Lagos Portugal. Sights of Lagos - what to see. A complete guide to iconic places. The Old Town is the cultural center of Lagos

It's time to say goodbye to Lisbon and move further to the south of Portugal, to the Algarve province. This is where the warmest climate and the best beaches are. The water there is usually always several degrees warmer than on the west coast of the Atlantic. The train ride takes about three hours. From Lisbon there are much fewer trains there than to Porto, only six per day. The Lisbon-Faro train departed from Oriente Station. At the small station of Tunesh we had to change to a local diesel train, which goes straight to Lagos.

The train departed exactly on schedule. Along the way there are several more stops within the city. You can also see the giant Aguas Livres aqueduct from the window. Its length is 19 km. It was built in the 18th century to solve the acute problem of supplying the city with drinking water. It was used for its intended purpose until 1967. It turned out to be very durable and even remained undamaged by the devastating earthquake of 1755.

The train is moving very quickly. The stations are deserted and there are almost no people visible.

There were only a few passengers in the carriage and therefore the ride was very comfortable.

Late in the evening I arrived in Lagos. It was not very easy to find the hotel in the dark, but somehow I immediately went in the right direction. In the morning I did not deny myself the pleasure of taking a swim in the pool on the roof of the hotel. At such an early hour I was completely alone here.

But I didn’t intend to hang around at the hotel, and after breakfast I headed lightly to the ocean, for which, in fact, I came here.

The main attraction here is the absolutely stunning beaches. Snow-white sand surrounded by rocks of the most bizarre shapes. There are many beaches here, the water is clean and there are no large crowds of people, which is good news.

Even a simple walk along the various paths between these rocks gives you a lot of pleasure. The views are simply fantastic.

There are also canyons here.

You can go down to the beach along a wooden ladder.

There was no one here in the morning, and therefore one could feel like Robinson Crusoe, marooned on a desert island.

Traces of a man! There is someone on the island!

The beaches here are simply heavenly.

You can take a motor boat and look at this beauty from the ocean. There are also grottoes that can only be reached by boat.

Some beaches are located in cozy coves, such as this nudist beach. Here you can go skinny dipping.

Here is the grotto area.

The coastline consists of beaches that alternate with cliffs. In some places you simply cannot approach the shore.

Interesting vegetation.

In some places the trail is simply carved into the rocks.

And the gorgeous views here never cease to delight the eye.

At this point the cliffs recede from the sea, giving way to a long sandy beach.

Swimming in such waves is a lot of fun. The water is warm and you don’t want to get out of there. By the way, there are ebbs and flows here.

Coast in the rays of sunset.

The sun is setting quickly.

There is a lighthouse on the cape.

Lagos itself is a nice and cozy town. Lives mainly from tourism. There are a lot of English and German holidaymakers here, mostly old people.

Lagos is an ancient maritime city with more than two thousand years of history. In the 15th century, Lagos became an important city and seaport for Portuguese explorers. White houses, narrow streets. It's nice to walk around the center.

There are restaurants and souvenir shops everywhere.

Dog. White and fluffy.

There is also a port, though not for large ships, but for private yachts.

It's time to go back to Lisbon. I made a strategic mistake; I should have flown from Faro or some city in southern Spain. Otherwise, I’ll have to go again across the country to Porto, where my plane departs for Madrid. But the prices for tickets from Faro during the season were steep, so I had to choose this option. On the way from Lagos to Tunes there are many citrus plantations. In dry and hot climates, trees need additional moisture. That’s why there are irrigation systems almost everywhere here. The orange harvest is ripe. Eh, sorry I don’t have time. Otherwise, I would have robbed this collective farm for a couple of kilos of fresh oranges! :)

In Tunesha I buy a train ticket to Lisbon. This time you will be traveling on the high-speed train "Alpha Pendular". These are trains with a tilted body, which allows them to go through small radius curves much faster. There are not many straight sections there; the terrain is very rough.

