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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 very
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 an
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
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 statue
near the Fort 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 complexes. The once upon a
time fishing village of Praia da Luz is now devoted to the
tourist trade and residents from colder climates. Nearby the
coastal village of Salema there are some small Roman ruins
proving the existence of its past life. Vila do Bispo to
the west of Lagos is a very small administrative town for
the famous small town of 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
 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
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 |
