Barão de São João
A small inland village north-west of Lagos, known for its forest trails, menhirs and rock-carved poetry.
Barão de São João is a small rural village in the Lagos municipality, part of the parish of Bensafrim e Barão de São João. Its parish church of São João Baptista dates back to the 17th century, and the area has a long history, with menhirs and other ancient finds.
The main draw is the Mata Nacional, a forest of pine, cork oak and other trees with walking paths and picnic spots. Local sculptor Deodato Santos left carved faces and poetry on rocks in the woods. The village is peaceful and suits walkers and visitors looking for countryside rather than beaches.
