LAGOA, a typical, small provincial town, is best-known for its winery, the most productive in the Algarve. Strong, rough and ready red and white table wines, and a little fortified wine as well, are produced from grapes grown in a wide radius around Lagoa. Visitors are welcome, by arrangement, to tour the adega, see something of the wine-making process and sample the end product.

To the south of Lagoa the former fishing village of Carvoeiro has evolved to an area of expensive villas, comfortable hotels and various golf courses. Viewed from the sea, the coast is a series of brightly coloured cliffs, strangely shaped outcrops and caves, whose almost unreal beauty is set off by the clarity of the waters. Between the rocks long stretches of sand alternate with tiny coves that can only, be reached by boat.

In August an important commercial and rural product fair, Fatacil, is held in the town exhibiting products from all over Portugal. The occasion provides an excuse for enjoyment and national bands with their singers entertain the visitors late into the night.