A visit in Lagos, Portugal, a charming town in the Algarve region, offers a perfect blend of history and beach bliss. Whether you are interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of this ancient maritime town, or relaxing on its stunning beaches, Lagos has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best things to do in Lagos, Portugal, and show you why this is one of the most visited destinations in the country.
A Brief History of Lagos
Lagos has a history that spans more than 2000 years, dating back to the Celtic settlement of Lacobriga. It was later colonized by the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Byzantines, before being conquered by the Moors in the 8th century. The Moors renamed the town Zawaia, meaning lagoon, and built a fortified wall around it. Lagos became an important port for trade and commerce, especially with North Africa and the Mediterranean.
In the 15th century, Lagos played a pivotal role in the Portuguese Age of Discovery, as the home of Prince Henry the Navigator, who sponsored many expeditions to explore the unknown lands of Africa and beyond. Lagos was also the site of the first European slave market, where thousands of Africans were sold and shipped to the colonies. Lagos was later attacked by pirates and foreign invaders, such as the English privateer Francis Drake, who sacked the town in 1587.
Lagos suffered a major earthquake in 1755, which destroyed most of the buildings and monuments. The town was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a new layout and architecture. Lagos became a popular tourist destination in the 20th century, attracting visitors from all over the world with its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.
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Exploring Lagos’ Historical Landmarks
One of the best ways to discover the history of Lagos is to visit its historical landmarks, which reflect the different eras and influences that shaped the town. Here are some of the top attractions in Lagos, Portugal, that you should not miss:
- The Old Town: The old town of Lagos is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful tiles, where you can find many shops, cafes, and restaurants. The old town is surrounded by the 16th-century walls, which King Manuel I built to protect the town from attacks. You can walk along the walls and enjoy the town and sea views. You can also enter the walls through the Portas de São Gonçalo, the main gate leading to the Praça Gil Eanes, the town’s main square.
- The Castle of Lagos: The Castle of Lagos is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century when the Moors built it. It was later renovated by the Portuguese kings, who used it as a residence and a prison. The castle is located on a hill overlooking the town and the sea, and it features a tower, a chapel, and a museum. The museum displays various artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Lagos, such as pottery, coins, weapons, and paintings.
- The Church of Santo António: The church of Santo António is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and ornate churches and a masterpiece of Baroque art. It was built in the 18th century, after the earthquake of 1755, and it is dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lagos. The church is decorated with gold leaf, azulejos (painted tiles), and wood carvings depicting scenes from the life of the saint and the history of Portugal. The church also houses a museum, where you can see religious relics, vestments, and paintings.
Lagos’ Colonial Heritage
Lagos was one of the main centers of the Portuguese colonial empire, as it was the base for many explorers and navigators who ventured into the unknown lands of Africa, Asia, and America. Lagos was also the first European slave market, where thousands of Africans were captured, sold, and shipped to the colonies. This dark chapter of history left a lasting impact on the town and its people, as well as on the cultures and societies of the colonized regions.
Some of the most famous figures of the Portuguese colonial era were born or lived in Lagos, such as:
- Prince Henry the Navigator: He was the third son of King John I of Portugal and the founder of the Order of Christ. This religious and military order supported the Portuguese exploration and expansion. He established a school of navigation in Lagos, where he gathered cartography, astronomy, and shipbuilding experts. He sponsored many expeditions to the coast of Africa, such as the ones led by Gil Eanes, who rounded Cape Bojador in 1434, and Diogo Cão, who reached the Congo River in 1482.
- Gil Eanes was a navigator and explorer who became the first European to sail beyond Cape Bojador, a point on the west coast of Africa considered impassable and the limit of the known world. He achieved this feat in 1434 under the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator. He also explored the coast of Mauritania and the Canary Islands and participated in the conquest of Ceuta, a Moroccan city that was the first Portuguese overseas territory.
- Lançarote de Freitas: He was a knight of the Order of Christ and a slave trader who organized the first large-scale raid on the African coast in 1444. He captured more than 200 Africans from the Senegal River and brought them to Lagos, where he sold them in the slave market. He also participated in the exploration of the Madeira Islands and the Azores, and the colonization of Cape Verde.
