Beaches
The main beach at Lagos is Meia Praia, a large expanse
of golden sand stretching for miles east, around the
coast to Alvor. You can hire sun beds and parasols
and there are water sports to enjoy. There are also
some great beach side cafes for refreshments while
you soak up the sunshine. Access to the beach is flat
and the sand is gently shelving so its great for the
whole family. Heading west from Lagos you come to the
small rocky bays of Praia Dona Ana and Praia da Batata.
By contrast these beaches are surrounded by high limestone
cliffs that lead down to picturesque sandy coves and
are a little more intimate. Bring your snorkelling
gear along to these spots. Take a walk along the clifftop
to Ponte da Piedade, the pinacle of Lagos bay where
the views from the cliff top out into the Atlantic
Ocean are stunning. You can take a boat trip from here
with the local fisherman.
Lagos
Marina
Having taken a stroll along the impressive, palm lined
promenade on Lagos harbour front, why not head across to
the Marina. The newest addition to the resort, the Marina
is filled with a multitude of luxurious yachts. You can
access the Marina across the Harbour via a footbridge
and there are many great shops, bars, cafes and restaurants
to enjoy. There are some great coastal cruises to enjoy
from here and as the coastline is particularly stunning
in this area you should definitely treat yourself.
Sights
and Shopping
Lagos has a very historical background and is much associated
with Prince Henry the Navigator and the Portuguese discoveries.
You will hear alot about him in Lagos and his statue is
very promenant on the harbour front. Near to the statue,
inside the old city walls, you will find the Museum of Discoveries,
the old Slave Market and the church of the Golden Chapel
� all well worth a visit.
Shopping in Lagos is very diverse and you will find small Hippie type shops mingling with Classy boutiques and high quality ceramic stores. There are souvenir shops in abundance and you can stroll around very leisurely as the small cobbled streets are pedestrianised. You would be hard pushed not to find what you are looking for. On the first Saturday of each month Lagos plays host to the travelling Gypsy market, where you can barter for bargains in Leather, shoes, clothes and handicrafts.
Lagos
By Night
The town comes alive at night and the street cafes, bars
and restaurants soon fill up. There is a great choice of
places to eat and the restaurants are mostly Portuguese
style but there are also Italian, English, fast food and
many more to choose from. If you sit outside you will usually
find yourself being entertained by street busker's and
artists, giving the town a great atmosphere. There are
many bars to choose from, from young and lively, to Sports
bars, Karaoke and cocktail bars and they do stay open well
into the early hours during summer. Serious Night clubbers
will have to head a little out of the the town to dance
the night away.
Out
and About
Being so close to the western coastline of the Algarve
it would be a shame not to take some time out to visit
the breathtaking and un spoilt beaches of this area. Head
west from Lagos along the coast to come across charming
little beach villages like Praia da Luz, Burgau, Salema
and finally at the end of the line Sagres and Cape St Vincent,
the most westerly point with its stunning coastal views.
Head north from here in the direction of Aljezur and you
will really start to sample the most un spoilt and picturesque
part of the province. Head inland from Lagos to small farming
communities like Vale Judeu and Bensafrim. The kids will
really enjoy the Zoo which has opened up in this area.
Lagos is at the end of the Algarve's coastal railway line
and the station is very easily accessible in this town,
unlike some others. Take a leisurely trip east on the train
at a very reasonable price, although don't forget that
the service does run on Portuguese time!!
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