Ponta da Piedade, Lagos. Photo credit: girolame

The town of Lagos has some of the best beaches in the Algarve. Long stretches of pristine, sandy beach are interspersed with craggy cliffs, and picturesque grottoes. Some of the beaches are wide open to the sea and others are cozy and intimate, tucked between the rocks and cliffs. Some of the beaches to enjoy while in Lagos are:

· Meia Praia – This is a wide expanse of beach about two and one-half miles long. It is perfect for water sports and has all the facilities needed to rent the proper equipment. The isthmus of the Alvor extends from this beach and on it you can see the Meia Praia fort that was used to defend the bay in the 17th and 18th centuries.

· Batata, Estudantes, Homers, Pinhao, Dona Ana, and Camilo – These small beaches are set back among the cliffs and have many unusual rock formations. The water at these beaches is clear and serene and if you arrive early enough in the morning, you can have the beach to yourself for awhile before they get more crowded.

· Canavial and Porto de Mos – These two beaches lie between cliffs, are quite long, and offer plenty of facilities for visitors.

Most of the beaches in Lagos are connected by a series of walking trails that will take you along the edge of the cliffs. These trails provide some amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sheer cliffs above.

. Photo credit: Samu73

Close by these wonderful beaches you can find historical sites like the churches of Sao Sebastiao, Santa Maria of Misericorida, and others. These churches are enclosed inside a wall that was built in the 5th century. The churches themselves were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Lagos was a naval center in the 15th centuries and a walk along the marinas will reveal several old fortifications. In fact, it was here that Henry the Navigator’s ships were constructed for his explorations to West Africa. For anyone who loves history and ancient architecture, these churches and buildings along the marinas are a must see.

While you explore the old town of Lagos, you’ll find plenty of charming outdoor restaurants and boutique shops to keep you entertained for hours, as well.