Lagos is a small city in southern Portugal but probably the best place to spend a holiday on the Algarve. Dotted around the coast either side of the city are numerous white sandy beaches with varying levels of facilities but all guaranteed to attract tourists.
The city itself is quite special having plenty of Moorish influence in its colours and architecture. The region has its own peculiar cuisine too and if you can be dragged away from the burger and chips areas you’ll find delicious food at great value prices within easy reach of a hire car.
Lagos Mini Guide
What is the History of Lagos?
There has been a settlement on the site of Lagos for over 2,000 years with a Celtic village called Lacobriga eventually becoming a Roman city after the Punic Wars. Like many Portuguese towns it fell into the hands of the Visigoths after the decline of Rome and eventually was taken by the Moors. Hundreds of years of Moorish occupation left a beautiful mark in the architecture and art of the city which draws many tourists away from the sands to discover a little more about the city.
How do I Get to Lagos?
It’s not easy as the closest airport is Faro, some 55 miles away. The journey can be made most easily by hire car or train but the train is often the best idea as the roads can get congested in peak season. Many airlines, both scheduled and chartered, fly to Faro from the UK, including budget carriers easyJet and Ryanair. A number of regional departure points in the UK are available making Faro very easy to get to.
What is There to See and Do in Lagos?
For most people, the chief attractions are the beaches where the photos which instantly shout ‘The Algarve’ are taken. You have golden sandstone cliffs and promontories leading down to dazzling white beaches and clear blue seas. Some are jam-packed with facilities meaning the same can be said for the number of tourists visiting them, whilst others have few, if any, facilities and correspondingly draw smaller crowds. The centre of Lagos should not be forgotten though. Whilst many will only come into the city for a spot of holiday shopping or for a meal in the evening, there are lots of things that shouldn’t be missed. Walk around the remaining sections of the city wall for a bird’s eye view of the city then visit the Regional Museum which documents the history of the area and the city from Neolithic times.
What can I Buy to Take Home From Lagos?
There are many unique gifts that can be bought from Lagos including the beautiful ceramics produced in the city. Almost any ceramic object can be bought there from coasters to vases. Cork is another important product of Southern Portugal and the craft shops sell many items made from the soft local cork including hats and handbags.
What Should I try to Eat in Lagos?
Chicken Piri Piri is a strong favourite in the Algarve with the barbecued chicken pieces marinated in the now world famous peppery sauce. Fish is another speciality and the locals say they have a different recipe for cooking salted cod for each day of the year. Finally, the ultimate seafood on the Algarve is sardines which are simply grilled over a barbecue and served with a salad.
What is the Entertainment Like in Lagos?
If you get bored of the entertainment in your hotel, Lagos is full of chic bars and clubs for you to grab a cocktail or two and dance the night away. Many of the drinks on offer are the traditional British staples so you won’t get authentic Portuguese entertainment; that can only be found by venturing away from the coast.
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