Benagil was a small, traditional fishing village and is now a small community living close to a beautiful beach that has many grottoes, natural sandstone arches and many other natural features both to the east and west.

Visits by boat to the famous sea cave, just east of the beach, can be arranged from most local beaches. It is advised not to swim to the cave as the swells and rips can be very strong. Watersports, such as kayaks and pedaloes are available on Benagil beach. The local fishermen also make use of their boats during the day to offer visitors the chance to take boat trips around the coastline and visit the caves.

The hamlet’s beach is fairly small, but there are also a few other lovely beaches within easy reach including Praia da Marinha, with many steps down to the beautiful and sheltered beach, and Praia de Albandeira to the east with Praia do Vale de Centianes and Praia do Carvoeiro to the west.

There is a small selection of bars, restaurants and cafés in the area offering a choice of different cuisines.

There are two water parks within easy reach - Slide & Splash at Lagoa with Aqualand close to Alcantarilha. If water parks aren't for you then there is Zoomarine Sealife Park at Guia and Krazy World at Algoz to choose from.

Should you have something a little more relaxing in mind, then a trip to Silves is a lovely day out with its Moorish castle and riverside walks. A walk around the castle walls allows you to have a bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside and town, with many pavement cafés to stop for a cool drink afterwards. There are also boat trips to Silves from Portimão, along the Arade river, offering approximately an hour's free time in Silves (before the tide is too low to return).

If you are a golfer there are numerous golf courses nearby whilst tennis fans don't need to miss a game as there are tennis facilities at Rocha Brava and also at Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis.

The cliff tops around Benagil offer plenty of scope for walking and great views with the large sea cave attracting many visitors also. Click here for more information on walking trails and here for information on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail that Benagil sits on and is approximately 12kms long. And for those who enjoy a holiday which includes other active activities you will find cycling routes, diving centres, various gyms and centres to enjoy yoga, tai chi etc plus great local areas for bird watching and the opportunity to enjoy walking trails

Late in August there is a county show, held in Lagoa, called Fatacil. It attracts visitors from far and wide offering them everything from handicrafts to livestock.

Early in June the Caldeirada and Seafood Festival is held in Armação de Pera with Ferragudo hosting Fisherman's Day, again early in June, where the visitor can enjoy live music, grilled fish and a variety of Portuguese tapas.

For more information on Fatacil visit the Fatacil site.

For up-to-date information on local events download the tourist office events guide.

There are plenty of shops in Lagoa for your everyday needs and as they are accustomed to catering for British visitors you will be able to find most of your normal groceries. If you are looking for more than just a supermarket you need to head to Portimão to the west of Carvoeiro or to the Algarve Shopping mall at Guia (near Albufeira) to the east (both about 15 minutes away). Even the non-shoppers can enjoy both these malls as there are plenty of seats in the sunshine and lots of restaurants and cafés in the food hall. They are open until late in the evening, so no need to miss out on beach time either and in Guia there is also a multi-screen cinema.