Tourist attractions Lagos

The site of Ponta da Piedade gives this point a special charm. The reddish rock of the cliffs, where sea grottoes nestle at the foot, contrasts spectacularly with the green colour of the clear water. You can visit the grottoes by boat. Behind the l..

It is via a maze of red rocks sculpted by the sea ( comprised of 134 steps ) that you will reach the marine site of Algar Seco, situated below Cape Carvoeiro. You will notice the gaping porches of several half-submerged grottoes. On the right there..

The very simple facade gives no hint of the exuberance and virtuosity of the Baroque decoration inside. You can only stand in admiration of the ceiling, the Eucharistic symbols, the statues in gilded wood and the ceiling of the gallery.

From Odiaxere to the dam, the very narrow serpentine road snakes through the irrigated valley where melons, tomatoes, maize and fig trees grow, before climbing the slopes of the Serra de Monchique with extensive views over the coastal chain. The vau..

Built in the 17C the fort stretches into the sea and protects a small port from which the boat-trippers leave for Ponta da Piedade. You must cross the drawbridge to reach the interior of the courtyard. Exhibitions are mounted about the Great Discover..

In the centre of the square stands the statue of Henry the Navigator , inaugurated in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of his death. You can see the former slave market , an arcaded house rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. Following African expedit..

This museum alongside the church of Santo Antonio, has an interesting archaeological collection (coins, fragments of mosaics) and an ethnographic section devoted to the Algarve (notice the cork frames).

The ramparts were built between the 14C and the 16C on top of older walls.

To the west it looks down on the mouth of the Arade and, with the fort of Ferragudo on the opposite bank, it guards the entrance to the Bay of Portimão. It was built in 1621 to defend Sives and Portimão from Spanish and Moorish attacks.

This belvedere, situated at the top of a steep slope, to the east of the beach ( in front of a chapel and a police station) , offers beautiful views over the cliffs of Cape Carvoeiro.