Did you know? Lagos is an outstanding town in the western Algarve, but it has a dark history. It was once the centre of the European slave market. In fact, the first slave market in Europe was opened in the town in 1444. Slaves were imported from North Africa and sold on the market under the arches of the town’s old customs house. The building is now an art gallery.
Lagos is a great location to buy property
Today, Lagos is a town that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It has developed its tourism tastefully and retained its historic charm.
Lagos’ vibrant centre with its cosmopolitan flair, stylish shops, esplanades, stunning beaches and cobbled back streets make it one of the most sought-after locations in the Algarve and one of the most visited cities in the Algarve and Portugal. In fact, in 2012 travel website TripAdvisor, classified Lagos as the number one travel destination, on a list of '15 destinations on the rise' worldwide.
The town has a maritime history stretching back over 2000 years. Its older part is still circled by the city walls that were constructed during the 16th century. The fort, Ponta da Bandeira, by Batata beach is part of the 17th century fortifications that were added to protect the town and, just outside the town’s walls, stands the oldest church in the Algarve, São João Baptista, built in 1174.
Buying in Lagos is a good investment
Due to its popularity, property in Lagos offers good investment and rental potential. It can be some of the more reasonably priced on the Algarve coast and there is a wide choice of new and old property in the town and the surrounding villages such as Luz, Burgau and Almadena.
Property in and around the town of Lagos ranges from old Portuguese farmhouses and exclusive villas with sizeable pools, to stunning modern apartments within a walk of the beaches, restaurants, shops and other amenities. There are several businesses and commercial properties for sale in the area too.
If you want the best of both worlds - quiet and secluded surroundings with only a short drive to the bustling town of Lagos and the magnificent beaches along its coastline - then check out the many luxury properties for sale around the rural villages just east of the town, such as Odiáxere and Monte de Funchal.
Lagos at a glance
- one of the most popular travel destinations and areas to buy in the Algarve
- great investment opportunity and rental potential
- excellent location for a business venture
- easy access from Faro airport which is served by several low-cost airlines
- stunning beaches and breath-taking scenery
- some of the best Algarvean gastronomy
- traditional markets, supermarkets, English-speaking banks, pharmacies, local health centres and other amenities
- some of the Algarve’s best golf courses just minutes away
- great location for all types of water sports and nautical activities
- access to excellent sports facilities, such as the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, which hosts a varied programme of spectator events
- Aqua, a state-of-the-art shopping complex, in nearby Portimão
- plenty of entertainment for the kids including Lagos Zoo, the Children’s Life Science Centre and numerous water sports schools
Relax and enjoy Lagos
Stand on the Ponte da Piedade and take in the spectacular view of Lagos bay with the Monchique hills as a backdrop. Or simply relax on Meia Praia’s 4km of stunning golden beach and enjoy a coffee or cold beer at one of the several beach bars (some of which stay open all year).
Lagos’ 450+ berth marina has a number of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy but, if you’d rather cook at home, you can buy freshly caught fish in the dock area. There is a large daily market in the town which offers three floors of fresh produce. There are also a number of supermarkets in and around the town, which are well-stocked with just about every provision you may need.
Take an evening stroll through the cobbled streets of Lagos to Praça de Gil Eanes, a square in the middle of the town. This is often the setting for street artists performing live music, magic or comedy. Meander through the streets leading off Praça de Gil Eanes and you will find a varied choice of bars and restaurants with cuisine to suit all tastes including Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Mediterranean, and of course, plenty of Portuguese restaurants tempting diners with fresh fish and national dishes.