You can learn more about the colonial heritage of Lagos by visiting some of the following Lagos attractions:
- The Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator: This bronze statue stands in front of the town hall in the Praça Gil Eanes and honors the most influential figure of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The statue was sculpted by Leopoldo de Almeida in 1960 and depicts Prince Henry holding a caravel, a type of ship used for exploration voyages.
- The Slave Market Museum: This museum is located in the building that was once the slave market, where thousands of Africans were sold and enslaved. The museum opened in 2016, and displays various exhibits and artifacts related to the history of slavery and its impact on Lagos, Portugal, and the world. The museum also aims to raise awareness and promote dialogue about human rights and dignity.
- The Fort of Ponta da Bandeira: This fort was built in the 17th century, to defend the town and the port from pirate attacks and foreign invasions. The fort has a quadrangular shape, with four bastions and a drawbridge. Inside the fort, you can see a chapel dedicated to Santa Bárbara, the patron saint of artillerymen, and a cistern that collected rainwater. The fort also offers a panoramic view of the bay and the town.
Uncovering Lagos’ Slave Trade History
Lagos has a dark and tragic history of being the first European slave market, where thousands of Africans were captured, sold, and shipped to the colonies in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was a result of the Portuguese exploration and expansion in Africa, which led to the exploitation and enslavement of the native populations. Lagos was the main port for the slave trade, as it had a strategic location and a large harbor. The slaves were brought from various regions of Africa, such as Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Angola, and were auctioned in the market square, near the town hall. The slaves were then transported in ships, often in inhumane conditions, to the colonies in Brazil, the Caribbean, and North America.
The slave trade had a profound impact on the economy, society, and culture of Lagos, Portugal, and the world. It generated enormous wealth for the Portuguese crown and the merchants, but also caused immense suffering and injustice for the enslaved people and their descendants. It also influenced the racial and ethnic diversity of the colonized regions, as well as the development of their languages, religions, arts, and cuisines.
You can learn more about the slave trade history of Lagos by visiting some of the following Lagos points of interest:
- The Mercado de Escravos: This is the building that was once the slave market, where the Africans were sold and enslaved. It is located near the town hall, in the Praça Infante Dom Henrique. The building was constructed in 1444, and it is considered the oldest slave market in Europe. It has a rectangular shape, with a central courtyard and a gallery. The building was later used as a customs house, a military barracks, and an art gallery. Today, it houses the Slave Market Museum, which displays various exhibits and artifacts related to the history of slavery and its impact on Lagos, Portugal, and the world.
- The Monument to the Slaves: This is a bronze sculpture that stands in front of the slave market, and commemorates the victims of the slave trade. It was created by the Portuguese artist José Maria Silva in 2008, and it depicts a group of chained slaves, with different expressions of pain, despair, and resistance. The sculpture also has a plaque that reads: “In memory of the millions of men, women and children who were victims of the slave trade and slavery in the world”.
- The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça: This is a church that was built in the 16th century, and it is located near the castle of Lagos. It was originally dedicated to Saint Barbara, but it was later renamed to Our Lady of Grace. The church has a simple exterior, but a rich interior, with a carved altarpiece, a painted ceiling, and a marble tomb. The church is also connected to the slave trade history, as it was here that the slaves were baptized before being sold or shipped to the colonies. The church also has a small museum, where you can see some relics and paintings related to the church and the town.
Lagos’ Cultural Gems
Lagos is not only a town of history, but also a town of culture. Lagos has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with many festivals, events, and attractions that celebrate the local traditions and the influences from other regions and countries. Lagos is a place where you can enjoy the music, the art, the cuisine, and the lifestyle of the Algarve and Portugal, as well as discover the traces of the African, Brazilian, and Moorish cultures that have left their mark on the town.
Some of the best things to see and do in Lagos, Portugal, to experience its culture are:
- The Centro Cultural de Lagos: This is a cultural center that hosts various exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and performances throughout the year. It is located in a former convent, and it has a modern and spacious design. The center aims to promote the artistic and cultural expression of the town and the region, as well as to showcase the works of national and international artists. The center also has a library, a cafeteria, and a shop.
- The Festival da Batata Doce: This is a festival that celebrates the sweet potato, a typical product of the Algarve. It takes place every year in November, in the nearby village of Aljezur. The festival features a market, where you can buy and taste various dishes and products made with sweet potatoes, such as soups, pies, cakes, jams, and liquors. The festival also has live music, folk dances, and contests.
