With this post I fill the gap Portugal, the trip to which took place in August last year. I will try to help those who have not yet chosen a place in which to spend their summer vacation and tell you in detail about holidays on the Portuguese coast of the Algarve in its resort capital - the city Lagos.
Not everyone likes, like the lightning man I do, to drive around the coast in a rented car, even to the most beautiful places. Most people have neither the opportunity nor the desire for this type of vacation.
For such tourists, the Portuguese Algarve has two of the most famous cities– two tourist capitals of local importance, Lagos And Albufeira. We visited both resort capitals and if I were going on vacation with my mother-in-law, wife, nanny and three young children, choosing a classic vacation format, I would choose Lagos, which I’m going to talk about.
Lagos- an ancient port and very pretty city with more than 2000 summer history. We no longer know what it looked like before; in 1755, Portugal was shaken by an earthquake and tsunami, which destroyed most historical beauty on the coast.
How to find budget apartments or hotels in Lagos
I prefer Old city. In its favor are approximately the same distance from city beaches, the beautiful center of Lagos, enhanced by several attractions, and an evening promenade along the embankment.
Cheap accommodation or hotels in Lagos Room Guru (Hotels Combined)- a search engine that I use myself. The advantage of the service is that it compares the prices of dozens of booking systems - all you have to do is choose Best offer by price. In each article or report, I provide links only to those hotels in which I stayed and which I liked.
I liked the hotel near the most beautiful local beach Dona Ana, Hotel Carvi Beach Hotel. View of the rocks, a beautiful beach a stone's throw away. In addition, there is another one within five minutes' reach a nice place Ponta Piedada
Another option - expensive hotels on the embankment from booking. Forget about them, don't waste money on them, they look much better in photos than in real life. There is no special view from the windows either.
The most budget housing – camping on the outskirts of the city Lagos. It's called Lagos Camping Trindade and is located next to a cape and beautiful rocks Pontada Piedade, there is also a beach.
Address: Lagos Camping Trindade, Estrada da Ponta da Piedade, 8600
Expensive hotels are located closer to the embankment, in the center there are hostels and inexpensive hotels, so backpackers with suitcases are absolutely normal here.
Walking around the city of Lagos (Lagos)
A good morning begins with the city market; you are unlikely to have to buy anything, but it’s definitely worth looking at what else was floundering in the ocean today. At least to know what to order for lunch at local restaurants.
Market almost the only place where you can feel the city, except for the local bus station. It is located right on the embankment, there are mainly locals here who go about their grocery and household business. There are no ostentatiously beautiful stalls, the most interesting thing here is the fish rows and local merchants.
Before the heat drives you to the luxurious ocean beaches, you can have time to see what has survived the destructive work of Mother Nature. We must pay tribute to restorers and builders of all generations, thanks to them, today’s Lagos- an attraction in itself, a very cute old Portuguese resort town.
There is a temple just behind the market San Sebastian, it’s good because its viewing room opens best view of the city, I won’t show you any pictures; we were too lazy to climb up and left a reason for the next visit.
To the classic tourist - classic landmarks without any irony, I myself like to walk around old churches or look at the city from above. Church of Santa Maria, almost on the embankment, a fountain and an almost deserted square, no wonder - August, 70 percent on the beach, the rest in local bars.
Next to the church on the embankment there is a fort and the remains of the city fortress. We’re going in just for show, we don’t want to go inside, we’ve already seen a couple of such wonders. The fort has good views of the coast, but Lagos There are plenty of free viewing spots from which the views are no worse than those in the National Geographic stories and completely free, which is important, lunch is ahead.
Where are the restaurants in Lagos? Where to eat deliciously in Lagos? The answer is simple - on the streets adjacent to the embankment Bensafin River, a little on the narrow streets adjacent to the center and a lot on the main tourist April 25th street.
It's more expensive there, but look for places where locals dine in Lagos it's not worth it, it's not Lisbon. Almost all the places here are touristic, and so are the prices. So, be willing to part with 25-30 euros for a meal for two and enjoy. If you want to dine at half the price, come during the low season, at least in February, the prices will pleasantly surprise you.
Places to dine at Lagos a lot, mostly all of them are tourist. Therefore, I will not recommend anything specific.