In some places it accelerates to a speed of 222 kilometers per hour.

The Alpha Pendualr train arrived from Faro at Oriente Station.

This is a very beautiful station.

The main resort area of Portugal is Algarve province. I first learned about it several years ago on V.V. Posner’s blog. He wrote that he was enjoying relaxation and the ocean in the blessed Algarve. And I trust the opinion of the experienced Vladimir Vladimirovich :)

This is the southernmost part of Portugal, lying on the Atlantic coast. It is quite convenient to travel along it both by bus and by train. Railway tracks are laid almost along the entire coast. The capital of the Algarve province is the city of Faro. The most popular and convenient resorts for relaxation are Faro, Tavira, Albufeira, Alvor, Sagres and Lagos, which we chose. Lagos- an ancient picturesque city surrounded by sand dunes, very beautiful beaches and bays.

Here I booked an apartment in Hotel Vilabranca. The apartment is quite spacious, 68 sq. m., designed for a family of 3-4 people, price 40 euros/day. There is a kitchen and a furnished balcony. There are all kinds of entertainment and 4 swimming pools on site. There are markets and a supermarket nearby. A free shuttle service is offered to Porto de Mos beach and the city centre.

All main beaches and bays are within a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. You can choose a new direction every day. For some reason, I don’t want to plan any excursions or sightseeing here. I just want to enjoy the proximity of the ocean and the most beautiful scenery. Even if we don't get to swim in the ocean. The ocean is quite unpredictable, the water can be very cold even in summer, or it can be warm. It depends on your luck. That’s why the swimming pools on the territory of our apart-hotel come in very handy. The closest beach to our hotel is beach do Porto de Mos. It is quite spacious and equipped with everything you need.

Also very popular beach de Dona Ana. But all the beaches are practically deserted until 11 o'clock . And by lunchtime the tide begins to ebb. Here, right on the beach, there are several cozy restaurants and bars. There is an opportunity to enjoy the sunset while sitting with a glass of wine.

From this beach you can walk on foot to the lighthouse on Cape Ponta da Piedade. You can walk along the highway, enjoying beautiful panoramas of the ocean and bays. Beautiful paths lead to panoramic areas. Dress comfortably; a hat, water and, of course, a camera are required. Those who are not very fond of walking can get to the lighthouse on a tourist train from the historical center of the city.

Not far from the lighthouse there is a staircase along which you can go down to the water. You can also book a boat trip along the coastal cliffs. After all, many bays and grottoes can only be seen from the ocean.

The west coast is home to wilder, more rugged beaches - Castellejo and Cordoama. They are preferred by fans of surfing and kiting.

Not far from the city center are the beaches of Batata and Solaria. Batata Beach- small and cozy. It is protected by rocks from the wind and large waves. At high tide it is almost completely filled with water.

It is connected by a passage in the rock to the neighboring beach. During high tide, this crossing is also filled with water.

Solaria beach more spacious. There are sun loungers, umbrellas and rentals.

Stretches almost 4 km east of Lagos Meia Praia beach. There is a place to eat and water sports. From here you can also go on a boat trip.

On Grande Beach Nudists are usually located. For some reason there are no photos :)

Very picturesque beach do Camilo. Descent and then ascent up the 216-step staircase. That's why it's usually not very crowded here :)

If you are traveling with children, then visit science museum in Lagos. They will be interested in looking at all kinds of models of yachts, boats, submarines and pirate ships. A ticket for adults is 3 euros, a family ticket costs 6-9 euros. The city also has a water park where you can swim with dolphins, and a small zoo.

You definitely need to go to Cape San Vicente (Cabo de San Vicente). It is located 35 km from Lagos. A bus goes there twice a day; schedules and prices can be found at www.eva-bus.com. But if you want to watch the sunset, it is better to order a car with a group of 5-7 people. The cost of a round trip with stops at picturesque sites is 100-120 euros for everyone. Or you can buy a tour for 18 euros. They say the experience is unforgettable.

