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 Lagos - History
The Romans gave the name of “Lacobriga” to the town but its
natural river port would indicate very much earlier occupation. It
was captured from the Moors in 1189 but it was not until 1249 that
it was finally claimed by Dom Afonso III and integrated into
the kingdom of the Algarve. This historic town has played an
important part in the story of discovery and conquering the rest of
the world. It was from this very harbour that Vasco da Gama
sailed in 1499 on his historic and epic discovery voyage. It was the
capital of the Algarve from 1578 until 1756 and there remain several
ancient buildings to testify to its historic glory. From its port
maritime expeditions were embarked to discover the world at the
orders of Prince Henry the Navigator. Also, the armada of 800
vessels led by the ill-fated heir to the throne Dom Sebastião
embarked from Lagos in 1578 in its failed attempt to capture the
town of Ceuta in Morocco.
Lagos - Description
Essentially now an important tourist town there are still many
architectural signs of its ancient past, even a building dating
originally back to around 1445 and is recorded as being Europe’s
first building used as a slave-market. The walls of the town are in
most parts remaining after areas of restoration. Attached to the
famous 17th century "gold" church of Santo António
there is a small museum of regional items, some of which are quite
odd! There are several interesting statues erected to the famous
past figures that are associated with the history of this town.
None more controversial that the sculpture of Dom Sebastião
standing in the main square in front of the Town Hall. A more
recently erected statue commemorates the Algarve’s only Saint,
São Gonçalo de Lagos who was born in 1360 and died in 1422
in Torres Vedras. Pope Pio VI raised him to Sainthood
in 1778. The town’s more recently constructed Marina presents a
lovely picture and this harbour is 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 through, to
and from the Mediterranean. The municipal council has constructed
a modern Cultural Centre in which various exhibitions and culturally
related events are held during the year. In the Marina different
boat tours and deep sea-fishing outings can be booked.
Lagos - Nearby Locations
Near to Lagos is a small beach village of Burgau.
Across the river from Lagos is Meia Praia, a very long
sandy beach sheltered from the north by a gentle slope dotted with
comfortable villas and holiday resorts. The once upon a time fishing
village of Praia da Luz is now devoted to the quieter side of
the tourist trade and residents from colder climates. Nearby the
coastal village of Salema there are some small Roman ruin
proving the existence of its past life. Vila do Bispo to the
west of Lagos is a very small administrative town for the
Sagres area that is the most south-west corner of Europe! The
village of Sagres is a must for every visitor to the Algarve.
It presents a very impressive dramatic sight of towering sheer cliffs
being beaten by the weight of the vast Atlantic Ocean. It is from here
that Prince Henry planned his epic shattering voyages. Cape
Santo Vicente is the name given to this promontory.
Lagos Events
29th and 30th July - Feira da Arte Doce (Sweets)
May - Feira Coral do Algarve (Choral)
August - Feira da Gastronomia (Food)
15th August - Feira de N. Sra. Da Glória
12th October - Feira de Outubro
27th October - Feira de S. Gonçalo
22nd to 24th November - Feira Franca de Lagos
Lagos Map
Town Map
Lagos Distances
Distances between each Tourist Town in Kms (Click Here)
In order to read the above document please download Acrobat Reader (Click Here)
 Useful Lagos Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 762 055
Fire Brigade - 282 760 115
Police - 282 762 809
Hospital - 282 763 034
Emergency Treatment - 282 771 000
Ambulance - 282 760 115
Tourist Office - 282 763 031
Useful Lagos Facts
Distance from Faro Airport - 82 Kms
Town Holidays - 27th October
Postal Code - 8600
Lagos Beaches
Praia do Canavial
Praia da Dona Ana
Praia da Luz
Praia da Meia Praia
Praia de Porto de Môs
Lagos Accommodation
Hotels
· Holiday Apartments
· Holiday Rental Agents
· Holiday Resorts
Lagos Property
Estate Agents
Lagos Commerce
Services
Lagos Golf Courses
www.algarvegolf.net
Lagos Restaurants
Selected List in Lagos Area
Lagos Sports
Lawn Bowls
Lagos Vehicle Hire
Rent a Car
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
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