Maybe at the end streets April 25 I can recommend Bon Vivant cafe, it is red in the photo. A good choice drinks, an unusual interior and most importantly - an open area on the roof, from there beautiful view outside.
The terrace on the roof of the bar, we came in the morning, it was still closed - but we were welcome. 
Bar and view from the site to the street on April 25 
There are such boring tourist restaurants that look like canteens. Right in the alley so that your little head doesn’t get baked. It's a solid +34 Celsius outside. Most likely they are designed for organized groups of pensioners from England.
Another one, St. Anthony's Church is located in the old center Lagos, bristling with ancient spiers and towers, does an excellent job of serving its decorative role for most tourists, adding coziness to the narrow winding streets. 
Main attractions of Lagos– ocean, beautiful rocks and beaches. Let's go to Ponta Piedada– cape and Observation deck on which there is a lighthouse and the so-called “first rocks”. In our case, we went, but you can walk there in about half an hour - the place is located on the outskirts Lagos.
You can spend half a day here, swim around the rocks on a boat or sit at the top enjoying the view. There is free parking for cars near the lighthouse. We leave the car, go down the wooden stairs and take an hour-long walk through the grottoes, underwater caves and picturesque rocks. Price 25 euros for two.
The second most beautiful place in Lagos – Dona Ana beach, in July-August there are quite a lot of people. There are a couple of hotels nearby and unfinished, unfinished construction, I already wrote about this above. The beauty of the beach and the views from the hotel make up for minor shortcomings.
Sunbathing and swimming Dona Ana beach It’s better to do it before lunch, and take pictures closer to the evening. And even then, the sun seems to be moving along the sea, and by 17.00 the rocks are already half in the shadow.
Beaches in the city Lagos several, that’s why it’s good. On the opposite side from Dona Ana beach there is a long sandy city Meia Praia beach. You can get there by car, or you can walk - just cross the bridge from the embankment.
This long sandy beach is more suitable for lovers of classic beach holiday, there are no waves, a gentle entrance to the water and warm water. And this is one of the warmest beaches on Algarve coast why it is loved by couples with children or simply not very active tourists.
Other beaches nearby Lagos. There are a lot of them, but if you choose the most beautiful one, this is Praia do Marinha. I wrote about him in detail Here. Or choose the appropriate option from list of the best beaches in the Algarve . But for this you need a car and it will be a completely different format of vacation or travel, whatever.
What to see in the vicinity of Lagos or where to go for the whole day
Firstly, it's neighboring town of Lagoa (Lagoa) , we just lived in its vicinity. There's more here local color and a couple of good local wine shops. One of them can be found in the very center, the selection and prices are nicer than in a very touristy place Lagos.
In addition to the liquor store, take a walk along the narrow and completely deserted streets of Lagoa, it is crowded here only in the morning on weekdays, when people go to work or to the market. For those who are tired of the crowd and bustle - a must.
The local market is also worth visiting, but in the morning, of course. 
IN Lagoa much bigger than the real thing Portugal than in Lagos. The city is located about seven kilometers from the ocean, which for some reason the locals call the sea. Nearest Carvoeiro beach not bad, but interesting for those tourists who have not read my posts about Portugal and therefore chose it as a vacation spot. The place is quite sad, and the beach is very small.
Near Lagos, close to Lagoa there is a town Silves without which a walk around the neighborhood Lagos will be incomplete. IN Silves there is a cathedral and an ancient Arab fortress. 
The cathedral is like a cathedral, but the fortress will be of interest only to those who are interested in the Arab period of history Portugal or those who in Europe traveling for the first time. If you decide, and if you have time, you can spend a couple of hours. For us, a small consolation was the figs that grew abundantly in the courtyard of the fortress. You can calmly pick it and eat it with complete impunity and free of charge. You won’t want to have lunch after it – that’s a guarantee. 
15 minutes drive from Lagoa- village Ferragudo If you are lucky, you can see the beautiful flaming sky over the ancient city center and walk along the river bank, in any case you will get visual pleasure, at least.
Once again you can interrupt your beach holiday by going to the extreme southwestern point of Europe - Cape Sagres (Vila do Bispo). It's just over half an hour by bus, taxi or car.
If your soul asks for various activities, such as kayaking, boat rides, horseback riding or cycling, then you are welcome to Lagos waterfront. Local helpers will solve all your tourist problems; they sit in small booths that are evenly spaced along the entire embankment.
