The 8 things to do in Lagos

Are you planning a getaway to Algarve? Open wide eyes and visit Lagos to discover its musts!

A few hours' flight from major French cities, Lagos offers a sunny parenthesis. A short stay is enough to visit the city of Algarve. What makes it a perfect destination if you want to evade the time of a weekend.

Lagos unveils its assets to curious travellers. So, let yourself be transported by the beauty of the old city, the lively port and the sublime beaches. Such a mermaid, the coastal city enchants you with its sweet songs.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, read our selection of incontours to see and visit in Lagos!

1. Old town

Historical memory of Lagos, the old town is full of architectural pepits to cross during a walk. Take the place Infante Dom Henrique as a starting point. Here stands the church of Santa Maria de Lagos and the former slave market. This is home to a small museum showing a dark page of the city's past. This is where the first slave market in Europe was established in 1444.

By continuing your journey through the paved streets, you cross beautiful traditional houses. They lead you to medieval ramparts and to the castle of the Governors. On the way, take a look at the door of São Gonçalo. The heart of the city hides a marvel, the church Santo António. The 18th century building adopts a Portuguese baroque style with its golden ornamentations and its azulejos, famous faience tiles. Finally, join the port and stroll over the marina.

2. Fort da Ponta da Bandeira

Also, on the harbour, another monument should hold your attention. The strong da Ponta da Bandeira imposes in the peaceful setting its massive silhouette flanked by four bows. Built in the 17th century, the military building protected the entrance to the port of the attacks of the Moors and pirates. Lagos was at that time the capital of the Algarve and attracted the convoys. She left her title for Faro in 1756, after the Lisbon earthquake.

Start your short visit by taking the levis bridge that leads to the inner courtyard. Permanent and temporary exhibitions take you in the history of the fort, the navy and the city. Then admire the small chapel decorated with azulejos. The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the view of the port and the ocean that deploys from the terrace.

3. The market

One of the most enjoyable activities to do in Lagos is a market trip. Located close to the fort, the 1924 building is located on its pretty white and grey façade. Enter into this covered municipal market consisting of three levels.

On the ground floor, the stalls abound in fresh fish. Or at least if you got up early. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also remember that you will not find fish on Monday. The first floor is dedicated to fruit and vegetables, cheese and regional products. Thus, you can make your souvenir shopping by referring Portuguese wines, jams and honey, for example. Conclude the gourmet journey on the second floor. A restaurant is located on the roof of the market and enjoys an incomparable view of the harbour.

4. The Centro Ciência Viva

In order to visit Lagos from all angles, do not get away from the market, the Centro Ciência Viva is just a few steps away. This space dedicated to science and technology makes the happiness of the curious. Discover the exhibitions, attend conferences or have fun during the proposed activities. Various workshops are organized to deepen scientific knowledge on extremely varied subjects. And there are for all ages.

The stars captivate you more particularly? Astronomical observations are also on the programme. After the visit, don't leave illico presto. The centre has a garden with breathtaking views of the bay.

5. Portuguese specialties

Because travelling is a sensory adventure, enjoy a tasting of Portuguese specialities. The region has a thousand and a delight that surprises taste buds. Located by the ocean, Lagos is served with fish and seafood. So taste grilled sardines, cod doughs ( p ataniscas de bacalhau ), rice with knives ( arroz de lingueirão ) and cataplana of clams. You can easily find it on the map of taverns, breweries and restaurants. Sprinkle your meal with a green wine, that is, young. It may be red or white and is marked by a slight refreshing acidity.

Want a softness? Algarve is a flagship ingredient in Algarve. For proof, the Dom Rodrigo , originally from Lagos, is a small almond-based pastry shop. Tartes and almond pasta win, too, a great success. More surprisingly, the carob pie looks like a chocolate pie. In any case, visually.

6. Boat rides

Hop on board a small boat to go on the steps of large browsers, such as Gil Eanes . Certainly less since the companies offer you to approach the cliffs only a few minutes from the port. Visit the marina to sail towards Ponta da Piedade. This tip combines caves and marine caves, accessible only by boat or kayak. Let the Algarve Coast be contrated by your pilot.

Other excursions invite you to meet the dolphins. On board catamarans, you can observe the seabed discreetly from the platforms designed specifically. Visiting Lagos by the waves should delight parents and children.

7. Paradise beaches

If there is one thing to do in Lagos, it is to enjoy its beaches! A trail connects Lagos to different spots. In 3 hours walking back, you can see the main stretches of sand. Praia dos Estudantes, Praia do Pinhão, Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Barranco do Martinho and many others leave no traveller indifferent. Take care of these decors calling for farniente. Abrupt fals, golden grains and emerald water marry to create small corners of wild paradise.

On the contrary, Meia Praia is more popular and more accessible with its 5 km of very gentle sloped beach. The athletes will certainly have a heart attack for Praia do Porto do Mós. At 40 minutes walk from the city centre, this beach is struck by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Nightlife

Are you asking Lagos to do the night? Although it is a city taken for its tranquility, it is no less festive. Especially in the summer when holidaymakers and surfers meet on the south coast. Dinner on the inch as an aperitif or meal at the restaurant opens the evening. Know that the Portuguese eat around 8:00.

Then, to you the typical Portuguese or trendy bars! For a successful immersion, enjoy local wines, cocktails and beers in historic establishments. If you want to continue the evening, head to the dance trails. You can relax until early morning and enjoy the first rays of the sun on the beach.

How to get to Lagos?

From France to Faro

To get to Lagos, the most indicated way is the plane. Many airlines connect the major French cities to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. If you leave Paris and opt for a direct flight, you will reach Faro in 2:40 a.m. To gauge the offers and benefit from the best rates, think about Ulysses : depending on your dates and other criteria, the flight comparison selects the best prices.

Arrived at Faro, different modes of transport allow you to go to Lagos, located 90 km west:

• By car : the car is the fastest way to go to Lagos. Rent a car At one of the agencies present at Faro Airport and reach your destination in 1 hour. Just take the E01 road and then the A22 motorway with tolls.
• By train or bus : Faro Airport is not directly connected to the train. You have to board a taxi, a shuttle Algarve Transfers Direct or buses n°14 and n°16. They will take you to the bus or railway station, depending on the chosen option. The buses and trains go several times a day to Lagos. Count about 2 hours of travel, for both.

Where to stay in Lagos?

The Portuguese city is easily explored on foot and everything is within reach. The area where to stay depends on your personal preferences. To visit Lagos and enjoy the festive evenings, book your accommodation in the city centre. If, on the contrary, calm and iodized air regenerate, a foot-to-ground at the edge of the ocean is ideal. Are you rather a hotel? Deny the rare pearl on a Compare hotels online or choose more atypical accommodation with Airbnb .

You are now ready to visit Lagos! And you, what are your good addresses?