Lagos is without question the most interesting town on Portugal's Algarve coast, offering not only great beaches nearby but also a real history and a pretty town with varied and sophisticated bars and restaurants.

Lagos' convenient and well-protected river port was fought over by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors - who left their usual mark in the shape of massive town walls. Later Lagos became a base for the country's dramatic 'Age of Discoveries' naval world power era.

In 1444 Lagos was the site of the first sale of black slaves to Europeans and soon developed into a major slave trading port, growing in power and stature until the big quake of 1755 inflicted a crushing and permanent defeat on their military pretensions and barbaric trade.

The beaches around Lagos are some of the most beautiful of the Algarve, like Praia de Dona Ana, which can be reached after a 25 minutes walk from the center of the town, Praia do Camilo, a bit further on, and Meia Praia, whose sands stretch for 4 km (2.5 miles) east of Lagos. However, it is the promontory named Ponta da Piedade and sheltering the bay of Lagos which is most admired by visitors, with its caves, rocks and wonderfully transparent waters. North of Lagos, Barragem de Bravura is a water reservoir offering fine views.

Apart from its animated lifestyle, the one learns that this was a fishing village and that its importance grew under the Arabs, which built several fortifications. It turned into an important naval center in the age of the Discoveries, in the 15th century; became the capital of the Algarve from 1576 to 1756 and was greatly damaged by the earthquake of 1755; thus its beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings. A fine new marina welcomes boats sailing in from the Atlantic.

Odiáxere - A picturesque village of white walled houses. Nearby there are panoramic views over Lagos bay. Main Church - Rebuilt in the 18th century, it has a fine doorway of red Silo es sandstone. Exuberantly decorated in the Manueline style (16th century). Plain interior. The altars have 18th century icons including a Christ in Indo Portuguese ivory notably for its dramatic expression. There is a border of 17th century tiles. There are good views over Lagos bay from nearby.

Barragem da Bravura - A man made lake stretching out beneath broad, mountainous horizons. A place to relax and enjoy nature. Excellent view point.

Bensafrim - A typical small town, surrounded by hills, looking down on the sea. It has a church with some valuable works of art. The Forte Velha necropolis is situated nearby. Dating back to the Iron Age, it was later used in the Roman era and also includes a press. At Corte de Bispo there are some remains of Roman ruins.

Luz - A fishing port nestling between cliffs, which in spite of being an important tourist centre; it maintains its traditional and typical character. Main Church - The church is medieval in origin. Its main chapel has a gothic triumphal arch and vaults. The retable of the main altar is decorated with gilded carving in the baroque style (18th century). Also to be found are the ruins of an important Roman '"villa" . with mosaics and pools. There is a small aqueduct to channel water from Quinta da Luz. Next to the beach are tanks for salting fish, probably built by the Carthaginians and then used by the Romans. Rising above the beach is the old fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light) (17th century), which has now been turned into a restaurant. Nearby, at Cerro de Lorvão, there is a Roman burial ground. The Miradouro da Atalaia, 108 m (360 feet), offers sweeping views along the coast.

Ponte da Piedade - A huge rock formation hollowed out by the sea. The bold colours of the strangely shaped rock yellow, ochre, red - contrast with the crystal blue of the sea. There is access by boat to innumerable beautiful sea caves and hollows. The lighthouse stands near to the site of an old coastal defence fortification.

Barão de São João - A village on the edge of the forest that boasts a variety of tree species. Lots of shade and a peaceful atmosphere.

Beaches

Are you looking for long beaches where the sand and the ocean get lost in the horizon? Do you prefer cosy beaches hidden among colourful rocks, far from the world? Make up you mind and choose one of the wonderful beaches on the Lagos coast.

Meia Praia or São Roque - This broad expanse of sand stretches for 4 km (2.5 miles) and offers all kinds of facilities for those who enjoy water sports. On the isthmus of the Alvor bar stands Meia Praia fort, which defended Lagos bay in the 17th and 18th centuries. Historians say that it was off these beaches that the galleons carrying the treasure of Moctezuma, an Aztec emperor captured by the soldiers of Herman Cortez, were shipwrecked in 1522.

Batata, Estudantes, Homers, Pinhão, Dona Ana and Camilo - Sandy coves tucked between brightly coloured cliffs, these beaches include some interesting rock formations. Calm and clear water. Many believe these to be the most delightful beaches in the Algarve.

Canavial and Porto de Mós - Long beaches between cliffs. Tourist facilities.

Luz - A tourist centre with a cosmopolitan flavour. Large beach.

Dona Maria - A calm and isolated beach