Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve Travel Guide
Located on the south west coast of Portugal, Lagos is one of the oldest towns in the Algarve. Just 10 miles from Portimao and 50 miles from Faro, the town is a historic seaport, thriving market town and attractive beach resort. The town itself is a fishing harbour set in a beautiful bay and surrounded by crumbling walls. Holiday packages to Lagos give visitors the chance to enjoy the real Portugal in a vibrant atmosphere together with charm and sophistication. The old pedestrianised old town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed houses, attractive squares, beautiful architecture, cultural and historical attractions including museums and churches.
Lagos has a wide range of beaches ranging from small secluded cove to the vast expanses of the amazing Meia Praia. The main Meia Praia beach, to the east of Lagos, is a magnificent stretch of sand and shingle which can be reached by ferry or bus. There are many beaches found on the promontory to the south of the town. This coast offers a mix of tiny coves, caves, grottos and strange rock formations. Visitors should try the beautiful cove at Praia do Pinhao and the picturesque Praia de Dona Ana. If you are looking for seclusion then head to Praia da Dona Ana with its many little grottos and coves. Holidays to Lagos offering a range of water sports including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and scuba diving at both Meia Praia and Porto de Mos. Meia Praia is a busy two mile stretch of sandy beach, the longest in the Algarve.
Exploring the area surrounding Lagos is a must on your travel deals to Portugal, including visits to the intriguing villages in the low hills to the north of Lagos. There are plenty of other excursions to take, including trips to the Monchique Mountains, Cape St Vincent, Barao de Sao Joao National Park, Silves Castle and the interesting town of Loule. Explore the Algarve coastline on a champagne cruise or dolphin safari with many excursions on offer from the harbour area.
There is plenty on offer for children in Lagos including Lagos Zoological Park and the Lagos Slide and Splash which is one of the Algarve’s best water parks with something to keep all ages entertained.
Away from the beach there are some excellent golf courses which offer amazing sea views.
Holidays in Lagos would not be complete without a spot of shopping. The town has a popular monthly market, chic boutiques and lots of opportunities to purchase fine lace, jewellery and copperware.
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in Lagos. A good selection of restaurants serve traditional and International cuisine and some delicious fish and seafood dishes on outdoor terraces where you take in the amazing views across the Atlantic Ocean. Many restaurants and bars can be found in the large marina.
Lagos offers some exciting nightlife including some great nightclubs and a good choice of cocktail bars. Mix these with the many trendy bars, late night jazz bars and pavement cafes and you have something to suit everyone.
With a flight time of less than 3 hours from the UK and over 3000 hours of sunshine a year, Lagos is the perfect choice for a beach holiday in Portugal. During July and August temperatures reach around 30C, with winter temperatures still hovering around 17C. The summer season from May to October sees temperatures never dipping below 20C with 12 hours of sunshine a day from June right through to August. Holidays to Lagos are popular with Brits looking for some warmth and sunshine during the winter months. Spring sees temperatures around the 20C mark with 10 hours of sunshine a day and winter months see temperatures around 17C with 6 hours of sunshine a day and very little rainfall.