Outdoors

Surfing safaris to the more exposed west coast beaches originate in Lagos. Dolphin watching trips in open skiffs depart from the river promenade. There are charter yachts in the marina as well as fishing and diving charters, even barbecue cruises aboard a schooner.

Tiffany’s (10km west), and Quinta Paraíso Alta (7km north) offer horseback riding and package adventures. Cycle Paths offers cycling trips.

Trips to Morocco are also available. The Ponta da Piedade, the headland with the lighthouse above the cliffs, is a magnificent viewpoint.

Families (Adventures to be had in a beautiful land of lyrical sounding folk)

The zoo (Parque Zoológico de Lagos) is a big hit with kids. (8km west).
At the mouth of the river the 17th century fortress Fortaleza de Ponta da Bandeira has an interesting museum. Near Praça do Infante is the oldest African slave market in Europe, an inglorious place which no child will forget standing in.

Both Lagos and Luz (6km west) are popular with families.

Night life

40 tourist bars (that’s the fine print) Most bars and discos are open until 2am and some until 4am. Thankfully they are not so close to the apartment that you have to listen to them nor are they so far that you can’t stumble home in the small hours.

Restaurants

Lots! Like the bars, a wide variety of Portuguese and international food, many with pleasant patios. 

Beaches

Twenty minutes walk to the Praia do Pinhão, the first beach set below the cliff south of town. Next is the Praia de Dona Ana , the largest of the cove beaches, with a restaurant built into the cliff above. The numerous coves to the west harbour smaller beaches, some accessible only by water, others from above.

The long stretch of sand to the east is the Meia Praia , the 4km beach that provides the more resort like amenities: beach bars, restaurants, water skiing, and sailboarding.

Two golf courses in the area: Boavista (18 holes, par 71, ocean views)
and Palmares (also 18 / 71, overlooking Meia Praia). 

San Sebastian became King of Portugal in 1557, at the age of three,  during the height of Portuguese colonial expansion in Africa, Asia and Brazil. He contacted gonorrhea at the age of ten, possibly from a page. Raised by Jesuits, San Sebastian grew up convinced that he would be Christ’s captain in a crusade against Muslims in Africa. 

In 1578 he led a Portuguese army of 18,000 to Morocco, taking advantage of a civil war there to further his ambitions for crusade. Not only was the bulk of Portuguese nobility wiped out, along with 8,000 men, but the ransoming of the survivors bankrupted the Kingdom. San Sebastion disappeared (either killed or executed) and within two years the throne of Portugal was claimed by Spain, where it remained until 1640.

The legacy of Sebastian assumed Arthurian dimensions among the Portuguese. Intellectuals often criticize Sebastianism among the people, claiming that they are waiting for King Sebastian to return and solve the country’s problems. The legend persists, however, that one misty day the ‘sleeping king’ might return and help Portugal in her darkest hour.

Reservations can be made by email at: info@lagoscondo.co.uk