. The scenery is also romantic, with golden cliffs and rocks in the water. It’s a small and quieter beach than others in the area. The water is often calm and shallow, making it child-friendly and good for swimming. There’s a great view from the trail over the cliffs.
• Praia dos Tremocos
It looks like the private beach of the luxury resort above it, but it’s public, like all beaches in Algarve. Small and secluded, it’s for those who want to escape the crowds. The water is often crystal clear and good for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. From the top of the cliff on the western side, there’s a panoramic view of the coast.
• Praia dos Caneiros
This is really two beaches separated by a cliff and connected when the tide is low. It’s quite popular with the people of the neighboring towns, who visit the restaurant which offers seafood and sea views throughout the year. The side that’s only accessible at low tide is quite peaceful and beautiful, and the other is with caves and clear water. There are paddle boats, kayaks, sunbeds, and sunshades for rent at the restaurant, which is also a great sunset spot.
• Praia Grande do Ferragudo
This is the main beach of the village of Ferragudo. It faces the Portimão skyline and on its northern end is a 17th-century castle. That makes it a picturesque beach, but the only tourists you’ll find here are those staying at the hotels nearby. It’s mostly frequented by local families, as it’s very child-friendly, due to the calm waters and a playground by the entrance. It’s relatively long, so you can find a quiet spot even on the more crowded days. It has good bars and restaurants, which remain open throughout the year.
• Praia da Angrinha
It’s the closest beach to the center of Ferragudo and is separated from Praia Grande do Ferragudo by the castle. At low tide, however, it forms one long beach with its neighbor. It’s very quiet and you likely won’t find many tourists. It’s the beach of locals and fishermen, but couples will enjoy the romantic scenery of the castle and the boats crossing the Arade River from the marina of Portimão.
• Praia do Carvoeiro
The main beach in the former fishing village of Carvoeiro still has fishing boats on the sand, but they now take tourists around the coast. The boats and the white villas perched on the cliff behind it make it one of Algarve’s most picturesque beaches.
• Praia do Paraíso
It’s just a short walk from Praia do Carvoeiro, but is never crowded. A long but hidden staircase leads to this secluded beach at the bottom of a cliff. It’s very small and few people know about it, except for those who live nearby. It guarantees peace and quiet, but you have to go when the tide is low, as it almost disappears at high tide.
How to get to Lagoa
The city of Lagoa can be reached by train from the main towns in Algarve. The station is called Estômbar-Lagoa, and it’s about 3 km (close to 2 miles) to the west, meaning it’s not within reasonable walking distance of the center. You’d need to wait for a bus or take a taxi or Uber.
Very infrequent buses operated by Vamus also connect the city to Albufeira and Portimão, stopping at Lagoa’s bus station on the way.
This means that if you’re coming to this part of Algarve, it’s best to rent a car or rely on Uber. From the airport in Faro, there’s bus 56 (the “Aerobus”), which stops at Lagoa’s bus station in 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Accommodation in Lagoa
