The focal centre for this area of the western Algarve is the cosmopolitan town of Lagos. A historic slave market town, in fact now given city status.
With its Marina and long, golden crescent of sandy beach the city is steeped in history; its medieval walls envelop a network of cobbled streets filled with boutiques, restaurants, café’s and bars – lively on summer nights. Running south from Lagos is a string of sandy coves with clear waters.
There is a bus and a train station to take you to other cities (Silves, Faro and Portimao) and taxis are abundant. Or simply walk between the sandy coves.
There is a great variety of things to see:
The city centre is awash with traditional architecture and colours from the region.
Beaches vary in shape and style from long sandy crescents to almost private ones hidden by the cliffs:
Meia Praia (Half beach) – With soft and white sand, is one of the biggest bays in Europe and has a predominantly calm sea due to its width. Owing to its lack of rocks it is ideal for nautical sports.
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When the wind is strong, there are many sheltered sand beaches between the cliffs.
Praia da Batata (Potato beach) – It’s a small beach tucked between two small cliffs, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is also known by the small music festivals that take place there during Summer.
Dona Ana – Probably the beach most frequented by tourists, and for good reason. The sand on Dona Ana is slightly thicker than the beaches in the surrounding area, and the beach itself is bounded by lovely rock formations. Many different shapes come alive when you look at the rock formation, a birthday cake, the titanic, and the sphynx’s to name a few. Dona Ana is essentially split into two beaches with a protruding cliff separating the two sides at high tide Praia da Luz (Light beach) – A beach in the popular nearby tourist town of Luz, the beach has watersports facilities and is bounded on its Eastern side by the so-called ‘Rocha Negra’.
Praia dos Estudantes (Students’ beach).
Praia Solaria (Sunny beach).
Other good beaches to visit are Canavial and Camilo.
Ponta da Piedade is a beautiful spot with a nice lighthouse from where you can make boat tours to the natural caves.
The harbour in the morning is full of activity, if you like to wake up early don’t miss it. Also the fish market is an interesting spot.
Southern Portugal is famous for its ceramics, and Lagos won’t let you down. Ceramic dishes and tiles of all price ranges, styles, and colors are available. Some stores don’t provide boxes for your goods, only newspaper wrapping, so ask before you buy, if it matters to you.
There is sometimes a small fair in front of the church near the harbor where unique clothing can be bought.
There are some wonderful family run operations in Lagos. Many of the restaurants are starving for business in the off peak time and will go way out of their way to make your visit to their restaurant a pleasurable experience. More information on our Restaurant guide on where and what to eat.
Lagos bars are quite fun, catering to the young back-packing crowds. Often one can find a Brit or American helping to serve drinks (for a little under the table wage).
Farol is a modern apartment complex located in the historic and picturesque town of Lagos. This small and private complex of 2 bedroom apartments has its own private pool and sun terrace. Ideal for those looking for a base away from the main hustle and bustle of the centre of Lagos and so closer to the fabulous beaches.
The apartments have an open plan living / dining area, with TV/DVD player, receiving local cable channels, mini CD hi fi system, and an air conditioning unit. 2 twin bedrooms, master bathroom, well equipped, fitted kitchen, including washing machine, oven, hob, fridge freezer and microwave. Further living space is provided by the sun terraces from the living room and master bedroom.
Overall modern and well equipped, ideal for couples and family’s alike waiting to explore Lagos, the stunning cola beaches and surrounding area of the Western Algarve.”
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Enquiries & Info e-mail: palmeiravillas@sapo.pt
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