Lagos is the third largest town in the Algarve, straddling the river Bensafrim and surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt countryside. It is a lively, cozy town with a maze of winding cobbled streets full of pavement restaurants, local cafés bars, antique and art shops, and what must be one of the world's best stocked fish markets. It is also rich in culture and history, and is widely regarded as the most charming town of the Algarve.

Lagos was an important coastal settlement well before the beginning of our era. The impressive town walls, still largely intact, date back to Roman times. During the Moorish occupation which lasted until the 12th century, Lagos was the centre of trade between Portugal and Africa. In the days of the great discoveries, Lagos was the heart of naval Portugal. Its ship yards built the caravels for the voyages of exploration, and it was here, close to Cape St. Vincent, the South-Westerly tip of continental Europe, that Henry the Navigator´s captains, Gil Eanes and Magelhăes took to the sea. Still a fishing town, and since the end of the last century the home of a major marina, Lagos has a rich nautical flavour. The gaily painted fishing boats line berths along the river, yachts sail out to Madeira, the Azores and the far ends of the earth.
Shopping, Eating and EntertainmentYou will find numerous supermarkets, butchers, bakers, etc in Lagos. The municipal food market on the main avenue is open every weekday morning until 1pm and offers a variety of fish and meat on the groundfloor, fruit and vegetable upstairs. There is also an open-air market normally held on Saturdays, near the main Avenue. Exploring the old part of town, searching out new restaurants is marvelous, most have tables outdoors in season, set beneath fragant orange trees in the square or lined along The edges of the narrow streets.


There is a fantastic selection with many specialising in fresh fish which is delicious. You will also find a good choice of International fare on offer with Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, English, French, Dutch and Indonesian restaurants in around town. Lagos has an excellent nightlife, centered around the old town. Merely wandering through the maze of winding streets soaking up the atmosphere is entertainment enough but you will come across a good choice of bars and discos to suit a variety of tastes. Alternatively sample a traditional Portuguese night out, dine, dance and be entertained by traditional Fado singing, you can find also the cinema and in Centro Cultural, there are sometimes expositions, classics music concerts and some shows.
Sightseeing With a such a long and varied past, Lagos has plenty of historical sights that are well worth taking in during your stay. Sections of the old Roman wall ( most of which was demolished in the great earthquake of 1755) can be seen at the back of the town. The site of the first slave market to be established in Europe is just off the main avenue and the hospital nearby is the former palace of Dom Henrique. The golden Church of Santo António, a superb example of Portuguese eighteenth century baroque, inlaid with gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings, is well worth a visit. We also recommend a tour round adjoining museum of local history and folklore. Beaches There is a fine sandy beach in town beneath the imposing wall of an ancient Fortress which still stands guard over the harbour entrance. Perhaps the most impressive beach in the area is Meia Praia, a 5 kilometer stretch of golden sand. It begins on the eastern side of the railway station and has watersport facilities, sun-beds and sun shades for hire.

Portugal Algarve Lagos 16 years, experience in tourism.