A short review about your holiday in Lagos
Choice of several beautiful and convenient beaches, city attractions in the old town Lagos, warm Algarve climate, it's easy to get here from Lisbon or Faro by bus, train or car, excellent tourist infrastructure, average European prices. With such initial data, the average tourist feels comfortable and gets full value for his money. summer rest for reasonable money. Lagos self-sufficient tourist centre and, as for me, it is convenient for those tourists who do not use a rented car on vacation and do not want to make unnecessary movements.
How to find budget accommodation in Lagos
Cheap accommodation or hotels in Lagos can be found through the booking system Hotels Combined, a service I use myself. The advantage of the service is that it compares prices from dozens of booking systems - you just have to choose the best offer. In every article or report I give links to hotels in which I lived and which I liked.
How to save on housing in Lagos
Economy option for traveling with family or group - rent an apartment or apartment in the city in Lagos (Lagos). The combination of home comfort and affordable price, although in this case you will have to cook breakfast yourself, is not the biggest problem.
How to buy a cheap flight to Lisbon
IN Lagos(Lagos) can be reached from Lisbon or Faro airport. Air travel from Kyiv to Lisbon or aviasales.ru, an aggregator that I use myself. The service offers the most advantageous offers, including low-cost airlines - you just have to choose the best by price, by departure time or from your favorite airlines.
Rent a car in Portugal
It's as easy as renting an apartment or hotel and can be done on the website Rentalcars.com- just select the country and city in which you need a car. Then you choose a car and easily and naturally drive around Portugal just like we did.
Car rental in Lisbon >>
Home resort area 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 from 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 from the wind by rocks and big waves. At high tide it is almost completely filled with water.
It is connected by a passage in the rock with nearby 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 Usually there are nudists. 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 historical center there is the Church of San Antonio with a beautiful interior decoration. 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 cities - April 25. 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.
A significant landmark of Benin City is National Museum, located on the King's Square.
The museum's three galleries display extensive collections containing works of art and relics from the rich cultural history of the Bini people, as well as neighboring communities. A significant number of unique artifacts, such as terracotta and bronze figures and pieces of cast iron, are associated with the Benin Empire. Numerous statues of Queen Idia are distinguished by their beauty and uniqueness. Noteworthy is a bronze throne with an interesting design, presented to Emperor Obe by the ruler of Portugal to strengthen trade relations. A separate room displays household items, traditional clothing and crafts of the hardworking Nigerian people.
There is a souvenir shop on the territory of the museum, popular among tourists. Presented here wide choose batik fabrics, calabashes (drinking vessels) and jewelry. The National Museum team makes great efforts to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Nigeria; seminars and conferences are regularly held here.
Tarkwa beach
Tarkwa Beach is recognized as one of the best holiday destinations on Victoria Island. Easily accessible by boat, the beach stretches for 1.5 kilometers in the shape of a crescent.
It gained wide popularity among local residents and tourists due to its location in the quiet harbor of the bay of the same name, there is no drawback here, and this place is safe for swimming. The beach area is covered with white crushed sand, which is pleasant to walk on. Vacationers are offered sun loungers, umbrellas, as well as several bars with soft drinks and tropical seasonal fruits such as oranges, pineapples, coconuts and mangoes. Surfing and other water sports, including water skiing, are available here.
The territory of Tarkwa beach is separated by fabulous tropical vegetation. Here you can sit on the shore for hours and admire the picturesque panorama of African landscapes.
What sights of Lagos did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
National Museum of Nigeria
The Nigerian National Museum in Lagos was founded by English archaeologist Kenneth Murray in 1957.
The museum's extensive exhibitions include archaeological and ethnographic collections, as well as traditional art represented by sculptures and carvings. The unique statues made by Nigerian masters amaze with their variety and quality. Noteworthy are the Benin City Brass Gallery and the terracotta man's head from Jemaa (circa 900 BC), which is part of the Nok culture. IN exhibition hall, dedicated to traditional symbols of power, features a collection of carved ivory crowns, as well as the bullet-riddled car of General Mohammed, who died in 1976.
Works at the museum community Center crafts, which features a wide range of batik fabric and wood carvings at a fixed price. There is also a fine selection of unusually designed calabashes (drinking vessels) collected from all over Nigeria. Near the museum is the beautiful Tafawa Balewa Square, decorated with statues of giant horses.
