Lagos: Fun, Nature And History At Their Best!
Lagos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Algarve and as a result it boasts a huge variety of bars, restaurants, hotels, and other entertainment options like vibrant nightlife and beach parties.
Lagos, meaning lakes, is a town, in the Southern Portugal’s Algarve region, where much of the town’s people live along the coastal line, with tourism and services being the main industries.
Lagos Portugal region has more than 2000 years of historical past, dating back to the Celtics. From Romans to Byzantines to Moors, the city has been occupied by various rulers and each has contributed extensively to the way the cityscape is today. In fact, Lagos was one of the most important cities during the Age of Discoveries and it was through this city that the first African slaves entered post-medieval Europe.
One of the most celebrated sites in Lagos Portugal region is the St. Anthony’s Church with its plain facade and asymmetric bell towers. Built in 1715, the exterior of the church is in sharp contrast to its extravagant, rich, and beautifully gold covered interior. The church is especially famous for its 18th century tiles (in Portuguese, azulejos), in traditional Portuguese blue and white colors, and an intricately carved, embellished wooden gilt carvings (in Portuguese, talha dourada), which is considered to be one of the most interesting in Portugal.
Another highlight of the church is six paintings in typical Baroque style, depicting St. Anthony’s miracles. Also, the group of cherubim statues with animals, seen on the walls of the church, are also delightful to watch.
Ponta da Bandeira Fort strategically positioned on the seafront, near the harbor’s entrance, is also a lesson in history, with its stone inscription on the main gate in dedication to Our Lady of Penha de Franca. This rectangular fort was built to guard the gateway to the harbor and can only be entered by a small drawbridge. The top of the fort offers panoramic views of the beach, the harbor, and the town.
Of course, no mention of Lagos in Portugal is complete without its beaches such as praia da Batata or Potato Beach that’s enclosed between two small cliffs; Dona Ana Beach, which is the most popular beach with tourists, because of its wonderful natural rock formations in many appealing shapes and protected waters; and Meia-Praia or Half Beach with its expansive white sands, is considered to be one of the largest bays in Europe and offers excellent conditions for water sports.
Lagos Algarve region also has natural attractions that visitors shouldn’t miss. These include a visit to Ponta da Piedade, wonderful sightseeing point; Grutas da Costa d’Oiro, Caves and Grottos for the explorer types; andLaguna de Alvor, for those appreciating the lagoon wildlife ecosystems.
Lagos, Portugal is located in the Algarve region, 35km east of Sagres Point (which is also a very worthy visit) and the nearest airport is Faro at a distance of around 75km.
