Located at the
mouth of the Bensafrim River, and along the Atlantic Ocean, in the
region of Algarve in Southern Portugal.
With a population of around 22,000 residents, the city increases its population during the summer by visiting tourists that enjoy its variety of tourist-friendly beaches, bars, restaurants, and hotels, which make the city famous for its summer nightlife and parties.
But Lagos has many other attractions than its nightlife and beaches, Lago's history is rich, Renaissance influences, magnificent churches, and its fortress makes this city a very interesting tourist destination.
The
older part of the city is circled by the walls constructed in the 16th
century, this part of the city is perfect for walking around and enjoying the
old architecture and history of Lagos, but it is also a place to find
beautiful little souvenir shops.
With a population of around 22,000 residents, the city increases its population during the summer by visiting tourists that enjoy its variety of tourist-friendly beaches, bars, restaurants, and hotels, which make the city famous for its summer nightlife and parties.
But Lagos has many other attractions than its nightlife and beaches, Lago's history is rich, Renaissance influences, magnificent churches, and its fortress makes this city a very interesting tourist destination.
Historic City
The
older part of the city is circled by the walls constructed in the 16th
century, this part of the city is perfect for walking around and enjoying the
old architecture and history of Lagos, but it is also a place to find
beautiful little souvenir shops. The places that you can visit in the
older part of Lagos are, the Praca do infante, where you can visit the
Santa Maria church, and the old Slave Market, a building from 1691 that
replaced the original one from the XV century that was used to trade
slaves brought from Africa.
Near this place, just one block distance,
you have the Santo Antonio church, which is the actual museum of the city,
also in this part of the city, you will find the Sao Sebastiao Church.
The Castelo dos Gobernadores (Governors Castle) is located on the Maritime Walk, in front of Ponte da Bandeira Fortress. It is a building constructed in the XIV century, although it was reconstructed in the XVII century to be the home of the Governors of Algarve, that's why its name.
Also known by the names of Nossa Senhora de Penha de França, Pau da Bandeira or Registro Fort, this military building from the XVII century is one of the places to visit in Lagos.
Check out the best Hotels in Lagos
Castelo dos Gobernadores
The Castelo dos Gobernadores (Governors Castle) is located on the Maritime Walk, in front of Ponte da Bandeira Fortress. It is a building constructed in the XIV century, although it was reconstructed in the XVII century to be the home of the Governors of Algarve, that's why its name.
Ponta da Bandeira fortess
Also known by the names of Nossa Senhora de Penha de França, Pau da Bandeira or Registro Fort, this military building from the XVII century is one of the places to visit in Lagos.
Within its interior, you can find a
small chapel with tiles from the XVII century. On the outside of the
fort, you can still see the pit surrounding the fort, and the original
liftgate.
Among the multiple beaches that Lagos has, Praia da Batata is one of the most visited. It is very near the city centre, just next to the pier of Ponta de Bandeira Fortress.
It is the most important and centric square of Lagos. Most of the commercial and pedestrian streets of Lagos converge in it, so it is a very transited place. The City Hall is located in this part of the city.
This is one of the most important beaches of Lagos, with its 4 kilometres extension of golden sands and deep blue waters, the beach is outside the city, just across the Alvor estuary. A very nice place to enjoy the sea and the beach, practice water sports or swim in the ocean.
Praia da Batata
Among the multiple beaches that Lagos has, Praia da Batata is one of the most visited. It is very near the city centre, just next to the pier of Ponta de Bandeira Fortress.
Gil Eannes Square
It is the most important and centric square of Lagos. Most of the commercial and pedestrian streets of Lagos converge in it, so it is a very transited place. The City Hall is located in this part of the city.
Praia de San Roque
This is one of the most important beaches of Lagos, with its 4 kilometres extension of golden sands and deep blue waters, the beach is outside the city, just across the Alvor estuary. A very nice place to enjoy the sea and the beach, practice water sports or swim in the ocean.
To know how to get to the city visit How To Get to Lagos