Located in the centre of the region, between Portimao and Albufeira, Lagoa e Carvoeiro is the most beautiful area in the Algarve; Lagoa concentrates the most beautiful places in the region such as the Benagil cave, Marinha beach, the Senhora da Rocha chapel in Porches or Ferragudo village.

The coast has been relatively well preserved from urbanization compared to other areas of the Algarve; walks in nature and the opportunity to discover local plants or watch birds are very pleasant.

It is also an ideal place to have fun with friends or family. Slide and Splash, the largest water park in the region is located in Lagoa, Aqualand is located just outside Porches and the Marine Zoo in the neighboring town of Guia.

Lagoa e Carvoeiro offers the best of the Algarve in a unique and preserved setting.

Article summary:

 Visit Lagoa

 Visit Carvoeiro

 Visit Porches

 Visit Ferragudo

 Benagil cave

 Trekking in the 7 hanging valleys

 Amusement parks in Lagoa

Lagoa is the main town of the concelho de Lagoa e Carvoeiro among  5 municipalities including Lagoa, Carvoeiro, Porches and Ferragudo.

The centre of Lagoa is not of specific interest, nevertheless there are many vineyards that make it the capital of Algarve wines. The composition of the soil associated with significant sunshine offer this region perfect conditions for growing vines.

Visits to some vineyards and wine tasting are possible: the Morgado do Quintão estate located at the exit of Lagoa  offers a simple tasting or a visit with meals on site. Please have a look and book below.

Book a tasting at the Morgado do Quintao estate 

Located in the municipality of Lagoa, Carvoeiro is a former fishing village which is very successful among tourists now.

The centre of the city is not very large, it is concentrated around the main beach of the city, (voted the most beautiful in Europe by European Best Destinations.

What to do and see in Carvoeiro? The town is lovely: enjoy a walk in the town or along the beach.

For the best views of the town, climb up the two streets overlooking the surroundings. Walk on to the small beach of Praia do Paraiso, the secret cove is irresitible. The Mar d'Fora restaurant located above the beach is a good choice for a meal with a view.

Opposite the main beach near the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Encanarçao, a wooden footbridge will take you the magnificent path of the Algar Seco.

Near Carvoeiro do not miss the Benagil cave, the lighthouse of Alfanzina, or even praia da Marinha and its impressive cliffs.

 If you like the region we offer the rental of a holiday apartment in Porches, located 15 minutes from Carvoeiro. 

Porches is a small village that has real treasures. The small center of the village is charming but the city is especially famous for its beaches and its magnificent coastal path.

Senhora da Rocha is one of the icons of the Algarve; it takes pride of place on its rocky spur at Porches. The chapel is built on a thin rocky strip bordered by two magnificent beaches, Praia Nova and Senhora da Rocha; a tunnel links the two beaches; young and old alike love this secret passage.

Our apartment in Porches is just 300m from this beach. 

This place is also the starting point of a path to Benagil and Carvoeiro Enjoy a nice walk in an unspoiled nature

The coastal path of Porches starts from the parking lot of the chapel of Senhora da Rocha and connects Praia da Marinha to another path. Do not miss the rock formations sculpted by the sea and enjoy small secret beaches in an unspoiled nature.

We recommend you wear good shoes: some parts of the trail after Praia Nova are very steep.

Porches is also famous for its pottery: there are many shops along the roads, they offer local and artisanal products.

We suggest a visit to the small shop-workshop Olaria Pequenade located on the edge of the main road between Porches and Lagoa. Stop to discover the work of craftsmen and treat yourself to a small souvenir.

Come and enjoy the beauties of Lagoa e Carvoeiro in a residence with swimming pool only 300m from magnificent beaches. Our Algarve holiday apartment in Porches has been completely renovated. It is perfectly equipped and can accommodate up to 4 people.

 Algarve Beaches Apartment

It is perhaps the most beautiful village in the Algarve. Located Lagoa, just opposite Portimao, the small fishing village of Ferragudo is well worth a visit

Park at the entrance of the village: a parking lot generally used by motorhomes offers a magnificent view of the whole village and its small sheltered port.

From the main square where there are many restaurants, explore the pleasant alleys of Ferragudo, you will arrive at the town church from where you will have a beautiful view of the Arade river. You can then continue your walk towards the mouth of the river where you will find beautiful beaches. 

After a short stay in Ferragudo village, have a rest  on Praia Grande beach, in the shade of Ferragudo castle and enjoy this beautiful spot.

It is probably one of the most famous places in Portugal: the Benagil cave in Lagoa e Carvoiero is a remarkable site. 

There’s a real beach inside the cave, which makes it original: the sun illuminates the golden sand through a pierced ceiling. 

You can get to it only by sea and book boat tours from many Algarve cities (Portimao, Albufeira, Lagos). The closest starting points are Senhora da Rocha Beach in Porches, Carvoeiro and Benagil Beaches located right next to the cave. Fishermen converted to tourism offer tours from these beaches.

By boat, kayak or paddle, book your tour of the Benagil cave

The walking trail of the 7 hanging valleys (percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos in Portuguese) is the most beautiful hiking trail in the Algarve along the coasts of Lagoa, but where to start it from?

There are several starting points for this hike: we recommend you start from the chapel parking lot of Senhora da Rocha in Porches. The path between Porches and Marinha offers beautiful panoramas; as it is less frequented, nature is very well preserved.

The path will lead you to the village of Carvoeiro but you can walk on to the beaches of Ferragudo, if you are a sporty person or if you intend to stay overnight.

The hike is fairly easy even to non-athletes Nevertheless we recommend you wear good hiking shoes or sneakers:  some paths are steep, especially if you start from Senhora da Rocha in Porches. Bring a cap or a hat with you: the sun on this coast can be very strong, even in winter. The first part of the trail between Porches and Marinha takes about 1h30, maybe more if you decide to stop for a dip in one of the many coves. It takes 2 to 3 hours to get to Carvoeiro from Marinha.

Lagoa e Carvoeiro is home to some of the best theme parks in the region.

Located just outside Lagoa, Slide and Splash is the largest water park in the Algarve; it offers refreshing sensations for the whole family, the number of slides and attractions is impressive. The site also offers a very large swimming pool and spaces to relax or eat. The park opens from the beginning of April to the end of October.

Not far away, between Lagoa and Porches, Sand City Algarve is a unique park offering giant sand sculptures made by dozens of artists from around the world. A sunset visit will allow you to discover the illuminated works at dusk.

Near Lagoa there is also the Aqualand water park, just outside Porches, or the Zoomarine and its dolphin shows.