Cape San Vicente Lighthouse- one of the most powerful in Europe. The light from it is visible 60 km away.

The city of Lagos itself is very cozy, with narrow streets, ancient churches and a beautiful embankment.

After the earthquake and tsunami of 1775, few historical buildings remained in the city. But some things have been preserved: restored walls from the 16th century, the governor’s castle from the 17th century. Among the attractions you can see the Church of St. Sebastian, the Chapel of John the Baptist. In the historical center is the Church of San Antonio with a beautiful interior. There is also an ethnographic museum inside; entrance costs 3 euros.

And not far from the church is city market. There you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as the freshest fish and seafood. If you wish, they will clean everything for you, all that remains is to prepare it. Prices for food in supermarkets are almost the same as in Russia: some are cheaper, some are more expensive.

There are restaurants and street cafes at every step in the city. There are especially many of them on the streets adjacent to the embankment. Since the city is touristy and small, it is almost impossible to find a restaurant where locals dine. Prices are approximately the same everywhere. Lunch or dinner will cost you 25-30 euros for two.

You can choose the menu of the day for 10 euros. It includes a meat or fish dish with a side dish, tea and coffee and a glass of sangria. Many restaurants and bars on the main tourist street of the city - April 25th. At the end of this street there is an interesting establishment (the red building in the photo) with a roof terrace.

On the morning of the fifth day we will say goodbye to Lagos and head to Lisbon for a few days. You can get to Lisbon by bus from the eva-bus company; they depart every two hours from the bus station. The first bus leaves at 5:45. Travel time to Lisbon with a stop in Faro is 4 hours, the ticket costs 20 euros.

To be continued:)

If you are planning to relax in this city for a week or two, then rent a car. You can ride around nearby towns and beaches that are not accessible by public transport.

, booked hotels in the Algarve, the easiest way to buy tickets V bus Lisbon - Algarve online through the company website EVA Transportes. Comfortable buses they will take you to the resorts Algarve in just under 3 hours with one rest stop. Of course, then there are stops in all the resort towns, but this is not annoying, on the contrary, it is curious. I read somewhere that some of our tourists traveling independently in Portugal, have difficulty finding the initial EVA bus stops in Lisbon. It's simple bus departs from the metro station Jardim Zoológico(see map). The difficulty, apparently, is finding a stop at the Zoo. Arrive early, stand with your back to the central entrance to the zoo and in front of you, behind a wide highway and an overpass, there will be a covered station. It’s hard to see, but if anything happens, ask the gatekeeper at the gate :) (that’s what we did). The main thing is not to come back to back, “in Russian”. Enough about that. A beautiful one awaits us Algarve weather and the best beaches in Lagos.
Our apartments Casa Paula (Paula's House) was not only reasonably priced, but also well located. The center is just a stone's throw away, but Lagos beaches I’m generally silent - those that are the most picturesque, located in secluded coves, can be walked around, enjoying the magnificent views. If we take the fort by the ocean as our starting point, this beach on the right will be the very first and closest, behind which the bays and grottoes stretch, right up to the cape Ponta da Piedade.
And to the left of the fort (seen in the distance) is beach a completely different type - many kilometers long, with water activities and a lot of surfers, Praia da Meia Praia(see map below).

But first we will go to the right, through the grottoes (be careful, falling stones) to get to the next beach, Praia do Pinhao, where there are much fewer people.

Praia do Pinhao.

This beach in Lagos will delight you with picturesque pictures decorated with intricate coastal ledges, water changing its emerald color with different shades and seagulls bringing some animation to the holidays in Lagos.

Get on these Algarve beaches You can go on horseback (wooden or stone stairs go down) or through grottoes, as well as along the shore, going around protruding cliffs. But keep in mind that some coves can become traps - during high tide it is difficult to get out.

