Plan a trip to Lagos

Lagos, a small seaside town, is located in the Algarve region on the banks of the Bensafrim River and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Its charming Old Town is surrounded by a 16th century wall, and the town is home to steep limestone cliffs, traditional cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, colorful houses, and medieval churches. The town also boasts great restaurants and a nightlife scene, though more than subdued than that in nearby Albufeira.

During the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries, Lagos became the center of Portuguese maritime exploration. Henry the Navigator lived mainly in Lagos and directed the great journeys from the Lagos port. In the following decades, the port started to bustle with ships loaded with spices and other goods, and it also became infamous as the entry point for the first African slaves into post-medieval Europe. Slave markets thrived in Lagos, providing income for the monarchy and a cheap labor force. The former slave market today houses the center of the military administration.

From the 16th to the18th centuries, Lagos served as the famous capital of the Algarve, but it was completely destroyed by the earthquake in 1755.

Igreja de Santo Antonio is a beautiful and lavish church in the Old Town, and it is part of the town’s main museum, the Museu de Lagos.

Beyond the town’s history, its golden beaches, abundant water sports, and relaxed atmosphere are a major draw for visitors as are the restaurants, bars, and clubs.