Discover Lagos by Hire Car
With a population of 17,500, Lagos is a charming little port town on Portugal’s Algarve coast.
Its original name, Lacobriga, still dates back to the Iberian Celts who founded the first known settlement here. Throughout its history, Lagos excelled in shipbuilding and seafaring.
For example, the type of ship known as the caravel was developed here in the 15th century, and numerous expeditions to Africa, including those led by Henry the Navigator or Gil Eanes, considered the city’s son, began in Lagos.
Even today, the Praca Gil Eanes in the town centre is a reminder of this time.
Sights in Lagos
Touristically interesting, apart from the dreamlike beaches of Lagos, like the Praia Dona Ana, the Meia Praia or the Ponta da Piedade with its bizarre rock formations, is the old town of the place.
The church Igreja do Santo António stands out in particular. Almost inconspicuous from the outside, the interior hides a nave furnished with beautiful Baroque elements and crowned by a gilded altar.
On the Praca da Republica, a statue of Henry the Navigator is a reminder not only of Lagos’ glory days, but also of one of the largest slave markets, which was held here regularly from the 15th century onwards.
The narrow, steep streets, almost all leading to the imposing, palm-lined promenade by the sea, are just as inviting to stroll through, with small romantic bars and shops, as the marina, newly built in 1995.
Leisure activities in Lagos
But it is also well worth taking a hire car along the picturesque coastal road in the region around Lagos or to the numerous small bays that stretch from here to the westernmost point of Europe, to Sagres.