National Park Old Oyo is a beautiful tourist area located in the north of Oyo State. You will be delighted by the rich fauna, here you can find buffaloes, antelopes and a wide variety of birds.
The reserve preserves the ruins of the ancient political capital of the Yoruba empire, Oyo-Ile (Old Oyo), which gave the park its name. The city of Oyo-Ile was destroyed at the end of the 18th century during the uprising of Muslim Fulani warriors.
Most of the park consists of low-lying plains and river valleys along the Ogun River. The northeastern zone of the reserve is famous for its granite formations. The central part will charm you with its hilly terrain and numerous rock formations.
The drainage system is also interesting, as three rivers flow through the park. Ogun and Owu, as well as their tributaries, are located in the central and southern parts, while the Tessi River washes the northeastern zone of the reserve.
Old Oyo National Park is always open for eco-tourism. Mountaineering enthusiasts will enjoy the rocky terrain, the rivers are perfect for water recreation, and a walk through the historical ruins will bring cultural pleasure from bygone eras.
Sukur village
Sukur is an amazing village whose residents live according to old traditions. Here, in one area, such incompatible concepts as past and present, dead and living, are intertwined into a single whole, wild nature And cultural heritage. In 1999, UNESCO awarded the area World Heritage Site status.
The cultural landscape of Sukur includes: a hilltop complex of buildings called the hidi (chief's) palace, which rises above the villages located below the slope; terraced fields where local residents grow peanuts or beans; sacred symbols and ritual burials; numerous traces of successful iron mining activities in the past. All these elements vividly convey the spiritual and material culture of the local community.
Tourist amenities are practically undeveloped here: rusty signs point the way to the main attractions, and at the foot of the hill you will be greeted by simple huts.
Great Kva River
The Great Kwa River flows through a picturesque area and originates in national park Cross River and flows into the mouth of the Cross River. On the banks of the river, the livelihoods of local residents are highly developed: small farms, aquaculture and artisanal shrimp farming.
Thanks to the entry of the Calabar settlement into the free trade zone, even more houses and factories began to appear near the river. All waste from the residents' lives is safely dumped into the river. On this moment The Great Kwa River is on the verge of an environmental disaster. The river waters contain high level infections, and poses a risk to human health, including the risk of a cholera epidemic.
Mapo hall
Mapo Hall in Ibadan was built in 1925 by the British colonialists. The first city hall was located here; for a long time the building was a symbol of power and unity of the people of Ibadan. The last extensive renovation and modernization of the structure in 2006 restored it to its original splendor.
This luxurious colonial building is made in a fusion of Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. Semicircular arched openings are located along the entire perimeter of the building. The facade of the hall is decorated with massive Corinthian columns with pilasters. The structure's cornices, decorated with stucco details and relief images, are impressive.
The elegant interior of the Mapo Hall creates a festive atmosphere, favorable for holding various social and cultural events. Magnificent banquet halls, upscale restaurants and a concert hall are the ideal vacation spot for the city's elite.
The building is located on Mapo Hill, offering stunning views of Ibadan and its environs.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Lagos? .
Mega Plaza Shopping Center
The Mega Plaza shopping complex on Victoria Island is one of the largest shopping malls in Nigeria. It is located in a modern four-story building built in 2007.
There are about 150 retail outlets on 85 thousand square meters. It offers a wide range of products including groceries, clothing, shoes and homewares, including well-known brands. Mega Plaza - presenter shopping mall, specializing in the sale of household and office appliances, electronics and information and communication equipment. The large souvenir shop is very popular among tourists; it offers a huge selection of exotic goods with unbeatable discounts. Highly trained and attentive staff will help visitors make informed purchases.
The entertainment industry is represented by a multiplex cinema and a concert hall, which serves as a venue for entertainment and music events with the participation of local and foreign performers. Visitors have access to a four-level underground parking lot for 3,000 cars.
The most popular attractions in Lagos with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places in Lagos on our website.
