"Lagos - Historic port of the Algarve" Lagos by Willettsworld

Lagos Travel Guide: 244 reviews and 621 photos

Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira - Lagos
Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira

Lagos (literally meaning "Lakes"), is one of the most visited places on the Algarve thanks to its historical interest with its origins dating as far back as 2000 years BC when it was known as Lacobriga. Lagos has always had a seafaring connection, originally visited by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and then, during the 15th century, was the base for the 'voyages of the Discoveries' instigated by Prince Henry the Navigator when trade between Africa and Portugal brought a great deal of wealth into the town.

The older part of Lagos is still circled by the city walls that were constructed during the 16th century when it was the residence of the governors of the Algarve and the fort, Ponta da Bandeira, by Batata beach is part of the 17th century fortifications that were added to protect the town. Behind it (on the opposite side of the road) is the Porta de São Gonçalo (St. Gonçalo’s gate) with a watchtower on either side and just to the right of this is the Governors' Castle (of Arab construction). The square next to the Governors' castle is the Praça Infante Dom Henrique with a statue of Prince Henry looking out to sea. To the left of the square at the back is Igreja da Santa Maria. The facade of this church is 15/16th century but it was rebuilt in the 18/19th centuries. On the opposite side to the church is the 'Slave Market' from the 15th century, where slaves brought back from the discovery voyages were sold. Lagos features many cobbled streets and one leads from the square to the famous Lagos 'golden church' of St. Anthony which was rebuilt in 1769 - entrance to this church is through the museum at the side and both the museum and the church are well worth visiting.

Inside the Igreja de Santo Antonio - Lagos

Inside the Igreja de Santo Antonio

Sao Gonçalo's Gate in the city walls - Lagos

Sao Gonçalo's Gate in the city walls

  • Last visit to Lagos: Sep 2010
  • Intro Written Dec 16, 2010
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Reviews (17)

Bus station - Lagos Bus station Transportation (1)

I hired a car for my time in the Algarve as I wanted the freedom of exploring all the way along the coast from Cabo de... more travel advice

Igreja de Sao Sebastiao - Lagos Igreja de Sao Sebastiao Things to Do (16)

This church is located in the northern part of the old town and was built on the site of the Chapel of Our Lady of... more travel advice

Tithe House - Lagos Tithe House Things to Do (16)

Built against a section of the city wall overlooking the square where you'll find the statue of Henry the Navigator,... more travel advice

Praia da Batata - Lagos Praia da Batata Things to Do (16)

This small beach lies to the south of Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira, just a stone's throw from the city walls. It's... more travel advice

Comments (2)

  • Reply
    Maurizioago's Profile Photo
    Jan 17, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    Nice page. I'm going to choose Lagos as base for my summer holidays.

    Ciao!

  • Reply
    ranger49's Profile Photo
    Apr 15, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    A very helpful page - it looks like somewhere we would enjoy. Just beginning to think about where to around September - it's on now my list!

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