Lagos

CITY OF LAGOS Lagos is a historic town located in the Western Algarve, better known as the Barlavento area. It is considered one of the most beautiful and charming cities of the Algarve, due to its incredible and breathtaking landscapes! This is a town that is historically linked to the Portuguese Discoveries, being today one of the most attractive tourist centres of the Algarve, also characterised by lovely beaches. It is a safe, calm place providing a great quality of life for its inhabitants. In the area of the historical centre, during the day the local shops open their doors to welcome the inhabitants and tourists of the town, and at night the streets fill with joy and fun. Lagos is ready to welcome you and make you feel at home! Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

POINT OF INTEREST: Ponta da Piedade Ponta da Piedade is one of the most sought after places by those who visit the city of Lagos and is one of the places most loved by its inhabitants. With a breathtaking view, Ponta da Piedade provides unforgettable experiences, such as watching the sunrise/sunset and taking a long walk on the walkway and enjoying the incredible views created by the rocks that so characterize the Algarve coast.

POINT OF INTEREST: Muralha de Lagos Considered cultural heritage, this walled area has its origins in the Roman period. It was remodeled by the Arabs and greatly enlarged during the 16th century between the reigns of D. Manuel and Filipe I, corresponding to the need to protect the city´s growing urban network. The walls of Lagos have nine turrets prepared to receive artillery and have seven access gates. At the end of the 16th century, one of the wall sections was transformed into the Algarve Governors´ residence.

POINT OF INTEREST: Igreja de Santo António Decorated in gilded, baroque woodcarvings, this church was built in 1707 and later rebuilt in 1769. Its walls are covered with blue and white tile panels and it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the country. The entire church is covered by a wooden vault, imitating a cradle vault. The painting of this, for its colourfulness and fairness of design is a marvel. Such a rigorous perspective gives us an impression of reality that charms anyone. On the altar, on a throne, is the patron saint Saint Anthony with the Baby Jesus on his arm, flanked by two angels holding torches. There is also a rare image of Saint Elói, patron saint of goldsmiths.

POINT OF INTEREST: Forte da Bandeira The 17th century fortress, built at the entrance to the bar of the Bensafrim estuary, provides magnificent views. It is square in plan, surrounded by a moat and has an imposing gateway with a drawbridge leading to the interior. Inside, one can visit a 17th century chapel covered in tiles.

POINT OF INTEREST: Mercado dos Escravos In the mid-15th century, the first African slaves arrived in Lagos and the slave trade began. In one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Mercado do Escravos Museum currently operates, offering visitors an insight into this unfortunate chapter in Portuguese history.

POINT OF INTEREST: Beaches In the city of Lagos you can find several incredible beaches, namely Praia da Dona Ana, Praia do Porto de Mós and Meia Praia, which are some of the most sought after by locals and tourists.