Content Overview
Lagos is a bustling coastal town in the Algarve that encompasses all the appealing aspects people cherish about the region. The area boasts beaches that vary from expansive sandy expanses to secluded coves framed by ochre-colored cliffs. These geological formations create a mesmerizing sight at Ponta da Piedade, where the cliffs and towers are adorned with caves and arches, alongside waters of a striking emerald hue.
Within the heart of Lagos, the historic district serves as a haven for exploration, characterized by its Portuguese pavement beautifully arranged in the streets and landmarks that evoke the Age of Discovery when navigators embarked on their voyages from this port.
Let us delve into the premier attractions in Lagos:
1. Ponta da Piedade
A remarkable natural formation awaits on a headland just a few minutes south of the historic core of Lagos.
Ponta da Piedade features cliffs, outcrops, and stacks of red and yellow limestone that soar up to 20 meters, with contorted walls and shimmering clear waters below.
Visiting via a boat or kayak tour from the Lagos marina provides the opportunity to pass under natural arches and explore caves.
However, traversing it on foot is nearly as unforgettable, as you descend a staircase carved into the cliff face, where the view encompasses the horizon, reaching towards Cape St Vincent to the west.
2. Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo, adjacent to Ponta da Piedade, presents a stunning cove located at the base of ochre-tinged cliffs.
The journey to this idyllic spot itself is an adventure, requiring a descent of approximately 200 steps along a secure wooden stairway integrated into the rock.
Before proceeding downward, take a moment to appreciate the azure ocean, golden sands, and the captivating red and yellow tones of the cliffs.
The waters here are remarkably tranquil, allowing for pleasant swimming, or the option to navigate through a natural tunnel to an adjacent cove.
Moreover, during low tide, walking out to the caves along the bay is a delightful experience.
3. Meia Praia
On the left bank of the Bensafrim River lies a beach that is strikingly different from the rustic coves found elsewhere in Lagos.
Meia Praia presents an expansive shoreline, gracefully curving for six kilometers toward Alvor Lagoon.
This extensive stretch of fine sand, due to its vastness, never feels overcrowded.
The beach is bordered by dunes and gently slopes to the water.
While the currents may be slightly stronger, the waters are still suitable for children.
4. Old Lagos
The historic nucleus of Lagos features whitewashed residences scattered across a maze of patterned streets, still partially enclosed by 16th-century walls.
The best vantage point is from Jardim da Constituição by the water, which once protected the seat of governance for the Algarve province when Lagos served as its capital from 1576 to 1756. Nearby, the Mercado de Escravos stands as a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in the city’s history; it operated as Lagos’ slave market for approximately 250 years beginning in 1444, highlighting the human cost of the Age of Discovery.
A notable figure from this era is Henry the Navigator, whose expeditions embarked from Lagos’ harbor during the 15th century, honored with a statue at Praça Infante D. Henrique.
5. Praia de Dona Ana
Praia de Dona Ana, one of the most accessible beaches from the historic center of Lagos, is among the finest in the region.
Located just a short distance from Praia do Camilo, this beach is surrounded by enchanting cliffs adorned with yellow and red streaks.
Additional rock formations bordering the shoreline introduce extra visual interest to the scene.
The beach is spacious, featuring a somewhat coarser blend of golden sand and shells.
Moreover, the waters are typically calm, thanks to the shielding effect of the surrounding cliffs.
6. Zoo de Lagos
Families can encounter animals from five continents at this zoo, located a few kilometers from the city center.
Birds constitute more than half of the zoo’s 350 inhabitants, proudly showcased in clean, well-designed, and relatively spacious aviaries.
The collection includes a variety of parrots, such as African greys, military macaws, parakeets, and cockatiels.
In terms of mammals, the park features a small farm where children can interact with and pet dwarf goats and sheep, as well as an additional enclosure where playful lemurs can be engaged for a fee.
Additionally, there are over a dozen species of monkeys, various wild cats, and multiple types of turtles and tortoises.
7. Igreja de Santo António
At first glance, one might question how this church qualifies as a Portuguese National Monument.
The exterior features a simple whitewashed façade topped with two bell towers, which conceals a stunningly ornate nave.
Each surface inside showcases intricate gilded woodcarvings, azulejos, and paintings.
The ceiling’s frescoes are particularly remarkable, while the wall paintings narrate the life of St. Anthony of Lisbon.
