Lagos
Algarve

District of Faro

Lagos, Western Algarve

Lagos, Portugal - Lagos, is a small town and municipality (municipality) of the district of Faro, situated on the beautiful Algarve Coast, south of Portugal.

Gold Coast

Around the city of Lagos is the Golden Coast, Costa d'Oiro, one of the most popular stretches of Barlavento or western Algarve, currently very well known for its beautiful beaches, with special emphasis on Praia Dona Ana (see below).





Lagos, Land of Navigators, is one of the sixteen municipalities (municipalities) of the Algarve.

History, Beaches, Sun and Night

These are the ingredients of Lagos's recipe for success along with numerous Portuguese and European tourists who choose Lagos every year to enjoy the best season of the year, summer. Sunny, warm days and an inviting sea that pleases to big and small.

The Discoveries began here

Lagos played a key role in the epic of the Discoveries in Portugal in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

"From here Infante D. Henrique sent Caravelas in search of new worlds. Gil Eanes, the hero of Bojador. Here arrived the first riches of Africa. Gold, silver, ivory... Those were times of pomp and glory" [CM de Lagos].

The City of Lagos

One of the most charming places in the District of Faro (Algarve), Lagos combines history and entertainment (with its beautiful beaches), attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year.





"Enclosed within its walls, Lagos is one of the most welcoming shelters in Portuguese coast. The walls (national monument), built in the reigns of D. Manuel I, D. João II and D. Filipe I completely surrounded the city to defend it from piracy and the hostile fleets" [CM de Lagos].

Beaches, Sun and Fun

In addition to beautiful beaches, sunny weather and fun for most of the year, Lagos is one of the four DOC (Denominations of Controlled Origin) of Algarve wines. The other three are Lagoa, Portimão and Tavira

Curious about the origin of the name?

Everything leads us to believe that the existence of several lakes in the area of the current county (municipality) was the origin of the name Lagos.

In 1249, these lands were "definitely integrated into Portuguese territory by D. Afonso III" [CM of Lagos].

From Fishing to Tourism

In times past, fishing was the main economic activity of its people. Including, Lagos had an important fish canning industry, mainly sardines.

Currently, the beautiful beaches of its coast - the Costa d'Oiro - attract numerous tourists who make tourism the main economic activity of the population.

Area and Population

With an area of 213 km², the municipality (municipality) of Lagos currently has a population of 33,583 inhabitants (INE, 2021).

The city of Lagos has just under 28,000 inhabitants (idem).

Location

The municipality (municipality) of Lagos is limited to the north by Monchique, to the east by Portimão, to the west by Vila do Bispo, to the northwest by Aljezur and to the south with the Atlantic Ocean.

What to see in Lagos

With a rich historical, cultural and religious heritage, there are many and varied attractions in Lagos. Starting, as expected, with its beaches incredibly beautiful. Some of these, Praia da Dona Ana and Praia da Ponta da Piedade, among the most beautiful in Europe! Coast framed by beautiful and colorful cliffs, calm sea, blue or slightly greenish, sunny and warm weather for most of the year...

Learn more: Attractions in Lagos

Where to stay in Lagos

Lagos offers a variety of accommodation options to its many visitors: good hotels, houses and apartments for seasonal rent, accommodation with the inhabitants, budget hotels.
As advised for the entire Algarve coast, it is always good to research and book in advance for better choose the most convenient option for you.

Find out more: Where to stay in Lagos

What to do in Lagos

Visit its varied natural and historical heritage, walks, excursions, water sports and others, taste the delicious Algarve cuisine, enjoy the lively nights. There are many options for supporters of active holidays.

Learn more: Activities in Lagos

Beach, sun and leisure

Lagos, whose beaches are postcards of the country, it is one of the main tourist destinations in the Algarve and Portugal.

With many restaurants, bars and cafes, you will live unforgettable moments with your friends (or new friends) and will take good memories of the days spent in Lagos.

Attractions in Lagos

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Lagos has a rich and varied natural, historical, cultural and religious. The main attractions of Lagos are:

• Santa Maria de Lagos Church
• St. Anthony's Church
• Saint Sebastian Church
• Castle of the Governors
• Ruins of the ancient city of Lacóbriga (Monte Molião)
• the replica of a caravel, a historic vessel from the Discoveries
• Las Marina

Learn more: Attractions in Lagos

Gastronomy and Good Wines

During your stay in Lagos, be sure to taste the delicacies of the Cuisine and Gastronomy Algarve. Abundant in seafood and fish, this Mediterranean cuisine conquers the palate of visitors so much with their mouth-watering specialties as well as snacks, sweets and desserts.

The good wines accompany these dishes with the flavors and smells of the good land of the Algarve.

Learn more: Gastronomy in Lagos

Where to eat in Lagos

The Algarve Coast is rich in fish and seafood, starting with the famous sardines - a staple in Portuguese cuisine - and mussels. But meat, poultry and game is also very popular in the region. At the south of Portugal, Mediterranean cuisine has many fans. Enjoy your stay to taste the best of this kitchen. A cosmopolitan place, in Lagos you can also enjoy the gastronomy International.

Learn more: Where to eat in Lagos

Sports in Lagos

Paradise for water sports, in Lagos visitors can also practice your favorite sport. From cycling to golf, sailing, diving, tennis or horse riding.

Learn more: Sports in Lagos

Lagos Marina

The new Marina de Lagos is located in the Bay of Lagos, with 460 places for boats for travelers who come and discover Lagos by sea. Several services available in the immediate vicinity.

Parishes of Lagos

The parishes of Lagos are as follows:

• Bensafrim e Barão de São João
• São Gonçalo de Lagos
• Luz
• Odiáxere