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 is a Portuguese egg tart pastry dusted with cinnamon. Outside Portugal, they are particularly popular in other parts of Western Europe, Asia and former Portuguese colonies...
Portuguese cuisine
Portuguese cuisine was first recorded in the seventeenth century, with regional recipes establishing themselves in the nineteenth century.
Regional cuisine
Broa
Broa is a type of corn and rye bread traditionally made in Portugal, Galicia, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Brazil. Unlike the cornbread typical of the southern United States, broa is...
Bacalhau
Bacalhau is the Portuguese word for cod and—in a culinary context—dried and salted cod. Fresh cod is referred to as bacalhau fresco.
Piri piri
Peri-peri is a cultivar of Capsicum frutescens that was originally produced by Portuguese explorers in Mozambique from the malagueta pepper and then spread to other Portuguese territories.
Plants
Faro