Lagos, a destination to remember for your escape to Algarve
Written on : 25 September 2019 By : Melchior Burin des Roziers
Lagos, the leading city of the Algarve, is a jewel of Portugal that will amaze you with its history, activities and superb beaches. Interestingly, this destination was where Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, left to discover Brazil. There are so many more incredible things to discover in Lagos Here are some suggestions for you among the countless beautiful things to do.
Lagos is a city rich in history, very turbulent history of that. Many monuments and architectural masterpieces will take you back in time. In 2500 years of history, Lagos has passed from hand to hand from Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors left their traces there before this city was shaped by the Portuguese. For all of them, the port has been an asset of power, especially since Henry the Navigator (1394-1460). This ambitious prince who notably launched many caravel expeditions there, to discover new lands to conquer.
You can stop in front of his statue in the superb church of St. Anthony (Igreja de Santo Antonio), a building that survived the devastating earthquake of 1755. This building illustrates well what beauty in simplicity can be. The interior is a simplistic wonder; No side chapels, unusual wooden sculptures, beautiful oil paintings, and beautiful walls covered with gold leaf.
The slave market (Mercado dos Escravos) is undoubtedly a very important place of memory for the history of Lagos. There was a time when Lagos was a major entry point for African slaves into Europe. This current museum is located in the same place where a square was once used as a sale point for slaves, from the first half of the 15th century. Live an educational experience and an immersive one thanks to augmented reality. You will learn a little more about this phenomenon of triangular commerce, through multiple objects, documents and results of archaeological excavations.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Lagos, admire the superb colourful facades, walk along the city walls. Take the opportunity to sit on the terrace of a café or restaurant, there is a wide range of choices! For example, the restaurant "A Forja" (rua dos Ferreiros, 17) seems to be a very good choice for tasting the typical dishes of the region.
Furthermore, there is the fort of Ponta da Bandeira to discover. Built following the restoration of Portugal's independence in the 17th century, it is one of the most beautiful architectural buildings of its kind in the Algarve. It was a major asset in protecting the city from the days when privateers and pirates harassed the coast.
The fabulous beaches of Lagos
Speaking of the coast, the one in Lagos is breathtaking. An atypical beauty that can be admired especially in Ponta da Piedade, with its superb coloured cliffs and a lighthouse overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The azure of the water invites you to take a short trip by sailboat or fishing boat from Alvor or the Lagos marina. An adventure like this is always best shared with family or friends. Admire the view from the coast and think back to when it was a theatre of confrontation during the great naval battles of the Algarve.
How about Praia da Dona Ana? It was voted "Best Beach in the World and Most Beautiful in Portugal" in 2013 by the Spanish magazine Condé Nast Traveler, then crowned by TripAdvisor 2 years later, as "the best beach in Portugal".
Praia do Camilo? A superb small beach protected by immense rock formations and crystal clear water. To get there, you have to go down an endless amount of steps. However, it is completely worth the hard work as you get to enjoy this little piece of paradise! It is better to come early in the morning to guarantee yourself a place on the sand because the place is very popular.
Porto Mós? A beautiful beach, quieter than the previous ones and ideal for a few hours of surfing - perfect for those with a meditative mindset. Or do you choose Meia Praia? The biggest in Lagos at 5 km!
