Geography

• The town of Lagos is located along Portugal's Atlantic coast in the country's southern Algarve region, situated at the mouth of the Bensafrim River. Lagos is about 21 miles east of Sagres Point, a large promontory extending into the Atlantic. Just north of Lagos is the town of Silvos, which is the official capital of the Algarve region, as well as home to the port of Sines.
  
  

History

• The recorded history of Lagos dates back more than 2,000 years, when the area was settled by the Carthaginian tribe, followed by the Romans, who incorporated the area into the province of Lusitania. In the eighth century, the Moors came to occupy the town, fortifying it and developing Lagos as a major trading outpost. It wasn't until 1249 that Lagos and the rest of the Algarve region were claimed under the Portuguese crown, although the region was still considered separate from the rest of Portugal.
  
  During the 15th century, Portugal's King Joao launched his fleet from the port of Lagos, which became a gateway between Arabian territories and Europe and helped jump-start the "Age of Discovery," during which several prominent Portuguese sailors explored the world. In the 1600s, Lagos also provided an entrance for African slaves brought to Europe, and slave trade markets took place in town squares. The ancient buildings and monuments built up in Lagos were nearly all destroyed during a devastating 1755 earthquake and tsunami, though some fortified walls still remain.
  
  

Attractions

• The city of Lagos and the surrounding Algarve region are chock-full of tourist attractions, some man-made, some completely natural. Perhaps the area's greatest draw is its miles upon miles of golden sand beaches, punctuated by coves, bays and dramatic cliffs. Lagos' abundant nightlife and entertainment are also major tourist draws, particularly for younger crowds of vacationers. The town's old-world architecture, cobbled streets and numerous restaurants boasting delicious fresh seafood add to Lagos' overall charm as a holiday haven.
  
  

Weather and Climate

• Lagos has a generally mild climate, with dry, warm summers and abundant sunshine with sporadic summer rains. During the busiest tourist months, from June to August, Lagos' climate becomes the driest and warmest of the year. By fall, the area cools down with average temperatures of about 73 degrees Fahrenheit, moderate winds, and a slight increase in rainfall. Mild winters with average high temperatures at 60 degrees and overnight lows around 50 degrees are the norm. Temperatures in Lagos begin to rise again beginning in March, with plentiful sunshine during the day, yet cool nights.
  
  

Considerations

• As one of the largest cities in the Algarve, Lagos is Portugal's prime vacation destination and tends to be overrun with tourists during the high season from June to August. Visitors to this coastal town should keep in mind that Lagos is known not only for its crowded beaches but also for its party atmosphere, full of resorts and nightclubs. Nonetheless, this charming city is also home to striking cliffs, golden sands, warm, transparent waters and long islands. Close to Lagos are castles, rolling green hills and miles of unspoiled shoreline.