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Only in recent years has Lagos, Algarve, Portugal become a popular tourist destination and yet has still managed to retain much of its history. As you wander through its streets you will find some really wonderful buildings to admire including one that dates back to 1445. The town of Lagos (not to be mistaken for the Nigerian city) is situated in the southern part of the Algarve at the mouth of the River Bensafrim.

The town is not only beautiful but near to it are some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches as well. Yet they are not reached easily a walk to Praia de Dona Ana the closest of them all will take you around 25 minutes to complete.

Although if you don’t feel like walking you could always get a taxi or hop on one of the local buses. Further along the same stretch of coastline you will find the beaches of Praia do Comilo and Meia Praia. The last one having sands which stretch for a total of 4km so finding a space to relax should not be a problem. But Meia Praia is not just for relaxing on, there are plenty of water sports that one can have a go at. Plus on a small sand bar there is the Meia Praia Fort which was built as a defense for Lagos Bay during the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Although these beaches prove to be extremely popular the main tourist area in Lagos is Ponta da Piedade which is situated in Lagos Bay. So it is protected from the winds that drive in off of the sea and here there are many things for one to see as the waters are very clear.

Although most people come to spend time relaxing on the beaches in Lagos there are plenty of other things for one to do and see during your holiday here. Certainly during the 15th and 16th Centuries this town was a very important naval center and its was from here that many explorers set out to seek the new worlds. It was also the Algarve’s capital from 1576 until 1756.

However, many of the buildings that were erected when the Arabs came and throughout its history was badly damaged during the earthquake that hit the town in 1755. Much of the architecture you see in the town today is that built during the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Throughout the town of Lagos there are numerous statues depicting very important people from the town’s history. The most controversial of all of these is the one dedicated to Don Sebastio and which is situated outside the Town Hall in the Main Square.

When it comes to visiting Lagos, Algarve any time of year is acceptable as the weather is generally good all year round. However, the summer months do tend to be the busiest so it is advisable to book your holiday well in advance of your dates to ensure that you get the accommodation that you want.

Tags: Travel Tips

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