Some kind of small beach with a monumental stone staircase. Apparently, there was once someone's upstairs villa with access to your own beach.

On this beach it is interesting to wander between the stones and look out for animals in the clear water. It's worth mentioning that beaches in Lagos, and in everything Algarve, often get Blue flag, international recognition of water quality and purity.

Why are they good? Algarve beaches, so this is because if you get bored, you can go up and admire the views, make good photo Lagos, or even move to another beach.

So, quite by accident, while walking, I discovered one of best beaches Algarve Praia de Dona Ana .

This beach is already more lively, since there are two hotels nearby (Villa Doris Suites on the shore and Carvi Hotel Lagos a little further away). But there is no special crowd even at the beginning of July. But here you can already get a variety of water activities. From our apartment it was to the beach Donna Anna It's about a half hour walk, so if you're with children, it makes sense to book a hotel near Praia de Dona Ana beach.

But behind this ledge there is a romantic, treacherous bay-trap for those who like to retire.

If you miss the beginning of the tide, you will have to sunbathe until the next low tide, there are no stairs to the top - you can only get out around the cliff, on foot, and swimming is very dangerous, you can hit the rocks with a wave. However, with some vigilance, it is still worth visiting this secluded place.

And so Donna Anna beach looks like when ocean restless. After such excitement, the shore is full of all sorts of interesting living creatures.

Regarding water procedures - water temperature in the Algarve highly dependent on the vagaries of the ocean and its currents. That's why even summer water in Lagos cool, the contrast is emphasized even more strongly by hot weather. It is believed that the water in the bays is somewhat warmer than on large beaches with waves.
We've sorted out the bays, now let's explore Lagos beaches to the left of the fort. From the roof of our apartment Casa Paula, where we usually liked to have breakfast and sometimes dinner, is clearly visible one of the best beaches Portugal, Total Algarve And - Praia da Meia Praia.

The only drawback was that it was a little inconvenient to get there from our side. By map you can see that the yacht canal divides the city into two parts. And to get to beach Praia da Meia Praia, you either need to go to the drawbridge and then go back to the ocean, or take a shortcut and pay a small fee for a small bot to cross it. Therefore on this beach We rarely went and spent the whole day there.

If you are attracted by these many kilometers beaches with water activities, and also with the opportunity to surf, it probably makes sense to stay in this part and choose a hotel in Meia Praia Beach. You don’t have to drag your gear around the city, although you can rent a car :)

The Algarve, the beaches of Lagos, and almost all of Portugal are a paradise and expanse for surfers. And although the waves on this beach are more modest than in Peniche or Lourinha, there is also a surfing center here.

Praia da Meia Praia some photo.

Be sure to plan a short boat excursion along the coast, where everything Lagos beaches, bays and grottoes you will see from the ocean. Just buy on the day of sailing - if there is even a little excitement, the captain of the boat has the right not to enter the picturesque grottoes with blue water, because you can only get into them through arches in the rocks. Or, if you have enough cash, take a private excursion and motorboat.

Beach Praia de Dona Ana from the outside.

Praia do Pinhao beach And beach at the fort.

While vacationing in Lagos, I liked, oddly enough, to get up early and walk around the area with a camera

and leave your first footprints on the virgin morning beach.

For those who are curious, I present cards two beaches.

Beach map .

Lagos is a city in Portugal, a well-known resort on the southern coast of the Algarve, 35 km east of the southwestern point of Europe - Cape St. Vincent. Initially, Lagos was the place from which sea expeditions led by Gilles Eanches departed (his monument is still located in Lagos). Lagos, like the whole country, was severely destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, and the restoration of the city began only in the 19th century.

Nowadays Lagos attracts attention with its pristine architecture and charm, the beautiful southern beaches of Praia do Pinhao Meia Praia and the sandy strip in the east. You can relax on the beach, and for lovers of active recreation there is the opportunity to ride bicycles, mopeds, as well as horseback riding and a boat trip on the sea.