- The Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho: This is a museum that displays a collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic objects related to the history and culture of Lagos and the Algarve. It was founded in 1932, by the local historian and archaeologist José Formosinho, who donated his personal collection to the town. The museum is located in a 17th-century building, next to the church of Santo António. The museum has several sections, such as the prehistoric, the Roman, the Moorish, the maritime, the African, the Brazilian, and the religious. The museum also has a section dedicated to the natural history of the region, with specimens of animals, plants, and minerals.
Beaches of Lagos: A Paradise for Sunseekers
Lagos is famous for its beaches, which are among the most beautiful and popular in the Algarve and Portugal. The beaches of Lagos offer a variety of landscapes, from long stretches of golden sand to secluded coves and cliffs. The beaches of Lagos are also ideal for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other water sports and activities. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly beach, a romantic spot, or a lively place, you will find it in Lagos.
Some of the best beaches in Lagos, Portugal, are:
Meia Praia: This is the longest beach in Lagos, with 4 km of fine sand and clear water. It is located on the eastern side of the town, and it has a wide range of facilities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, and lifeguards. It also has many water sports outlets, and laid-back restaurants and beach bars1. Meia Praia is a great beach for families, as it has plenty of space and calm waves.
Praia da Batata: This is the closest beach to the town center, and it is also known as the Town Beach. It is a small and cozy beach, with soft sand and turquoise water. It is surrounded by rocks and a fort, which give it a scenic and sheltered atmosphere. It has some facilities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and a snack bar. It is also the venue for some events and festivals, such as the Festival da Batata Doce1.
Praia Dona Ana: This is one of the most picturesque and famous beaches in Lagos, and it is often featured on postcards and brochures. It is a medium-sized beach, with golden sand and crystal-clear water. It is nestled between stunning cliffs and rock formations, which create natural pools and caves. It has some facilities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and a kiosk. It is also a good spot for snorkeling, as it has a rich marine life.
Praia do Camilo: This is another stunning beach in Lagos, and it is located next to Praia Dona Ana. It is a small and secluded beach, with fine sand and emerald water. It is accessed by a wooden staircase of 200 steps, which offers a panoramic view of the coast. It has some facilities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and a restaurant. It is also connected to another beach, Praia da Boneca, by a tunnel carved in the rocks.
Hidden Beaches in Lagos
If you are looking for some more secluded and quiet beaches in Lagos, Portugal, you can also explore some of the hidden gems that are not as crowded or well-known as the ones mentioned above. These beaches are often accessed by footpaths, stairs, or boats, and they offer a more natural and wild scenery, as well as more privacy and tranquility. Some of the hidden beaches in Lagos are:
- Praia do Pinhão: This is a small and rocky beach, located between Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. It is accessed by a steep staircase, and it has no facilities or services. It is a good place for snorkeling, as it has clear water and diverse marine life.
- Praia da Balança: This is a tiny and isolated beach, located near the lighthouse of Ponta da Piedade. It is accessed by a boat, or by a challenging hike along the cliffs. It has no sand, but only pebbles and rocks. It is a good place for relaxing, as it has a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
- Praia do Barranco do Martinho: This is a long and narrow beach, located on the western side of Lagos, near the village of Burgau. It is accessed by a dirt road, and it has no facilities or services. It is a good place for surfing, as it has consistent waves and wind.
Water Sports and Activities in Lagos
Lagos is not only a paradise for sunseekers, but also for water sports and activities enthusiasts. Lagos has a variety of options for those who want to have some fun and adventure on the water, such as surfing, kayaking, sailing, diving, and more. Lagos has some of the best conditions and facilities for water sports and activities in the Algarve and Portugal, as well as qualified instructors and guides who can help you enjoy them safely and professionally. Some of the water sports and activities that you can do in Lagos are:
- Surfing: Lagos has some of the best surfing spots in the Algarve, with waves for all levels and preferences. You can surf on the beaches of Meia Praia, Praia do Porto de Mós, Praia da Luz, and Praia do Barranco do Martinho, or take a short drive to the west coast, where you can find more challenging and wild waves. You can also take surfing lessons or rent surfing equipment from one of the many surfing schools and shops in Lagos.
