LAGOS
Lagos is a municipality at the mouth of the Bensafrim River and along the Atlantic Ocean, in the Barlavento region of the west of the Algarve. Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, Portugal, due to its variety of tourist-friendly beaches, rock formations, bars, restaurants, and hotels, renowned for its vibrant summer nightlife and parties.
Found within the historic center is a proud Portuguese city, with cobbled streets, authentic restaurants, and an atmosphere that is relaxed and welcoming. Lagos perfectly combines beaches with modern tourist facilities. In comparison to Faro, Lagos is much more touristy and has more to offer in terms of places to dine, bars and nightlife. However, if you want to experience more Portuguese towns, you should visit for a few nights in Faro.
The extensive range of sights and activities means that Lagos is perfectly suited for a range of different visitors, and this includes families, couples, or more mature visitors.
What to do and see
Marina
The “Marina de Lagos” is a modern marina located in the Bay of Lagos, next to the Historic Center of the city.
Fort of Ponta da Bandeira
The small fort of Ponta da Bandeira, also known as the Fort of Our Lady of Penha de Franca (or just Lagos fortress) stands on Lagos’s waterfront, where the Bensafrim River enters the sea and overlooks Praia da Batata beach. The fort, used until the 20th century by the military, was restored in the 1960s and today the interior is open to the public.
Igreja de Santo Antonio
Igreja de Santo Antonio is one of the finest National Monuments in Portugal, due to the baroque gilded woodwork decoration. The entire church is crowned by a wooden vaulted ceiling, imitating a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The ceiling is covered by wonderfully colored and intricately drawn printings. Originally constructed in 1707, the church was rebuilt in 1769.
Igreja de Santa Maria-Praça do Infante D. Henrique
Lending dynamic perspective to Praça do Infante D. Henrique is the late 15th-century church of St. Mary. Set in the northwestern corner of the square, the church still retains a Renaissance doorway, which fortunately survived the great earthquake of 1755.
Ponta da Piedade
A Portuguese natural wonder awaits on a headland a few minutes south of the old center of Lagos. Ponta da Piedade offers amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline with the deformation of rocks, arches, beaches, and beautiful water ahead.
Praia do Camilo
Not a typical day at the beach, Praia do Camilo, located just next to Ponda da Piedade is a perfect cove at the foot of cliffs. Before getting to this beach, you’ll need to descend some 200 steps on a safe wooden stairway etched into the rock. However, before heading down, make sure to pause to gaze into the beautiful azure ocean.
Praia da Dona Ana
A perfect place to spend your day on a beach, Praia da Dona Ana is the classic Algarve cove; nestled between the sandstone cliffs on the eastern side of Ponta da Piedade, it is sheltered from the breeze but catches all the day’s sun.
Porto de Mós
Praia de Porto de Mós is a beautiful golden beach, surrounded by impressive rock formations. Located near Ponta da Piedade, this place is a popular destination for surfing and other water sports.
Praia dos Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes is a beach near the centre of Lagos. Due to its location, it is one of many other beaches that is convenient to visit for a couple of hours. Praia dos Estudantes is known for its Roman-style bridge right on the beach.
Where to go eat and drink
Lagos is filled with great restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Since Lagos is a more popular tourist destination, you’ll have no issue finding a place to sit in or out. Pretty much the whole old city center will be filled in with shops and restaurants. Here are some of my favorite places in Lagos:
- Padaria Central – bakery
- London Tiger Coffee – coffee shop
- Black and White Coffee Shop
- Coffee & Waves coffee shop
- Abigail’s cafe coffee shop
- Casa do Prego – tapas restaurant
- Cachoa – restaurant with a courtyard
- Nah Nah Nah – restaurant
