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Lagos, in the south of Portugal belongs to one of the best known regions called Algarve. The history of Lagos, which dates back to at least the 4th century B.C., started with the foundation of the Carthaginian factory of Lacobriga. But this city has been haunted by natural disasters, rampaging and armed wars, all of which have left it practically naked of its artistic monuments. It was an important center for supplies in the Portuguese navy expeditions to tropical Africa and in 1440s it opened the first slave market in Europe, having its principal office in the Republican Square in Lagos.
From this point, you can start your tour of the old historical town. The church of Saint Anthony has a deep golden etching of Baroco style and remarkable paintings, including the regional museum of Dr. Jose Formosinho with archaeological collections, sacred art and ethnology from all over the Algarve. And let us not forget the intriguing African Art, Contemporanean Portuguese paintings and minerals. Following any of the nearby streets, you run into the wall, built by the kings Manuel I and John III over Arab remains. Many of the remaining parts of the wall have been included into new buildings. Many of these buildings were old palaces and quaint town houses having been made into another Algarve apartment and are now used for holidays lodgings.
Heading towards the centre, along Candido dos Reis Street, you are taken to the commercial area, almost all of it being pedestrian with lots of shops exposing you to fine hand-made crafts. The presence of the Arabs left the Lagos Algarve region with precious hand-made bronze, copper and brass, many of the kitchen utensils like the special pan with a lid still used to cook seafood are made from these materials. The wicker, ceramic and wood are also worked well.
Sleeping under the stars
Just a stones throw away from Lagos to the west is Sagres. Here you can find relaxing holidays accomodations in one of the most typical kinds of lodgings, the pousadas. Here in Sagres is the Pousada do Infante, named so after Prince Henry the Navegator. It is a modern building with spacious, airy rooms and a magnificent view looking towards the coast. The majestic chimney in the dining room, the valuable objects of art, the well selected entertainment and the ample lawn which stretches out until it meets the tip of the cliff gives this place a luxurious atmosphere.
Or if your travels take to Lisbon and you are looking to continue on with a nice relaxing, comfortable stay and nice hotels then it would be a good idea to stay in Estoril, just 10 minutes west of Lisbon. It also has nice beaches and a fantastic casino with good live entertainment and dinner. Wherever you go to spend your holidays, do not forget to make a visit to Lagos, Portugal
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