Portugal
Portugal is not only an amazing golf destination, it offers so much more...
Places you must see in Lagos
Lagos is a historical city in the Algarve, located on the Southwest region, at 1 hour driving distance from Faro Airport.
Lagos had a very important role in the Portuguese Discoveries and is also known for its Arab influence, which can be noticed in several monuments.
Currently, the city of Lagos offers several activities such as golf, watersports, boat and fishing trips, beaches and historical monuments sightseeing.
Historical Monuments
- Ponta da Bandeira Fort
Ponta da Bandeira Fort Built in the 17th century with a moat, a drawbridge and an imposing door bearing the coat-of-arms, it protects the fort opposite the Bensafrim stream bar. Inside there is a small 17th century chapel decorated in tiles.
- Governors’ Castle
This former fortress dates back to Arab times. Over the ages it has undergone changes. The governors, captains and generals from the Algarve region resided here in the 16th/17thcenturies. Designed on the façade is a Manueline window (16th century). The history books say that it was from here that King Sebastian attended mass before setting forth for the battle of Alcácer Quibir, a trip from which he was never to return. João Cutileiro has portrayed this battle in the form of a statue and has sculpted another alluding to the navigator Gil Eanes.
- Slave Market
This used to be the market place for slaves from Africa (15th century) and is characterised by four arched vaults. One of the walls bears the arms of the Marquis of Nisa (17th century) and another in a window which in the 15th century used to be a door.
- Santo António Church
This national monument was built in Baroque style. Two bell towers, of different proportions, chime out on the hour. Inside, the nave is decorated in blue and white tiles and golden carvings. It is known in English guidebooks as the "Golden Church”.
Gastronomy
Lagos offers a wide range of Portuguese food. One of Lagos specialties are the fresh fish and seafood, offered in many local restaurants
For dessert, don’t forget to try the Dom Rodrigo, a conventual´s dessert from the very south of Portugal, which is made with traditional egg yolk, sugar and Algarvean almonds.
Beaches
- Meia Praia
Meia Praia beach is the largest beach in the Lagos region and is a great place to head to for an enjoyable day on the beach. The 4km continuous stretch of golden sand stretches from Lagos on the western side all the way to the Odiáxere River mouth on the eastern side.
- Dona Ana Beach
The Praia Dona Ana beach is one of the most visually stunning beaches of the Algarve coastline. The small beach is sheltered by high sandstone cliffs and turquoise waters lap the golden sands. In 2016 the beach was greatly extended by adding dredged sand from the seabed and this has covered many of the submerged rocks that were fun to snorkel and swim through.
- Ponta da Piedade
Visit the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse, place of an ancient hermitage. The hole-filled cliffs, where sea birds nest, are mirrored on the dive-perfect waters.