Lagos was the operational base for Portugal's exploration of the African coast in the 15th century. It was here that Henry fitted out the caravels for the Discoveries.
It was from the harbour that Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his historic and epic voyage of discovery. Gil Eanes also departed from Lagos to round Cape Bojador, at a time when everyone believed that the cape marked the end of the world.
Throughout the town you will find street names alluding to the Discoveries. The historic buildings and monuments include Europe's first slave market, at the Casa das Arcadas in Praça Infante D. Henrique, which is now a venue for the exhibition and sale of handicrafts.
If you want to know more about the Portuguese Discoveries, drop in and visit the exhibition at Ponta da Bandeira Fort in Lagos. The fort also provides a fine sea view.
Built late on in the 17th century, it completed the defences of Lagos. The entranceway is by drawbridge over a moat. Given it was one of the later defensive strongholds built in Lagos, the Fortress is also one of the best preserved.
When Portugal was under Spanish rule, the Portuguese coast became a target for the British fleet and in 1587 the city of Lagos was attacked by Francis Drake, one of England's most famous corsairs. The attempt to raid Lagos failed and Francis Drake sailed on to Sagres to sack the city. Then later in 1693, off Lagos Bay France's Admiral Tourville sank an Anglo-Dutch convoy of 80 ships commanded by England's Admiral Rooke.
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Ponta da Bandeira |
The earthquake of 1755 and the seaquake which followed it destroyed a large part of the city of Lagos, which only began to recover its prosperity from the 19th century onwards, with the introduction of the canned fish industry and the consequent increase in trade. Today, Lagos is a dynamic and active city, which is justifiably proud of its past.
The town's Marina presents a lovely picture and this harbour is practically the first sight a visitor has of Lagos. Besides the boats that find it convenient as a permanent mooring it is usually full of yachts passing on the way or returning from the Mediterranean and the Americas. In the Marina different boat tours, yacht hire, and deep sea-fishing outings are available and can be booked.
Near to the centre of the town there is a modern Cultural Centre in which various exhibitions and culturally related events are held during the year.
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Praia da Luz |
To the east and across the river from Lagos is Meia Praia, a very long sandy beach sheltered to the north by a gentle slope dotted with comfortable villas. To the west of Lagos the once upon a time fishing village of Praia da Luz is now devoted to the quieter side of the tourist trade and is the home of many residents from the colder northern climates. Further to the west is another small fishermen's beach village of Burgau. Moving even further west is the coastal village of Salema. Here will be found some small Roman ruins proving the existence of its past importance.
Do not miss Sagres Fortress, which was the site of Henry's School of Seamanship, and a meeting place for astronomers, cartographers and seamen. It includes an impressive wind rose that is 43 metres in diameter.
About six kilometres further on is Cape St. Vincent, Europe's most south-westerly point, where the ancients thought the world ended. The lighthouse lens weighs four tonnes, and is one of the six heaviest in the world.
If you enjoy Algarve wine, discover how the grapes of the region saved the quality of northern wine in the 19th century. Grapes were taken to estates in the Douro region to be blended with what little northern varieties remained after a devastating bout of disease.