- Kayaking: Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the coast of Lagos, especially the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade. You can paddle along the cliffs and the beaches, and enter the hidden grottos and tunnels, where you can admire the colors and shapes of the rocks and the water. You can also see some of the marine life, such as fish, crabs, and seagulls. You can join a guided kayaking tour, or rent a kayak and go on your own.
- Sailing: Sailing is another great way to enjoy the sea and the scenery of Lagos, as well as to learn some skills and techniques of navigation. You can sail on a yacht, a catamaran, or a dinghy and feel the breeze and the waves. You can also stop at some of the beaches and coves, and swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. You can book a sailing trip or take a sailing course from one of the sailing clubs or schools in Lagos.
Lagos’ Lagoon: A Natural Wonder
Lagos has a natural wonder that is not as famous as its beaches, but equally impressive and beautiful: the lagoon of Alvor. The lagoon is a large and shallow body of water, separated from the sea by a sandbar, and connected by a channel. The lagoon is part of the Ria de Alvor Natural Reserve, which covers an area of 1400 hectares, and includes various habitats, such as salt marshes, mudflats, sand dunes, and pine forests. The lagoon is home to a rich and diverse flora and fauna, such as seagrasses, algae, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, birds, and mammals. The lagoon is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as it hosts more than 100 species of birds, some of them rare and endangered, such as the flamingo, the spoonbill, the avocet, and the black-winged stilt.
You can visit the lagoon of Alvor by car, bike, or foot, and enjoy the views and the nature. You can also do some activities on the lagoon, such as:
- Stand-up paddle boarding: Stand-up paddle boarding is a fun and relaxing way to glide on the water and admire the scenery. You can stand on a board and use a paddle to move and steer. You can also sit or kneel on the board, or even do some yoga poses. You can rent a stand-up paddle board and go on your own, or join a guided tour.
- Kitesurfing: Kitesurfing is an exciting and thrilling way to harness the power of the wind and the water. You can use a kite and a board to jump, speed, and maneuver on the water. You can also do some tricks and stunts in the air. You can take kitesurfing lessons or rent kitesurfing equipment from one of the kitesurfing schools or shops in Lagos.
- Birdwatching: Birdwatching is a rewarding and educational way to observe and identify the birds that live or visit the lagoon. You can use binoculars, a telescope, or a camera to spot and capture the birds. You can also use a guidebook or an app to learn more about the birds. You can join a birdwatching tour, or go on your own.
Beachside Dining and Nightlife in Lagos
Lagos is not only a town of history and culture, but also a town of gastronomy and entertainment. Lagos has a wide range of options for dining and nightlife, especially along the beachside, where you can find some of the best restaurants and bars in the Algarve and Portugal. Lagos is a place where you can savor the local cuisine and the international flavors, as well as enjoy the music, the drinks, and the atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a party night, you will find it in Lagos.
Some of the best places for beachside dining and nightlife in Lagos are:
- Restaurante O Camilo: This is a restaurant that is located on the cliff above Praia do Camilo, and it offers a stunning view of the beach and the sea. It serves traditional Portuguese dishes, such as grilled fish, seafood rice, and cataplana, as well as international dishes, such as pasta, salads, and burgers. It has a cozy and elegant decor, and a friendly and attentive service.
- Bahia Beach Bar: This is a beach bar that is located on Meia Praia, and it offers a relaxed and fun vibe. It serves drinks, snacks, and light meals, such as sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. It also has live music, DJs, and karaoke, as well as sports screens and games. It is a great place to chill, dance, and socialize.
- Bon Vivant: This is a bar that is located in the old town, near the town hall, and it offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere. It serves cocktails, beers, and wines, as well as tapas, burgers, and nachos. It also has live music, comedy shows, and theme nights, such as salsa, rock, and disco. It is a great place to drink, laugh, and party.
Conclusion
Lagos, Portugal, is a blend of history and beach bliss, and a destination that you should not miss. Lagos has something for everyone, from history buffs to beach lovers, from culture vultures to adventure seekers, from foodies to party animals. Lagos is a town that will surprise you, delight you, and make you want to come back. If you are looking for a lagos portugal travel guide, you can use this article as a reference, or you can book a lagos portugal tour from one of the many tour operators in the town. Lagos is waiting for you, so what are you waiting for?
