With many delightful courses, pure coastal breeze from the Atlantic ocean, great fresh gastronomy and fantastic weather conditions, Portugal is a Golf Bliss for most golfers.
Portugal Golf - Lagoa
Lagoa History
Somewhere between 1242 and 1246 the Moors took possession of this then
small-fortified hamlet and placed it under the control of nearby Silves. The
location was later formally declared a town only to be severely destroyed by the
earthquake of 1755. It was in this town in 1797 that the notorious bandit José
Joaquim Sousa Reis known as Remexido was born. Commanding a fierce band of
followers his acts are recoded as being a mixture of good and bad legends. Most
of the Algarve and also to the north in the neighbouring Alentejo district
suffered by his band of brigands. He died before a firing squad in Faro in 1838.
The town of Lagoa has since grown as an administrative town for the area that
lived off in the past its abundant agricultural produce.
Lagoa Description
Within the town are a number of long buildings with double doors that open into
courtyards, off which more than just a large storeroom can be found as it will
often be the home of some rich landowner. The produce was dependent on the time
of year and could be from carob beans to topsoil vegetable products. On the
outskirts of the town used to be an active co-operative for the owners of
vineyards that are still produce a small quantity of full bodied red wine. This
reduction has been seriously effected by the demise of vineyards over recent
years as their owners have found a new "pot of gold" by selling their land as
building plots.
The parish church was inaugurated in 1814 but there is the older church, the
Igreja de Misericórdia that dates from the middle of the 18th Century. Another
building of interest is the Convento do São José which was built in 1713 and
survived the earthquake of 1755. It is now used by the local Council as a
location for art exhibitions and has a small theatre for cultural events. Inside
is a turn-box door which was in previous times used for passing unwanted babies
to the nuns. The mother would place the baby and any small possessions on a
shelf in the box and communicate through a small aperture with the nun on the
other side. The revolving door delivered the baby to the nuns without the mother
having to disclose her identity.
In August of every year an important commercial and rural produce Fair named
Fatacil is held in the town, exhibiting products from all over Portugal. The
occasion provides an excuse for enjoyment and national bands and singers
entertain the visitors late into the night.
Lagoa Nearby Locations
The nearby town of Estombar has a history dating further back to when the Moors
occupied the Algarve. It was the home of the famous 11th Century Arab poet “Ibn
Ammar”. Many local legends exist and there are reputed to be subterranean
passages from near this town going inland for about 12 Kms. to the ancient
Moorish capital of Silves. Near to Estombar is an area named Sítio de Fontes
that has for centuries been a popular swimming spot due to two freshwater
springs that provide a small lagoon prior to joining the Rio Arade. The
authorities have now created at this attractive area an open space for
performing plays and general picnicking.
To the south of the Lagoa is the once small fishing village of Carvoeiro that
today is an area of expensive villas, comfortable holiday apartments and golf
courses. To the east is the small and attractive village of Porches that dates
back to the Roman period. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1755 destroyed its
ancient castle and also the original parish church that is believed to date to
the 16th Century.
To the west of Lagoa on the edge of the river, Rio Arade, opposite the town of
Portimão is the small town of Ferragudo. Romantically said to have once been the
home of local pirates this place has retained much of its Portuguese flavour,
and as yet, it has not been too influenced by tourism. During the summer on
weekend evenings the main square is filled with the sound of music and laughter
as the locals and tourists dance the night away.
Lagoa Information 800 296 296 - Support to Tourists 112 - SOS 282 380 400 - Town Hall 282 352 888 - Fire Brigade 282 352 310 - Police 282 340 370 - Emergency Treatment
Lagoa Events
Semana Gastronomia Portuguesa - June
Feira de São João - 24th June
FATACIL - August
Festa das Tasquinhas Algarvias - August
Festa da N. Sra da Encarnação - September in Porches
Festa da N. Sra. da Luz - September
Flea Market - 14th of every month in Ferragudo
Town Holiday - 8th September
Lagoa Beaches
Praia do Algar Seco
Praia da Albandeira
Praia do Benegil
Praia dos Caneiros
Praia do Carvalho
Praia de Carvoeiro
Praia Grande
Praia da Marinha
Praia do Pintadinho
Praia Vale de Centianes
Praia de Vale de Lapa
Portugal Golf
800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
