Lagos is one of the many multicultural cities in the Algarve region and a popular destination for tourists. Its popularity is due to its historical beauty, friendly people, and, of course, its award-winning beaches. Follow this itinerary full of great ideas to visit during your vacation in Lagos.
City Markets
We believe that you can get to know the city through its people, flavors, and tastes, so why not visit the markets in Lagos? These spaces of buying and selling are where locals and tourists gather on market days. Discover the 4 markets in the city:
Santo Amaro Market
Do you recognize all the fish and know the various ways to prepare them? This is the market for all connoisseurs of this delicacy that abounds in the Algarve sea. In the characteristic marble stalls of the old markets, you will also find seasonal fruits and frozen goods. Open from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm See the location, here.
Viv’o Mercado
Here, vegetables, legumes, and fruits come directly from the gardens of small producers. They are all organic, and at each market, there are always the latest seasonal products. You will find stalls dedicated to crafts and taverns with craft beer and liqueurs made from typical regional fruits. Open on Wednesdays, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm See the location, here.
Municipal Market of Avenida
It is the oldest market in Lagos and is located in a privileged area of the city. The construction date of 1924 can be seen on the façade. It extends over three floors, with freshly caught fish on the first floor, fruits, vegetables, and other beverage merchants on the second floor, and finally, a restaurant on the third floor with a wide view of the riverside area. In this market, art is also present in the works of Xana, a resident artist, and in the tribute to writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Adresen, with the poem inscribed “O caminho da manhã” (The Morning Path). Open from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm See the location, here.
Levante Market
At the Levante Market, also known as Reforma Agrária, it is the vegetables, fruits, and flowers that delight early risers. Now temporarily located outdoors while the main building undergoes refurbishment, you will find a sea of colors in this market. Open on Saturdays, from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm See the new location, here.
Walks in the Historic Center
Fall in love with the city and its stories as you wander aimlessly through the streets paved with Portuguese cobblestones. Pay attention to the details of each building and witness the calm movement of a multicultural city.
Churches in Lagos Three churches that can be visited for their spiritual and architectural aspects.
The Church of São Sebastião has a vast collection of sacred art, and you can identify the date 1612 on its façade. It can be visited from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Sundays.
The next church to visit is the Church of Santa Maria, located in the center of Infante D. Henrique Square. It is a place of worship dating back to 1498, with two bell towers piercing the blue sky. It can be visited every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Lastly, there is the Church of Santo António. The simple Baroque facade deceives passersby. Inside, we encounter the richness of materials such as gilded woodwork, azulejos (Portuguese tiles), and paintings. It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Museums
One of the most visited places in Lagos is the Slave Market due to its architecture and the history represented within. This space presents visitors with a perspective on the difficult and tragic history of slavery in Portugal. The entrance fee is charged, and you can visit from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The Lagos Cultural Center hosts almost all artistic expressions, as evidenced by its diverse monthly cultural agenda. On the building’s façade, you can check the array of monthly events, such as concerts, workshops, or exhibitions. You can also access all events here. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Lagos Riverside Area
A stroll along the riverside area is essential during your visit to Lagos. Observe the boats entering between the two breakwaters or go for your morning run in one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Lagos Marina
It is a point of departure and arrival, whether by land or by sea. Thousands of people cross paths here throughout the year, stopping for a drink or simply to have a meal. The Marina de Lagos, built since 1994, is one of the city’s icons due to its architectural beauty and various commercial spaces. Near the marina, there is a drawbridge that lifts every time a boat wants to continue its journey. If you have children with you, take them to see the bridge—they will be delighted! See its location here.
Lagos is culturally rich as a city where various nationalities live. The history of Portugal merges here with many others from European countries and the rest of the world. You will leave your vacation much richer after getting to know this vibrant and colorful city.
Written by: www.belmarresort.com