"Shopping and History" Top 5 Page for this destination Lagos by Balam

Lagos Travel Guide: 244 reviews and 621 photos

Lagos - Lagos
Lagos
History

Lagos has certainly played a very important part in the discovery of many parts of the world, It was from this very harbour that Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his historic and epic voyage of discovery but it’s history dates back far further than that. The Romans gave the name of “Lacobriga” to the town although it was probably occupied much earlier.
When the Moors came they then called the town "Zawaia" Although captured from the Moors in 1189 it was not until 1249 that it was finally conquered by Dom Afonso III making it part of Portugal and giving it the name of "Lagus".

Lagos was the capital of the Algarve from 1578 until 1756 and there are still many ancient buildings.
It was from Lagos that many maritime expeditions set sail to discover the world and many at the orders of Prince Henry the Navigator.
In 1587 Sir Francis Drake of England failed in his attempt to raid Lagos and so sailed on to Sagres where he sacked the historic home of Henry the Navigator.

Present Day
Lagos - Lagos

Lagos

Lagos is now an important tourist town that still has many architectural signs of its ancient and somewhat controversial past with a building dating back to around 1445 that has been recorded as being Europe’s first building to be used as a slave market.
The Town walls do for the most part remain although many sections have been restored.
Guarding the entrance to the Harbour is the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira " fort at the Flag point" whose real name is actually Fortaleza Nossa Senhora da Penha de franca which was constructed at the end of the 17th Century at the mouth of the river which flows around Lagos, The fort because of its strategic position provides an ocean gateway defending the city of Lagos from attack by enemy ships entering the bay.

Shopping
Lagos fish market - Lagos

Lagos fish market

Lagos has many shops ranging from local crafts to fine goods from all parts of the world. For those foodies amongst us it has a fine market on 2 floors. The ground floor being all fish with a very wide selection including some very strange and unusual types.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Many
  • Cons:Maybe parking could be a problem in busy season
  • In a nutshell:A great all rounder
  • Last visit to Lagos: Nov 2007
  • Intro Updated Mar 23, 2009
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Reviews (11)

Adega Da Marina - Lagos Great Place on the Front Restaurants (3)

This is a large Restaurant on the main road that goes along side the river front at Lagos, It caters for people just... more travel advice

Lagos Town Hall - Lagos Town Hall Things to Do (6)

Coming very soon !! more travel advice

Disapointing - Lagos Disapointing Restaurants (3)

We called here for lunch as it's bright yellow and green tables and chairs catch your eye and we wanted to go somewhere... more travel advice

O Coixote, shop in Lagos - Lagos An Aladdins Cave Shopping (1)

This shop is like an Aladdins cave, there is so much in it, Local arts crafts, Antiques, gifts, Jewelry more or less... more travel advice

Comments (6)

  • Reply
    Myfanwe's Profile Photo
    Oct 28, 2010 at 9:10 AM

    Lagos looks like a really interesting place xx

  • Reply
    cachaseiro's Profile Photo
    Nov 16, 2009 at 6:28 PM

    nice page from the town i used to live in 9 years ago :O)

  • Reply
    LoriPori's Profile Photo
    Mar 6, 2009 at 3:23 AM

    Lagos, along with Sagres and Silves are my favourite towns along the Algarve. Nice page which brings back good memories. See you in Cascais Gareth. Lori

  • Reply
    Maria250's Profile Photo
    Nov 5, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    Great pic of the award ceremonie for the police on that Praca Dom Henrique place! I would like to join the Lisbon VT meet. Is there a date set? I will try to squeeze in time 2 days should do. Never thought Sargres is that far yay.

  • Reply
    Stina274's Profile Photo
    Feb 25, 2008 at 1:58 PM

    Wonderful page>>>>Stina//Stockholm

  • Reply
    Feb 15, 2008 at 9:55 AM

    Great tips and pictures!

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