Individual and group
Lagos is located in the western part of the Algarve province. It differs from other resorts in that it is interesting for tourists of different ages. It is of Celtic origin and has been known as Lacobridge for over 2000 years. Then a port settlement arose at the mouth of the Bensafrim River. In the 10th century, Arab conquerors surrounded the city, but already in 1249, the city fell into the hands of Christians. The city began to develop and became a kind of trade center, attracting many bankers and merchants. Moreover, these were not only the Portuguese, but also citizens of other countries. The construction of luxurious houses and temples in the city is associated with their wealth. The city port played a significant role in the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries. It was from the port of Lagos that many expeditions set off in search of new lands on the orders of Prince Henry the Navigator. Vasco de Gama also left for his expedition from this port. There is historical evidence that it was the residents of Lagos who saved the famous Christopher Columbus, who at that time had not yet discovered America, after a shipwreck. And in 1578 there was unsuccessful attempt pirate Francis Drake to capture the city. The residents decided not to let him plunder the wealth of Lagos and gave him a decisive rebuff.
For almost two centuries, Lagos was the capital of the Algarves. Several buildings from this period of capital life have been preserved. First of all, this is the first slave market in Europe built in the mid-15th century, the golden church of St. Anthony and the fortress walls, which have been restored. These defensive structures still surround the old part of the city. The fort of Ponta de Banddeira, located on Batata beach, has also been preserved. Behind the fort is the Gate of Saint Gonzalo, which has a watchtower. And next to it is the Governor's Castle. This is a very beautiful building in traditional Arabic style. In Prasa Infanto Square there is a monument to Prince Enrique, who seems to be looking at the sea horizon. Also on the square is the iconic temple of Igreia da Santa Maria. It was built in the 15th-16th centuries, but in the 18th-19th centuries they decided to restore it. You can get to the Golden Church of St. Anthony through the museum, they are both very interesting. In general, there are a lot of museums in Lagos and this is not surprising knowing the history of the city. Moreover, they are all in different directions. Another church of St. Sebastian is worthy of attention. It offers a very beautiful view of the bay. And this is in addition to its architectural and historical value.
And tourists can explore all these attractions without interruption. modern life. After all, there is a lot going on in Lagos all the time. interesting events. Prasa Gil de Ins, which is located in the city center, is especially famous for this. After all, every evening there is either a medieval fair or a concert. In general, the city center has such a peculiarity that it is quite confusing, despite its small size. This is all thanks to the structure of the streets. 
But almost everywhere you can find many benches, shops and cafes.
Another local attraction that attracts tourists is the market. You can buy fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey and much more there. There is also a separate fish market, where there is also a fairly large selection of seafood.
For beach lovers, Lagos is also a haven. 
For example, on Meya Praia beach there is a very wide coastline and if you wish, you can rent a villa there. And next to the Salem beach, by the way, you can also see ancient Roman buildings.
Fans will also find entertainment for themselves active rest. They offer sea safaris with dolphin searches, hiking, ATV riding and much more.
I want to say that Lagos is a unique Portuguese settlement, where history merges with modernity and it all looks very natural.
The city of Lagos is a famous seaport in the south of Portugal. It is located on the shores of the bay of the same name, not far from the place where the Bensafrin River flows into Atlantic Ocean. Lagos and Lisbon are separated by 184 km.
A little history
The history of this city in Portugal goes back more than two thousand years. Initially, the Carthaginians lived here, uniting with the Celts during the Punic Wars. After the colonization of the settlement by the Romans, Lagos (Portugal) became part of the Roman region of Lusitania. Traces of this period of history are still found not only in the city, but also in the surrounding villages.
Beginning in the sixth century, Lagos passed from the Visigoths to the Byzantines, then to the Moors. It was then that the oldest Church of St. John the Baptist appeared in the Algarve today.
Lagos passed from the Moors to the rule of King Afonso III only in 1241. In 1361 the city acquired a new status and became legally independent. And after King João I assembled a fleet in Lagos harbor to conquer Ceuta in the early 15th century, the city became an important seaport. Lagos (Portugal) achieved particular importance during the Great geographical discoveries(early 15th century - 17th century). It was from here that the son of John I directed many expeditions to West Coast Africa and Morocco, and the famous navigator Gil Eanes swam beyond Cape Bojador, refuting the theory that it is the end of the world.
Lagos today
Today Lagos (Portugal) is famous resort, which attracts travelers from all over the world with its pristine architectural decoration, the purest sandy beaches and an extraordinary atmosphere. In that beautiful city You can stroll along the peaceful streets with stunning architecture, ride around the area on a bicycle, moped or even on horseback, sail along the coast by boat, get to the fort, dine in cozy restaurants, try local confectionery masterpieces, visit famous museums and much more.
