Best places to see in Lagos, Portugal

Portugal is a country full of tourist places to visit, and Lagos is one of the most visited cities in Portugal. (For more information about the best places to visit in Portugal read our article Portugal: Top Places to Visit for History, Culture, and Nature Enthusiasts.) 

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.

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.

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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.

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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