Lagoa, a municipality with nearly 24,000 inhabitants and covering an area of 55.50 km², is actually one of the most important tourist areas of the Algarve. Divided into six parishes: Carvoeiro, Estômbar, Ferragudo, Lagoa, Parchal and Porches, there are various reasons behind its popularity with visitors – principally, the stunning local beaches, modern tourist accommodation, golf courses and heritage sites – but some also cite what they term ‘orderly planning of land use within the council area’. It is true, the city is always improving its facilities and organising events deemed to be of interest to tourists. Each summer it hosts a large exhibition of agricultural and craft products at the Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Lagoa (Fair and Exhibition Grounds of Lagoa), known as FATACIL, while certain heritage buildings have been renovated for cultural uses in the city, notably the Municipal Library and the Convento de São José – the Cultural Centre of Lagoa town – where various shows and exhibitions take place throughout the year. Similarly, the Municipal Auditorium hosts numerous shows and other events each week while cultural activities - including theatre, concerts, dances, and traditional folk singing - also take place at the Parque Municipal Sítio das Fontes, north of Estômbar, throughout the year.

Over the last 15 years, Lagoa has registered one of the highest levels of economic development in the Algarve – and the resident population has grown dramatically. It has numerous medical offices, educational (elementary, secondary, music, art) institutions as well as sports, leisure and tourist facilities. The parishes of Carvoeiro and Ferragudo are legendary for their beaches and tourist infrastructures, while Porches is famous for its pottery. But as if this all wasn’t enough, the town of Lagoa is also well known for its winery - the most productive in the Algarve. Strong, rough and ready red and white table wines, as well as a little fortified wine are produced from grapes grown in a wide radius around Lagoa. Visitors are welcome, by arrangement, to tour the adega (on the main EN 125 as you approach the town) and see something of the winemaking process. Guided trips are given daily from 9am to midday and from 2pm to 6pm.

Environmentalists and nature enthusiasts will love Lagoa’s untouched corner of paradise: the Salgados wetland area – home to many rare and beautiful species of flora and fauna. Sadly, rampant property speculation is threatening this area, so try and get to see it before things change beyond recognition.