It is worth taking a walk along the coast, visiting the fort and city walls, the ancient city. Of interest to tourists are the Republic Square, the Baroque Church of Santa Antonio, decorated with luxurious carvings and gilding, the ancient fortress, the Church of St. Sebastian, the Church of Carmo (a fragment of a monastery, now in ruins), the Church of Santa Maria, the city Municipal Museum, which displays exhibitions samples of folk crafts, religious values and preserved embryos of various animals. Copyright www.site

Lagos is a cozy town with cobbled streets, lots of ceramic shops and cafes. In these cafes you can always try the products of the city's confectionery factories - marzipan (handmade almond cakes), pineapple cakes, and sweet potato cakes.

Among other things, Lagos is an important international sailing center.

On the territory of the historical district there is the Casa das Arcadas building, which housed a customs point several hundred years ago. Now the historical building has been converted into a Center for Folk Crafts; it often hosts interesting exhibitions and also organizes master classes. Visitors can buy many of the artistic masterpieces presented in this center.

An emblematic historical monument is the Bandeira Fort, located near the Cais da Solaria beach. This fort was built back in 1683 and protected the harbor from pirates for hundreds of years; it has been perfectly preserved to this day. Today, the historic building also houses an exhibition hall where local artists and photographers present their work. One of the towers of the fort has an observation deck that is accessible to visitors every day.

A unique city attraction is the Gil des Ins square, surrounded by picturesque historical buildings. During the daytime, it is nothing special; it is an ordinary square where tourists and locals walk. In the evening, the square changes beyond recognition; street performers perform interesting performances here, musicians and dancers perform, and fairs and gastronomic festivals are often held on the square. On the day of important football matches, large screens are always installed in this square.

There is a very interesting Museum of Local Lore in Lagos, which will allow you to get acquainted with the culture and history of the local population. The opening of this museum took place in 1934; it houses a rich collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits, as well as ancient coins and samples of rare minerals. The founder of this museum is the famous Portuguese archaeologist José Formosinho; many of the exhibits presented here were discovered by him personally during expeditions.

Lagos or Lagos is a beautiful port city whose history dates back more than 2000 years. It is often called the tourist capital and one of the most fashionable and popular resorts on the Algarve coast. Ancient city walls, streets paved with colorful paving stones, numerous souvenir shops, picturesque landscapes... All this attracts numerous tourists, forcing them to return to this port again and again. And this phrase itself - Lagos Portugal attractions - has long become synonymous with an excellent and eventful vacation.

And so that you can be convinced of the veracity of these words, we offer you to take a virtual tour of 6 unique places in Lagos. What makes them unique? The fact is that after the terrible natural disaster that shook Portugal in 1755, this is what little remains of the rich historical heritage of this country.

The Old Town is the cultural center of Lagos

If you don't know what to see in Lagos, head to the Old Town. This is a special area that combines antiquity and modernity. The main historical and cultural monuments of Lagos are concentrated on the territory of the Centro Cultural de Lagos, surrounded by ancient fortress walls. One of them is Fort Bandeira, a fortification built in 1683 and separated by a deep moat.

Fort Bandeira

Behind the fort there is the gate of St. Gonzalo and a watchtower. Also here you can see a former slave market (one of the first in Europe) and an ancient customs house, the building of which now houses a center for folk crafts, as well as a lot of other very interesting places. Tired of admiring the ancient architecture, you can stroll along the embankment, sit in a cozy cafe and go shopping.

Location: st. Lanzarote de Freitas.

Church of St. Anthony - a temple made of pure gold

The Church of St. Anthony is an example of southern European baroque, built in 1707 and restored in 1755 after a severe earthquake.

