Lagos between Coast and History

Coast and Getting Around

For those arriving by train, Lagos railway station is a useful landmark: it is located behind the Marina de Lagos. From there, a sandy path leads to Meia Praia, 400 metres away. Several local bus routes also connect different parts of the city with the beaches. These offer distinct ways to get your bearings: a precisely measured route to the beach and bus connections between the city and the coast.

History and Architecture

Castelo dos Governadores, also known as Castelo de Lagos, was built in the second half of the 15th century. Rota da Escravatura, also known as Mercado de Escravos, presents the history of the slave trade that existed in Lagos in the 15th century. The Dr. José Formosinho Museum has collections covering archaeology, sacred art and the history of Lagos, as well as the ethnography of the Algarve, painting, numismatics, mineralogy and overseas ethnography. Taken together, these subjects range from a specific history of trade to a broad collection spanning different areas of art and knowledge.

The churches, too, reflect different periods and features. Igreja de Santo António was built in 1707 and rebuilt in 1769. Its features include Baroque gilded woodcarvings and blue-and-white tile panels from the 18th century. Igreja de São Sebastião was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, and has a small bone chapel attached to it. Those interested in architectural history will find both a clearly dated building that was later rebuilt and one whose construction spanned several centuries.

Forte Ponta da Bandeira is an example of 17th-century Renaissance-style military architecture in the Algarve and is incorporated into the Museu de Lagos as a museum site. If you are planning a visit, check access arrangements and opening hours in advance. Forte da Meia Praia is part of a network of coastal forts to the east and west of the city of Lagos. This network was built to protect against constant attacks by pirates and corsairs. The fort has Manueline features and meets the new requirements of artillery. Together, these sites bring into focus both the architecture of an individual fort and the broader context of coastal defence.

Science, Nature and Traditions

At Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos, the permanent exhibition “Do Astrolábio ao GPS” brings together discoveries from the past and present. Its title can be translated as “From the Astrolabe to GPS”, succinctly capturing this span of time. The centre’s educational programme includes “Ciência em Família”, “Ciência à Conversa” and “Clube de Ciência”. Mata Nacional de Barão de São João has an obstacle course for fitness, as well as six hiking and mountain biking routes—an independent point of reference for outdoor activity.

The Feira Concurso Arte Doce, organised by the Municipality of Lagos, promotes the traditional Portuguese art of confectionery. Banho 29 is associated with the old folk belief that a dip in the sea is equivalent to 29 baths and keeps demons away. The two customs have different emphases: Feira Concurso Arte Doce focuses on confectionery, while Banho 29 centres on a traditional belief about the sea. If you want to experience a particular programme, check the current event dates.

When looking for a hotel in Lagos, these different travel interests may help guide your choice: coastal paths and beaches, historic buildings, or museums and science. Consider which themes you want to focus on during your stay and include them in your planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bensafrim, Lagos, Luz, Odiáxere, Barão de São João, Vila Real de Santo António, Tavira, Portimão.

For the broader travel overview: Faro.