Lagos Holiday
Lagos is situated 17km west of Portimao, on Portugal's south-west coast. A 17th-century fort and tumbledown walls guard the harbour entrance, around which the resort is built. To the north are rolling hills and pretty villages. Lagos itself is an exciting mix of old and new Portugal - it has the classic flower-decked squares and whitewashed buildings, and a magnificent new marina.
In general, the resort is tasteful and chic with much of the development arising outside of the town centre. This means history, charm and tradition have been preserved. Enjoy impressive views from Republica square, or visit the statue of Henry the Navigator in the Infant Dom Henrique square. In-between, amble through cobbled streets and dine al fresco in one of the many cafés or restaurants. If sunbathing is the main aim of your holiday, there are plenty of hidden cove-beaches to choose from.
Some hotels in this resort may be unsuitable for the less mobile due to a number of steps and surrounding cobbled roads in the old town.
Beaches
The small town beach, just beyond the fort, is often uncrowded; there's always space at Meia Praia, to the east. You can get there by bus or by ferry in high season.
Shopping
The shopping in Lagos is very good, with tourist shops, boutiques and a fantastic monthly market. Specialities include hand-woven lace. If you can, visit the market which is held on the first Saturday of every month and pick up a few souvenirs and handicrafts.
Nightlife
Cocktails are popular in the plentiful bars, the measures are generous and most stay open until 2am or later.
Local Specialities
There are rows of excellent restaurants in Lagos serving both traditional and international cuisine. Fish is a speciality, with grilled sardines - those caught in the Algarve are supposedly the fattest and sweetest in the world - a particular favourite.