Originally owned by the Portuguese military from the 18th century until 1929, the church was transferred to the government for essential restoration.
Currently, it holds only one service a year to honor its patron saint on June 13.
8. Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho
Despite having a substantial tourist infrastructure, Lagos is a city rich with intriguing narratives, prompting interest in attractions such as this museum.
Housed in a side building of the Igreja de Santo António, inaugurated in 1934, the museum chronicles the region’s history from the Neolithic period to the Luso-Iberians, Romans, Moors, and the Age of Discovery.
The collection showcases a scale model of the city as well as numerous coins, tools essential to traditional local industries like cork production, and a captivating array of religious art sourced from the church’s sacristy.
9. Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
Families seeking respite from the midday sun will appreciate a visit to this engaging science museum located in the center of Lagos.
Set within Casa Fogaça, an 18th-century manor, the museum outlines the innovations that facilitated the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
The museum features interactive displays that elucidate topics such as cartography, shipbuilding, and astronomy.
Complimenting these are broader sections on science and technology, where inquisitive children can explore 3D printing, learn Morse code, design their own radios, and enjoy time in the educational playground within the courtyard.
10. Lagos Marina
It is only natural to be attracted to the ocean in Lagos, whether for watersports, excursions to Ponta da Piedade, or nature observation cruises.
The epicenter for these activities is the elegant marina in Lagos, located just a short distance inland from the mouth of the Bensafrim River.
On foot, one must cross a bascule bridge that spans the entrance, providing views over the masts of sleek pleasure craft and local fishing vessels.
In addition to serving as a hub for aquatic excursions, it also functions as one of the city’s social venues, featuring an assortment of bars and restaurants that thrive with visitors.
11. Dolphin Spotting
Although sightings of dolphins in the waters surrounding Lagos cannot be guaranteed, the chances are significantly enhanced during expeditions.
Most cruise operators in the harbor utilize quick and eco-friendly RIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats), with tours generally lasting two hours.
Participants don wind-resistant jackets and venture into the open ocean with a skilled skipper who utilizes insights from other vessels and their own expertise to locate pods of porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins found in the area.
Many companies assert a 90% success rate in dolphin sightings, and the excitement is palpable upon any glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
12. Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
This naval fortification is situated at the mouth of the Bensafrim, providing defense to the harbor and historical anchorage.
Constructed at the end of the 17th century, it is part of a series of forts, redoubts, and batteries erected in response to the Portuguese Restoration War, which spanned nearly 30 years between Portugal and Spain.
Characterized by a low profile and minimal decoration, the fort was designed for advanced artillery.
To enter, visitors must cross a drawbridge, revealing an appealing chapel adorned with period tiles.
The roof features bartizans at each corner, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline to the south and Meia Praia resides across the river.
13. Watersports
The majority of beaches near Lagos face east, thus providing natural protection from the open ocean.
Conversely, the opposite side of Ponta da Piedade features rolling waves, making it an ideal location for novice surfers to learn the basics at Praia Porto de Mós.
During tranquil days, individuals can rent stand-up paddleboards or bodyboards for several hours of enjoyment.
Situated east of Lagos, Alvor Lagoon serves as a prime destination for kite-surfing, attributed to its calm and shallow waters combined with consistent coastal breezes.
14. Other Cultural Venues
It is essential to note that Lagos is not merely a tourist destination; it is also a vibrant town boasting its own cultural scene.
The Centro Cultural (CCL) serves as a renowned arts venue, featuring an auditorium with a seating capacity of 300 and a vast temporary exhibition area comprising three galleries.
Checking the listings upon arrival could reveal events of interest.
Furthermore, a museum located at the marina chronicles the Age of Discovery through 16 tableaux illustrating significant events or typical scenes from that period.
Among these, one depicts the Battle of Aljubarrota against Spain, while another showcases a caravel’s hold, featuring prominent figures such as Luís de Camões, whose contributions to the Portuguese language rival those of Shakespeare in English.
15. Cuisine
Restaurants throughout the Algarve present fish and seafood sourced just hours before serving.
Lagos offers a variety of its own distinct dishes, including poached mackerel, goose barnacles, deep-fried squid, pork with clams, and the beloved grilled sardines.
A seafood dish that is particularly noteworthy is cataplana, which refers to both the cookware and the meal itself.
This large copper pot features an attached lid and is typically used to create a kind of seafood rice with clams.
Similar to paella, it is served within the cataplana and is intended to be shared among two or more people.
