About Lagos
Location
Lagos is the hidden gem of the Algarve. This picturesque town retains its old-world Portuguese charm, with its fine selection of restaurants, cafes & stylish boutiques which line the cobbled streets. A 10 minute walk from the marina will bring you to the lovely golden sand beach of Meia Praia beach, and the quieter town beach at Praia da Batata. There are also a number of other small beaches and coves a short drive away - Dona Ana, Porto de Mos and Luz are just some. From the marina you can arrange to go dolphin watching, big game fishing, water skiing, diving or take an afternoon cruise to the nearby grottoes and sea caves, you are also only a short drive to the surfing beaches of the west coast. The Algarve is famous for its golf and within 5 - 10 mins drive there are 4 spectacular golf courses in beautiful surroundings Boavista , Parque da Floresta, Belavista & Palmares. The rest of the Algarve is easily accessed from the Bus or Railway stations adjacent to the marina.
Portugal
Portugal can be found in the south western portion of the Iberia peninsula and is bordered by Spain to the north and east and by the Alantic Ocean to the south and west.
The weather in Portugal is generally very hot and dry in the summer months, particularly in the Algarve, where very little rainfall is recorded.
The Algarve is the most southern part of Portugal and includes the cities of Faro, Albufeira, Lagos and Tavira.
The regions capital city is Faro.
Lagos
Lagos - pronounced Lah-goss or Lah-gosh - was once the capital of the Algarve, it is located in the western part of the Algarve on the coast of Portugal.
Things to see
Essentially now an important tourist town there are still many signs of its ancient past, even a building dating back to around 1445 which was Europe's first slave market built by Lancerote de Freitasi one of the foremost merchants and sheriff of the town. The open arched ground floor is said to have witnessed the first public auction of African slaves in Europe.
The oldest inner walls of the town and the Governor's palace were much reconstructed in the 1960's and are believed to define the original Roman built settlement. A small room within the entrance arch is declared to be the birthplace of Sao Goncalo. His statue can be found on the cliff above the harbour entrance.
Besides the main parish churches of Sao Sebastian and Santa Maria da Misericordia, there are several other monasteries and churches within the city walls.
The caravel, Boa Esperanca a replica of the 15th century ships that fore fronted the Portuguese discoveries can be found moored just outside of the Harbour.
Just within the harbour entrance is the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira which was built in the 17th century to guard the entrance of the river. It is now used for exhibitions of historic and archaeological content.
Things to do
Boat trips, parasailing, dolphin watching, deep-sea fishing trips and tours of the grottoes that lie beneath the Ponte de Piedade.
Municipal aerodrome provides a microlight centre.
There are two horse riding centres, both approved by the association of British Riding Schools and the National Equestrian Federation. Three golf courses in the area, an archery field, two bowling greens, squash and tennis courts, arranged nature walks and bird watching tours.
Also around Lagos are some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve from the long sandy stretch of Meia Praia whose sands stretch for 4km (2.5 miles) east of Lagos to the small cliff-bound hideaways of the Ponte de Piedade.
Further afield are the water slide parks and the Marine Zoo.
At night the small squares and narrow streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants become a centre of activity for visitors with buskers and entertainers.
Shopping
Lagos boasts numerous fascinating shops and boutiques especially in the old town.
Additional Information
Accidents
In the event of a road accident - wait for the police to arrive and insist that the police take statements from both parties. Obtain the drivers name, address, and insurance company policy details.
Airport Information
Faro Airport 289 900 800 Tap Call Center Portugal 707 205 700 British Airways 808 200 125 Lufthansa 707 782 782 KLM 707 222 330 Easy Jet
Banks
Hours 8:30 - 15:00 Monday to Friday (closed weekends and national holidays). Look for the sign Cambios.
Buses
If you choose not to rent a car you could use the local bus service which is a clean, convenient and efficient way to travel around.
The bus stop is a couple of minutes walk from the apartments.
If you would like to see other parts of Portugal the express regonal buses provide an inexpensive means of getting around.
The Faro based bus.net run a good local and regional services, and also run services to Lisbon and Spain.
Timetables are available at the Lagos Bus Terminal.
Car Rental
If you like exploring and enjoy your freedom then a car is essential. Cars from reputable companies are clean and are recent models. Drivers must be at least 21 and have had a licence for at least one year.
Chemists
Open from 09:00 - 13:00; 15:00 - 19:00. The sign for a chemist (farmacia) is a green cross on a white background.
Country Code
+351
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, check before you start shopping if you are attending to pay with your credit card.
Currency
Euro, most foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and exchange offices.
Electricity
Electricity in Portugal is very expensive compared with most other countries, be sensible with your usage to avoid exceeding the base electricity fee built into your apartment rental rates.
Electricity Voltage
220 Volts.
Electrical Points
Rounded two pin plugs.
Emergency Contact
112 Police, Fire, Medical. On motorways and main roads call for help by using the orange SOS telephones.
Exchange Rates
To find exchange rates based on the Euro, or other currencies click here
Flights
The following airlines fly to Faro airport:
| TAP Air Portugal | Britsh Airways | Lufthansa |
| L.T.U. | Hapag Lloyd | Air Berlin |
| Sabena | Condor | British Midland Airways |
| Air 2000 | Airtours | Go |
| BMIBaby | Monarch Airlines | Air Lingus |
| EasyJet | Virgin Atlantic | Raynair |
| Lauda Air | Martinair | Transavia |
| Crossair |
For further details of flights from the UK to Faro airport click here
Insects
In the warmer months the ants are out in force looking food, so remember to put your rubbish into the closed large bins located adjacent to roads, Insecticides and repellents to deter mosquitoes are available at most supermarkets.
Language
Portuguese is the official language.
Lost Property
Faro lost property office 818302.
Property lost in Portugal should be reported to the nearest GNR police station.
Markets
Albufeira Calicos 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Almancil Next to the C+S 1st and 4th Sunday of the school month. Castro Marim Azinhal 1st Sunday of the month and city centre 2nd Saturday of the month. Faro Estol 2nd Sunday of the month. Guia 3rd Friday of the month. Lagoa 2nd Sunday of the month. Lagos 1st Saturday of the month. Louie Every Saturday.
Medical Facilities
A small hospital is located in lagos town and private medical practices are also available.
National Holidays
January 1st New Years Day Late March / Early April Good Friday April 25th Liberty Day May 1st Labour Day June 10th National Day June 19th Corpus Christi August 15th Assumption Day October 5th Republic Day November 1st All Saints Day December 1st Independence Day December 8th Immaculate Conception December 25th Christmas Day
Post Office
The post office is located at the town waterfront sign posted Correios.
Opening hours are usually from 09:00 until 18:00 from Monday to Friday. Central post offices in main towns are open from 08:00 - 22:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 - 18:00 on Saturdays.
Security
When leaving your villa / apartment or car always lock up as theft is depressingly common. Always take your driving documents with you when leaving your car.
Speed Limits
Towns 60km Motorways 120km Out of town 90km
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time.
Water
It is advisable to drink bottled water.