Lagoa (Algarve)

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Lagoa


image_coat_of_arms = LGA1.png

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Region = Algarve
Subregion = Algarve
Old Province = Algarve
District = Faro
Mayor_name = José Eduardo
Mayor_party = PSD
area_total = 88.5
population_total = 23,835
population_density = 233
Creatopm = 16 January 1773
Parishes = 6
coor = 38º08'N 8º27'W
params = 38_08_N_8_27_W
occasion =
day = September 8
website = http://www.cm-lagoa.pt
footnotes =

Lagoa (pron. IPA2|lɐ'goɐ) is a Portuguese city in the district of Faro, in the region known as the Algarve, with about 6,100 inhabitants.

It is the seat of a local municipal unit (concelho) of the same name, 88.50 km² in area, with 23,835 inhabitants, [Instituto Nacional de Estatistica [Portugal] , information as of 2006.] divided into 6 civil parishes (freguesias). It is bounded on the north and east by the municipality of Silves, on the west by the municipality of Portimão, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean.

The city (then town) was officially incorporated on 16 January 1773. The municipal holiday is September 8; its patron saint is Our Lady of Light. The location adjective for the city is "Lagoense".

The present Mayor is José Inácio Marques Eduardo, elected by the Social Democratic Party.

Population of the Municipality of Lagoa

History

The entire region of the Algarve was conquered by the Arabs when they moved into the Iberian peninsula in the 8th century. When the area was reconquered in the mid-twelfth century by the Christian forces from the north, it was integrated into the Portuguese kingdom. Lagoa was within the area governed from Silves. On the 16 January 1773, by a charter of King José I (Joseph I), the municipality (concelho) of Lagoa was created, after its principal settlement (Lagoa) was elevated to town status.

According to historical sources, the earliest settlement of Lagoa was on the edges of a small lake or marsh [Portuguese: lagoa] , which was drained in order to create fertile land and habitations which in turn were later occupied by the Muslims.

The natural resources of the area have contributed greatly to the current economic structure of the municipality based on agriculture (especially fruit and wine production), fishing, light industry, and tourism. The fishing industry (of the communities of Ferragudo, Benagil, Carvoeiro and Senhora da Rocha), vineyards, and the traditional products of unirrigated agriculture were the principal sources of wealth of the area up to the 1970s. Driven by the abundance of fish, the canning industry at the beginning of the last century broke open the local economy, bringing with it general prosperity and wealth.

From the 1960s, however, tourism has been the principal driver of the area’s development and the creation of the infrastructure necessary for the growth of the economic fabric. The most important outcome has been the high level of job creation over the last few decades. This activity has rapidly became the economic motor of the municipality, and has now assumed a permanent place in the local economy. Parallel to the growth of tourism has been the growth of all the related activities, especially in the the construction industry, services, and general commerce.

Civil Parishes or Freguesias

The 6 civil parishes/freguesias of Lagoa are:
* Carvoeiro
* Estômbar
* Ferragudo
* Lagoa
* Parchal
* PorchesAll the freguesias have the status of towns, except Lagoa itself which has the status of a city.

Beaches

Lagoa is a municipality rich in beaches. They have been improved dramatically over the last few decades, in terms of infrastructure and access, as well as in terms of water quality and the environment. They now successfully compete with the better known beaches of Portimão and Albufeira. The largest beaches are:
*Praia da Albandeira
*Praia da Angrinha (Ferragudo)
*Praia do Barranco
*Praia do Barranquinho
*Praia de Benagil (Carvoeiro)
*Praia dos Caneiros (Blue Flag beach)
*Praia do Carvalho (Carvoeiro)
* Praia de Carvoeiro
*Praia da Cova Redonda
*Praia de Ferragudo
*Praia Grande (Ferragudo)
*Praia do Levante
*Praia da Marinha, Carvoeiro
*Praia do Mato
*Praia do Molhe
*Praia Nova (Porches)
*Praia da Senhora da Rocha (Porches) (Blue Flag beach)
*Praia do Pintadinho
*Praia dos Tremoços
*Praia do Vale de Centeanes (Blue Flag beach)

Heritage Sites

* Igreja Matriz (Lagoa)
* Igreja Matriz (Estômbar)
* Igreja Matriz (Porches)
* Convento de São José (Lagoa)
* Convento de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Lagoa)
* Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Carvoeiro)
* Fort of São João do Arade (Ferragudo)
* Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches)

Lagoa Today

Lagoa is actually one of the most important tourist areas of the Algarve. There are various factors which have contributed to its popularity, namely the variety of offerings to visitors (the beauty of its beaches, modern tourist accommodation, its golf courses, its cultural heritage), orderly planning of land use within the council area, its social stability, and the friendliness of its citizens.

The city continues to improve facilities and organize events of interest to tourists. Each summer it hosts a large exhibition of craft products at the Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Lagoa (Fair and Exhibition Grounds of Lagoa), known as FATACIL. Certain heritage buildings have been renovated for cultural uses in the city, notably the Municipal Library and the Convento de São José (St. Joseph Convent) – the Cultural Centre of the City of Lagoa – where various shows and a variety of exhibitions take place. Similarly the Municipal Auditorium hosts numerous shows and other events each week. As well many cultural activities take place at the Parque Municipal de Fontes, north of Estombar, all year round, including theatre, dances, and traditional folk-songs.

In the last 15 years Lagoa has registered one of the highest levels of economic development in the Algarve. It has numerous medical offices educational (elementary, secondary, music, art) institutions as well as sports, leisure and tourism facilities.

Scenic/Recreational Sites

* Algar Seco
* FATACIL
* Sítio das Fontes

Municipal Address

Camera Municipal de Lagoa
Largo do Município
8401-851 Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal

ee also

*Lagoa DOC

External links

* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/1419489/ Fotografias de Lagoa]
* [http://www.cm-lagoa.pt Municipality official website]

References