TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Lagos has a long history as a sea port and ship-building centre going back to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors. Henry the Navigator launched many of the ships that set sail during Portugal's golden "Age of Discoveries" in the 15th and 16th centuries from Lagos.

Most visitors admire the Ponta da Piedade sheltering the bay of Lagos which is a huge rock formation hollowed out by the sea. The bold colours of the strangely shaped rock; yellow, ochre, red - contrast with the crystal blue of the sea. There is access by boat to innumerable beautiful sea caves and hollows. The lighthouse stands near to the site of an old coastal defence fortification. North of Lagos, Barragem de Bravura is a water reservoir offering fine views.

Back in town, historic sites include remnants of Lagos' slave market and the old Customs House in the Praça da República adjacent to the sea front. You can also enjoy impressive views from República square or visit the statue of Henry the Navigator in the Infant Dom Henrique square. The Castelo dos Governadores (Governors Castle) was originally built by the Arabs.

The nearby church of Santa Maria dates from the 15th century. Much of the rest of the old town was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake but the fine Igreja de Santo António predates that disaster. Next door is the Museu Municipal with an odd assortment of exhibits. Parts of the city walls survive along with the waterfront Forte Ponta da Bandeira.

Lagos Zoo (tel: 206 680 100) 8km to the north of the town off the N120 to Aljezur is worth a visit for its collection of exotic birds and wild animals. Farther north still is the Barragem de Bravura a picturesque reservoir set in delightful woodland.

Other things to do in and around Lagos are boat trips and dolphin viewing bookable at Lagos marina, diving and snorkelling. Horse-riding and cycling trips can also be booked. Lagos is also a good base to explore the nearby National Park - Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alenttejano e Costa Vicentina and the smaller villages of Luz and Burgau (which can be very busy in high season) - to the west of the town towards Sagres.