The village (about 900 inhabitants) has been an independent community until the year 2013. Today it forms together with Bensafrim the community União das Freguesias de Bensafrim e Barão de São João.
Coordinates: 37° 8′ N, 8° 47′ W
The village is situated offside the big roads. Rush and hurry do not seem to exist.
There are small shops, restaurants, bistros and cafés. The zoo of Lagos is located about 800 m northeast of the village. Life is tranquil and cosy. You can find the little ateliers of local artists in the typical townhouses.
The village center with shopping and gastronomic offers.
Off the excitement of the coastal sites, here is a good starting point for hiking into the heart of the country.
Mata Nacional
Northwest of the village is the signposted > Mata Nacional < (national forest). The woodland comprises about 5,000 ha and is traversed by marked hiking pathes that are good to walk on. You have a great view to the Atlantic from several points.
Tip: Take beverages with you – there are no shopping facilities directly in this area.
Big parts of the Algarve had once been covered with forests, but the situation changed abruptly in the 14th century when the need for wood surged with the construction of caravels.
Please be careful, the danger of fire should not be underestimated.
Igreja Matriz de Barão de São João
The church and the cemetery are located at the eastern edge of the village.