Climatic features
The weather in Portugal, namely in this area, is largely determined. In Lagos, the air temperature is always several degrees lower than in other regions. This is also influenced by the Canary Currents, which are cold.
In summer, the weather in Lagos is pleasantly warm. The air temperature remains at 25-30 degrees for three months, and the water temperature at 20-22 degrees. Drought alternates with rainy days. In autumn, the air temperature drops to 20 degrees. In the winter months it almost never falls below 12 degrees.
Architectural landmarks
Many architectural landmarks of Lagos were destroyed by a powerful earthquake and tsunami in 1755. Nevertheless, today there are still a lot of interesting places that are mandatory points on the city excursion program:
- Lagos Castle. It is considered the main attraction and is amazing huge walls, many corridors and rooms where a large number of secrets and secrets are hidden. The history of the castle begins in 1174. During this time, he survived several wars and a powerful earthquake. After 1755, the castle underwent cosmetic repairs and comprehensive restoration of the walls several times.
- Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Carmo. It was erected in the 13th century. At the end of the 18th century, as a result of an earthquake and fire, the library and the church connecting the monastery and the temple of Santa Teresa were badly damaged. It was possible to restore part of the building only at the beginning of the 20th century. The rear buildings are built in Baroque style, but the external decoration contains small Gothic and Classical elements. Inside the monastery there is a large amount of wood and gold items.
- Fort Meia Praia. It was built in the style of mannerism and reflects the trends of military architecture. The earthquake completely destroyed the Fort, but by 1796 local authorities had completely restored it, and in 2009 the landmark was included in the list of official monuments of the country.
- Church of San Sebastian. One of the oldest architectural structures. In addition to three naves separated by Doric columns and a stunning altar, inside the church you can discover the ancient plan of Lagos. Changes affected it only at the end of the 19th century. Then a new building was added to the plan - a tower with bells.
Natural monuments
- A divine corner - a cape overlooking rock formations. The beach here amazes with the clearest water.
- Golden grottoes.
- Laguna de Alvor. Here you can take a boat ride.
- Baran de São João National Forest.
Beaches
The beaches are the pride of this city. There are not only a lot of them, but each has its own peculiarity. All Lagos beaches can be divided into two categories: open bays stretched along the coast or closed bays of unusual shapes. What they have in common is that almost everyone has a developed infrastructure and is well equipped with amenities for people with disabilities.
Popular beaches include the following:
- Meia Praia is the largest and largest. The beach is surrounded on all sides by gentle slopes, so there is practically no wind here. Meia Praia provides everything for an active holiday: water skiing, catamarans, various attractions and so on.
- Donna Maria is the perfect beach to retire to.
- Donna Ana. Considered the most beautiful beach, near which there is one of the popular hotels. It offers stunning views of the rocks. There are two hotels nearby.
- Batata is small and picturesque. It is sandwiched between a rock, but despite this there are always a lot of people here.
- Solaria, like the beach mentioned above, is very close to the city center. But it pleases with its size. There are sun loungers, umbrellas and rental of various sports equipment.
- Praia do Carvalho. This is a very small beach sandwiched between rocks. Here you can rent a boat to visit the picturesque grottoes and caves located nearby.
- Praia do Amado. It is considered an ideal place for surfers: the waves are good and there are not many people. Both experienced athletes and beginners will like it here, because there are several surf schools on the beach.
- Praia de Marinha - beach for have a relaxing holiday. There is no influx of tourists here and you can not only soak up the golden sand, but also have a good snorkeling session.
Other things to do in Lagos
Lagos (Portugal) is famous for its ceramics, products from which are sold here for a wide variety of purposes, shapes and colors. There are also a large number of shops in this area where you can buy small souvenirs made from cork: keychains, coasters for glasses and mugs, hats and even shoes. As for shopping, sometimes a fair takes place near the church, which is located in the harbor, where you can buy unique items of clothing, household items and various souvenirs.
In addition to shopping and excursions in the city, you can visit:
- large golf center;
- a zoological garden, where you can not only watch a variety of animals, but also take a walk in the green area;
- Spa;
- night clubs.
