The Historic City of LAGOS, ALGARVE PORTUGAL Travel Guide 2021 4K

Welcome to the historic city of Lagos which is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Algarve and certainly one of my favourites. Lagos is a bustling town full of activity, nightlife and modern attractions. However, it is also a town full of history and the monuments and architecture which take us back to the many different peoples who have settled here and the many maritime adventure which have started in Lagos' impressive natural harbour. The nearby beaches are among the best in the region and the rocky headland of Ponta da Piedade is outstandingly beautiful.
Over the two and a half thousand years of its existence, Lagos has been home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors all attracted by the harbour and what it represented in terms of communication, location and therefore power. Henry the Navigator famously ordered expeditions from here, and indeed it was from here that Vasco da Gama set sail for what was to be his discovery of India.
Many statues dotted around the town remember past sea adventurers, including Dom Sebastião whose attempt to capture areas in North Africa ended in total disaster in 1578. Even British sailors under Nelson made Lagos a renowned stopover point as they told their countrymen back home of the wonders of the drinking and the beautiful local women.

THINGS TO DO IN LAGOS
1. OLD LAGOS
There’s no shortage of charm throughout the Old Town of Lagos. Compact enough to see everything in an afternoon, Old Lagos is brimming with historical significance. Wander the streets to discover Forte da Ponta da Bandeira. Opposite, you’ll find Saint Gonçalo's gate, the best-preserved section of the city walls. Delve into the city’s dark history at Mercado de Escravos, which was the first slave market in Europe, before walking to Jardim da Constituição by the water.

2. PONTA DA PIEDADE
Ponta da Piedade offers perhaps the most iconic vista of the Algarve. The dramatic headland is where the Atlantic Ocean is punctuated by limestone sea stacks. Over centuries, wind and water have carved their way through the cliffs along Portugal’s southern coast to create a network of caves and tunnels that make this locale a wonder of nature.

3. SANTO ANTONIO CURCH
Igreja de Santo António (Santo Antonio Church) is listed as a Portuguese National Monument, with whitewashed exteriors that appear rather unassuming at first glance. Even so, stepping inside will reveal an impressive interior to rival the most renowned religious institutions across Europe. The Baroque gilded woodwork is a work of art complemented by ceiling frescoes and traditional azulejos.

4. KAYAKING
Navigating the Algarve coastline along Lagos by kayak is one of the best ways to explore the rugged cliffs that are so iconic of the region.

5. DOLPHIN SPOTTING
The effort of spotting the dolphins in Lagos is worth every moment as you watch these beautiful beings as they dip and dive through the surf in pods. One of the ocean’s most-loved and playful animals, dolphins enjoy frolicking in the Atlantic waters off the coast of Lagos. And, with the opportunity to see them from March through November, you can take advantage of the long season by taking more trips.

6. CAMILO BEACH
Camilo Beach (Praia do Camilo to locals) is one of the finest places to enjoy the splendours of the Algarve coast. The beach offers panoramic views over the coastline that stretches between Lagos and Albufeira. A wooden staircase leads to a sandy cove at the bottom of truncating cliffs in a sheltered bay with calm waters. When the tide is low you can walk out to the caves in the bay, walk through the natural tunnel that connects Praia do Camilo to the neighbouring bay or swim around and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.

7. LAGOS FISH MARKET
Lagos Municipal Market, or Mercado Municipal de Lagos to locals, is where you can pick up the freshest catches of the day from local fishermen. Early risers will love the opportunity to head out to the market. Set over 3 floors, more than 30 vendors offer a wide variety of fish and fresh seafood, as well as a few others selling fresh produce including fruit and vegetables.
Situated opposite the Lagos marina, this is where the locals like to shop. If you would prefer to enjoy sampling the finest local food, head upstairs to the 2nd floor to enjoy a meal at the restaurant with stunning harbour views.

8. EAT PETISCOS
Many of us are familiar with the Spanish pastime of enjoying tapas with friends, but Portugal has its own take on the art of small, bite-sized servings. Despite its humble entrance, Casinha do Petisco in Lagos is one of the best places to sample this Portuguese favourite. Grilled seafood and shellfish fill the menu, drawing on traditional flavours to excite your taste buds.
If you’re in the Algarve in October, Rota do Petisco is a tapas-style food festival running anually.

9. GOLF
Golf is a popular activity throughout the Algarve

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