Things To Do
in Lagoa

A shellfish stew cooked in a covered copper pan (cataplana) with clams, prawns, fish and aromatic herbs; look for it at traditional seafood restaurants in Carvoeiro and Ferragudo.

Must-Try!

Whole fish grilled simply with olive oil and lemon—widely available at beach restaurants and recommended for a true Algarve taste.

Rich, soupy seafood rice often made with shrimp, clams and mussels; comforting and flavorful—great in family-style eateries.

While pastéis de nata are national, local almond sweets like Dom Rodrigo (from the Algarve) are worth trying at pastry shops.

A handshake and eye contact are standard for first meetings; friends may kiss once on each cheek. Use polite phrases like 'por favor' and 'obrigado/obrigada'.

Casual clothing is fine, but avoid topless sunbathing except on designated beaches and cover up when going into churches or conservative village settings.

Meals are social—take time to enjoy courses. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served and for someone to say 'bom apetite' before eating.

Don't remove shells or rocks from protected areas, avoid littering and follow local rules for accessing caves and reserves.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff and guides are welcomed.

Cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; cash is useful for small cafes, market stalls and remote areas. Notify your bank and carry a backup card; ATMs are common but check fees.

High season with warm, dry weather (25–35°C / 77–95°F), busy beaches, crowded attractions and many activities. Book accommodations, boat tours and restaurants in advance; expect more English-speaking staff and extended opening hours.

Milder temperatures (18–25°C / 64–77°F), fewer tourists and warm sea for swimming into October. Good time for hikes, photography and wine harvest events; some small businesses begin shorter hours.

Cooler, wetter weather (8–16°C / 46–61°F) with quieter towns and lower prices—some seasonal businesses close or reduce hours. Great for peaceful walks, birdwatching and exploring inland Monchique without the crowds.

Blooming countryside, comfortable temperatures (15–22°C / 59–72°F) and gradually increasing tourist services. Ideal for outdoor activities, festivals and sampling fresh seasonal produce.

Scenic cliff-top walking linking Benagil, lookout points and Praia da Marinha; short sections with dramatic views and photo opportunities.

Boardwalks and footpaths that explore weathered rock formations and sea pools—good for short hikes and sunset routes.

Inland mountain trails through eucalyptus and pine forests with panoramic views, waterfalls and cooler microclimates—suitable for half-day hikes.

Long-distance trail crossing the Algarve inland; sections near Lagoa offer rural landscapes, olive groves and a quieter walking experience.

Main international airport serving the Algarve, about a 30–45 minute drive from Lagoa depending on traffic; taxis, car rentals and shuttle services connect to Lagoa and nearby resorts.

Portugal's main hub, roughly 2.5–3 hours by car or train; useful for international connections and if you plan a multi-destination trip including Lisbon.

Long-standing local population working in tourism, fishing, agriculture and services; speak Portuguese and many have some English.

Significant community of foreign residents (British, German, Dutch, Scandinavian) who live year-round or seasonally in the Algarve, contributing to an international atmosphere.

Large influx of European holidaymakers in summer, including families and young travelers; seasonality shapes crowding and business hours.

Workers from Portugal and elsewhere in Europe and beyond who staff hotels, restaurants and tour services during the high season.

Portugal's most popular sport—local amateur matches and youth clubs are common; big national matches draw regional interest.

The Algarve coast has popular surf spots (especially on the western shores) and many schools offer lessons for beginners and intermediates.

The Algarve is a major European golf destination with numerous courses; visitors often combine golf with leisure stays in the region.

Stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking and small-boat sailing are widely practiced along the coast and by tour operators in Lagoa.

Vegetarian options are available but less extensive than in big cities; look for vegetable stews, salads, grilled vegetables, cheese dishes and egg-based options. Ask for 'sem carne' (without meat) and many restaurants will adapt dishes.

Vegan choices are growing (salads, soups, hummus and tapas), but you'll need to ask staff about butter, cheese and stock. Bring snacks if you have very limited options.

Gluten-free bread and pasta are increasingly available; restaurants are generally accommodating but always notify staff saying 'sou celíaco / preciso sem glúten' to ensure care with cross-contamination.

Seafood is ubiquitous—if you have shellfish or nut allergies, be explicit and carry an allergy card in Portuguese to show staff.