Although discreet in appearance, the temple amazes with its interior, for which it is often called Golden. The coat of arms of Portugal is painted on the ceiling of the church, and the walls are decorated with gilded inlays and blue and white mosaics made from azulejo tiles. The carving of the temple was carried out by famous engravers - Custodio Mesquita and Gaspar Martins. Another distinctive feature of the Church of St. Anthony are asymmetrical bell towers.

Nowadays, the Museum of Local Lore is opened on the territory of the attraction. Josepha Formasino. Services are held there only once a year.

Where to find: st. General Alberto da Silveira.

Opening hours: 10:00 — 17:30

The Governor's Castle is the hallmark of Lagos

When describing the sights of Lagos and Portugal, one cannot help but stop at this beautiful castle. Governor's Castle, which was once the residence of the governors of the Algarve, is considered the hallmark of the city.

The two-story palace in the Moorish style amazes with its grandeur. The height of its walls ranges from 7.5 to 10 m, the width is about 2 m, the top is crowned with battlements and loopholes located along the entire perimeter of the building. But the most interesting thing is inside - they say that spirits roam the corridors of this ancient castle every night, and the doors of many rooms keep terrible secrets.

Since its foundation (1174), the castle has survived several wars and natural disasters, after one of which its walls underwent cosmetic repairs and partial restoration. Since 1924, Lagos Castle has been listed as a national monument of Portugal.
Location: Garden of the Constitution (Jardim da Constituicao).

St Mary's Cathedral - the main parish church

The list of the main attractions of Lagos continues with St. Mary's Church, built in 1498 in honor of King Henry the Navigator. The temple, which was formerly called the Cathedral of Mercy, was restored in the second half of the 19th century.

Unfortunately, only one wooden portal remained from the original building, made in the Renaissance style and surrounded by Doric columns, the tops of which are decorated with busts of the apostles Paul and Peter. On both sides of the church portal, which leads to the square, there are a pair of symmetrical towers with bells.

The inside of the cathedral is small (it has only one nave), but quite beautiful. The main chapel deserves special attention - it, like the place for the choir, is located on some elevation. To get to the altar with the Crucifixion of Jesus, you need to go through the arch. The walls of the temple are decorated with images of the Virgin Mary dating back to the end of the 17th century. Currently, the Church of Santa Maria belongs to the parish churches of Lagos.
Where to find the attraction– Prince Henry Square (Praca Infante Dom Henrique).

Cape Ponta da Piedade - the pearl of Lagos

Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse is a picturesque rock formation located on the outskirts of Lagos. The height of this cape is about 20 m. This is a real paradise - the shores of Ponta da Piedade are dotted with numerous thousand-year-old grottoes, caves and stone arches. All around is a white sand beach and the expanse of the ocean. It is an ideal place for diving, fishing, sailing and windsurfing.

Among the picturesque rocks and a seemingly transparent bay rises a lighthouse and observation deck. The lighthouse is also very ancient. Historians claim that he remembers the times when galleys full of slaves were brought to Lagos. From the top of the cape, an ancient stone staircase leads to the water, along which you can go straight down to the surf line.

Location: outskirts of Lagos (the mark is on the map).

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Church of St. Sebastian - a temple with a thousand-year history

The overview of the best attractions of Lagos ends with St. Sebastian's Cathedral, located in the north of the Old Town near the fish market. From the top of the hill where the church is located, a beautiful panorama of the bay opens.

Church of St. Sebastian is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Portugal. Over the long history of its existence, the cathedral, built on the site of a small chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was destroyed several times. In 1828, during the next restoration, a bell tower was added to it.

Nowadays, the religious landmark consists of three naves, separated by high columns. An altar dating back to the 17th century, created by Alvaro Dias himself, has also been preserved. The temple houses the old plan of Lagos. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Church of St. Sebastian was included in the register of monuments of national importance in Portugal.
Location: st. Councilor Joaquim Machado (Rua Conselheiro Joaquim Machado).

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As you can see, the sights of Lagos Portugal are really worth seeing with your own eyes and once again being convinced of the unique flavor of this port settlement.

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