Many people consider Lagos the most likeable town on the Algarve coast.

The town has a seafaring tradition dating back to the 15th century, when Henry the Navigator had his ships built and victualled there for voyages of discovery into the unkown world.

The ancient walls are steeped in history, but nowadays this is a youthful town with a refreshing, relaxed charm all of its own. It is an easy place to while away a week or two and good to use as a base for exploration of the western Algarve.

History, ruins and museums

The Phoenicians, Carthagians, Romans and Moors all left their mark and influence (the modern name 'Lagos' derives from the Roman 'Lacobriga'). The Moors were finally ejected in 1249 by the Portuguese king, Dom Afonso III, with the help of passing crusaders on their way to the Holy Land.

Henry the Navigator's statue is in the square bearing his name. At the northwest corner of this square is the 'slave market', so-named because this was the site of Portugal's first market trading exclusively in African slaves.

It is possible to walk around the old city walls, some of them dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Visit the museum and adjacent Church of Santo António in Rua General Alberto Carlos da Silveria, in the centre of Lagos. Go into the museum first (there is a small charge). After you have wandered around the galleries viewing all sorts of items, from Roman artefacts to freakish zoological specimens pickled in jars, you will emerge into the stunningly ornate little church. It is often called a 'golden' chapel. You will soon see why.

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