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.
