This ancient port city is today one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Algarve, sited as it is within walking distance of some excellent beaches. Visitors to Lagos can also take time to discover some of the town's history, which goes back to the Carthaginians several centuries BC. During the great Portuguese age of discovery under Henry the Navigator, the port became a caravel shipyard and was the jumping-off point for many a voyage to the East. Few historic buildings remain, apart from some ruins in the old section of town, because of the devastating earthquake of 1755. Much of the central town area today consists of a sprawling flea market. Also to be seen is Customs House - within its arches Europe's first slave market was conducted in 1441. There is also the beautiful church of Igreja de Santo Antonio, restored in 1715 and decorated with fantasy-inspired carvings. The municipal museum in the town houses an interesting and varied collection from Roman artefacts to deformed animal foetuses. The most splendid beach is Meia Praia to the east of town; the southern promontory features some sheltered cove beaches; while Praia de Dona Ana is picturesque but usually very crowded in summer.
