economic structure of the municipality, with agriculture (especially fruit and wine production), fishing, light industry and, later, tourism influencing the activities of the region. The fishing industry (in the communities of Ferragudo, Benagil, Carvoeiro and Senhora da Rocha), vineyards, and the traditional products of irrigated agriculture were the principal sources of wealth for the area until the 1970s. Driven by the abundance of fish, the canning and conserve industry at the beginning of the 20th century was responsible for an economic boom, that brought a general prosperity and wealth to the region. From the 1960s, however, tourism increasingly became the main driver of the area's economic development and creation of brand new infrastructure. This has brought an increase in job creation, its growth rapidly became the economic engine of the municipality, and it has now assumed a prominent place in the local economy. In parallel to the growth of tourism, the growth of all the related activities, especially in the construction industry, services, and commerce in general, resulted in the elevation of Lagoa to the status of city (cidade). Geography Physical geography Lagoa is bounded on the north and east by the municipality of Silves, west by Portimão, and fronts the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The city proper is about 35 to 59 meters above sea level, with most of it standing above 45 meters high. 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 de Albandeira Praia da Angrinha Praia do Barranco Praia do Barranquinho Praia de Benagil Praia dos Beijinhos Praia dos Caneiros Praia do Carvalho Praia de Carvoeiro Praia da Corredoura Praia da Cova Redonda Praia de Ferragudo Praia Grande Praia da Malhada do Baraço Praia da Marinha Praia do Mato Praia da Mesquita Praia do Molhe Praia Nova Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha Praia do Pau Praia do Pintadinho Praia dos Tremoços Praia do Vale de Centeanes Human geography The four civil parishes () that provide local administrative control are: Estômbar e Parchal Ferragudo Lagoa e Carvoeiro Porches All the civil parishes, excluding the city of Lagoa proper which is the seat of the entire municipality made of 4 civil parishes,