Lagos Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Lagos, nestled in the sun-drenched Algarve region of Portugal, beckons travelers with its charming blend of historical significance, coastal beauty, and vibrant culture. This coastal town in the Faro District is celebrated for its stunning beaches, intriguing heritage, and welcoming atmosphere.
The heart of Lagos is its well-preserved old town, a picturesque area encircled by medieval walls that whisper tales of the past. Cobbled streets, adorned with colorful tiles and flower-laden balconies, lead to historic landmarks such as the 17th-century Bandeira Fort and the baroque Santo António Church, renowned for its intricate gilded woodwork.
Beach enthusiasts revel in Lagos' spectacular coastline, where the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean caress golden sands. Praia Dona Ana and Meia Praia are among the most famous beaches, offering a perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The Ponta da Piedade, a series of stunning rock formations, creates a breathtaking seascape of caves, grottos, and sea arches that can be explored by boat or kayak.
Lagos is also a hub for cultural activities, hosting vibrant markets where local artisans sell their crafts and fresh produce. The town's nightlife is lively, with an array of bars and restaurants serving up traditional Portuguese dishes like cataplana de marisco and piri-piri chicken, accompanied by the region's delectable wines.
For those interested in marine life, the Lagos Zoo and nearby oceanariums offer a glimpse into the diverse aquatic creatures that inhabit the region's waters. Adventure-seekers can embark on dolphin-watching excursions or take to the trails of the nearby Monchique Mountains for hiking and panoramic views.
Lagos Attractions - What to See and Explore
Lagos offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort of Ponta da Bandeira, Mercado de Escravos, Castle of Lagos, Igreja de São Sebastião. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Lagos – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Lagos, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente, Castelo de Silves (Silves), Cabo Sardão Lighthouse (Zambujeira do Mar).
Best Time To Visit Lagos
Learn when is the best time to travel to Lagos weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Place
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Pastel de nata
Pastel de nata, a delightful Portuguese egg tart pastry sprinkled with cinnamon, has won fans across Western Europe, Asia, and former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil and Macau. In Macau, even KFC adopted this treat, making it available in mainland China and Taiwan.
Portuguese cuisine
Portuguese cuisine, with its rich history dating back to the 17th century, has evolved through a fusion of regional recipes and external influences from French, Mediterranean, and the country's former colonies. This cultural amalgamation has created an eclectic...
Regional cuisine
Broa
Broa is a cherished type of bread popular in Portugal, Galicia, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Brazil. This traditional bread is crafted from a blend of cornmeal and either rye or wheat flour, making it distinctive because it is leavened with yeast, unlike the...
Bacalhau
If you've ever dined in Portugal or its former colonies like Cape Verde, Angola, Macau, Brazil, or Goa, you've likely encountered "bacalhau." This term refers to dried and salted cod, a staple in Portuguese cooking. Fresh cod, by contrast, is known as "bacalhau...
Piri piri
Peri-peri, a vibrant cultivar of Capsicum frutescens, was developed by Portuguese explorers in Mozambique using the malagueta pepper. This spicy pepper, also known as "peri-peri" (with various spellings across Africa), is the key ingredient in the beloved African-style...
Plants
Faro