Lagos
Lagos is one of the most popular Algarve holiday resorts, consisting of an ancient port area and some spectacular beaches. Visitors to Lagos can also take time to discover some of the town's history, which goes back to the Carthaginians several centuries BC. During the great Portuguese age of discovery under Henry the Navigator, the port became a caravel shipyard and was the jumping-off point for many a voyage to the East. Few historic buildings remain, apart from some ruins in the old section of town, because of the devastating earthquake of 1755. Much of the central town area today consists of a sprawling flea market. Also to be seen is Customs House - within its arches Europe's first slave market was conducted in 1441. There is also the beautiful church of Igreja de Santo Antonio, restored in 1715 and decorated with fantasy-inspired carvings. The municipal museum in the town houses an interesting and varied collection from Roman artefacts to deformed animal foetuses. The most splendid beach is Meia Praia to the east of town; the southern promontory features some sheltered cove beaches; while Praia de Dona Ana is picturesque but usually very crowded in summer.
Lagos boasts some fascinating boutiques and shops in the old city and a flea market, which is open daily. Browsing is as pleasurable as buying in the well-stocked shops that are bristling with attractive local wares, from wickerwork to filigree jewellery, copperware and leather goods to wine and pastries.
Restaurants in Lagos offer an excellent choice of cuisine and menus and visitors can indulge in some delicious gourmet food at a majority of the dining establishments. Seafood lovers will be ecstatic, but no one, even vegetarians, will be disappointed or go hungry. A good choice at the marina is the Do Cais Bistro, which serves waterfront breakfasts, lunches and dinners seven days a week. For creative international cuisine in the town centre (including vegetarian dishes) Duquesa Restaurante is hard to beat. Truly gourmet local specialities like pork chops with figs, savoury shrimp and succulent shellfish, are enjoyed at the Don Sebastiao tavern in the old town pedestrian area. This restaurant also has the best wine cellar in town.
Lagos is a hive of activity at nightfall, with flamboyant street entertainment and many lively nightclubs and bars that are some of the best in the Algarve. Of the bars most popular are Bar Amuras at the marina, the Red Eye Bar on the Rue Candido dos Reis, and Zanzibar on the Rua 25 de Abril. Most have music, darts, pool tables and Sky TV sports channels. Two of the best nightclubs are Phoenix on Rua des Goncalo and Whytes, which offer a varied selection of sounds from R&B and House to Spanish hits, old school pop and Brazilian grooves.
The spectacular beaches in Lagos are set against the warm crystalline waters that surround the Algarve, which are perfect for lazing on the beach on a warm summers day. For more active pursuits the beaches also offer parasailing, wind surfing, sailing, scuba diving, micro flights and fishing. Golf is a major attraction here as it is throughout the Algarve, with the Palmares and Alto courses nearby, offering a round with sea views. There is also the challenge of the Penina Championship Course, site of many a Portuguese Open. Those who hire a car will be well rewarded in exploring the adjacent coastline and seeking out unspoilt villages and beaches. There are also a few sightseeing opportunities in the town, including an interesting museum. Children's activities are sparse in Lagos, however there is a zoo and an excellent water park nearby.
