Overview: This ancient port city is today one of the most popular holiday
destinations on the Algarve, sited as it is within walking distance
of some excellent beaches. Visitors to Lagos can also take time to
discover some of the town's history, which goes back to the
Carthaginians several centuries BC. During the great Portuguese age
of discovery under Henry the Navigator, the port became a caravel
shipyard and was the jumping-off point for many a voyage to the
East. Few historic buildings remain, apart from some ruins in the
old section of town, because of the devastating earthquake of 1755.
Much of the central town area today consists of a sprawling flea
market. Also to be seen is Customs House - within its arches
Europe's first slave market was conducted in 1441. There is also
the beautiful church of Igreja de Santo Antonio, restored in 1715
and decorated with fantasy-inspired carvings. The municipal museum
in the town houses an interesting and varied collection from Roman
artefacts to deformed animal foetuses. The most splendid beach is
Meia Praia to the east of town; the southern promontory features
some sheltered cove beaches; while Praia de Dona Ana is picturesque
but usually very crowded in summer.
Shopping: Besides an ongoing flea market that sprawls through the streets,
Lagos boasts numerous fascinating shops and boutiques, especially
in the pedestrianised old city. Browsing is as pleasurable as
buying in the well-stocked shops that are bristling with attractive
local wares, from wickerwork to filigree jewellery, copperware and
leather goods to wine and pastries.
Restaurants: Eating out is part of the pleasure of a holiday on the Algarve,
and Lagos offers the best of the best choices of establishments in
which to indulge. Seafood lovers will be ecstatic, but no one, even
vegetarians, will be disappointed or go hungry. A good choice at
the marina is the Do Cais Bistro, which serves waterfront
breakfasts, lunches and dinners seven days a week. For creative
international cuisine in the town centre (including vegetarian
dishes) Duquesa Restaurante is hard to beat. Truly gourmet local
specialities like pork chops with figs, savoury shrimp and
succulent shellfish, are enjoyed at the Don Sebastiao tavern in the
old town pedestrian area. This restaurant also has the best wine
cellar in town.
Nightlife: The centre of Lagos comes alive in the evenings with buskers and
street entertainers, and the nightlife in Lagos can compete with
any holiday resort in the Algarve, with several energetic dance
clubs and character-filled bars strewn through the main part of
town. Of the bars most popular are Bar Amuras at the marina, the
Red Eye Bar on the Rue Candido dos Reis, and Zanzibar on the Rua 25
de Abril. Most have music, darts, pool tables and Sky TV sports
channels.
Activities: There is little need to do anything more to enjoy your holiday
other than sprawl on the sandy beach with an occasional dip in the
ocean, but those who need more activity can choose between dozens
of pursuits like sailing, wind-surfing, fishing, para-sailing,
microlight flights and scuba diving. Golf is a major attraction
here as it is throughout the Algarve, with the Palmares and Alto
courses nearby, offering a round with sea views. There is also the
challenge of the Penina Championship Course, site of many a
Portuguese Open. Those who hire a car will be well-rewarded in
exploring the adjacent coastline and seeking out unspoilt villages
and beaches. There are also a few sightseeing opportunities in the
town, including an interesting museum.
Negatives: There is not a lot for children to do in Lagos but there is a
zoo and an excellent water park not too far away.
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