The ONDA (Wave) public transport network is available, which can take you anywhere in Lagos. Being a suitable place for the practice of sports, you can also visit Lagos by bike or even on foot, offering several walking trails in the city, on the coast (with the Ponta da Piedade walkways as the main attraction) and in the famous Barão de São João National Forest.
Lagos
A place of discoveries where the land marries the sea
Why visit Lagos
A green trip to Lagos will be an amazing experience. Lagos is a place of inspiration to the senses, where modernity and tradition, contemporaneity and the legacy of a remarkable historical past coexist side by side.
It was from Lagos that Prince Henry the Navigator set in motion the great diaspora of the Portuguese Discoveries and, with it, the wealth and prosperity that are expressed in Lagos’ unique cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.
This heritage is still visible today in the warm relationship the people establish with travellers from all over the world coming here for a simple visit – which is often made permanent.
Destination’s sustainability performance
There is a lot to discover in each corner of this beautiful city by the sea, from the historical streets, to the dreamy beaches, nature, culture, gastronomy and people.
With a coast of intense beauty, lush nature and rich biodiversity, Lagos has landscapes for all tastes.
Culture & Local Life
The city is the stage, where traditions intersect with entertainment with influences from the Algarve and every part of the world. In this friendly atmosphere, there are several events being held throughout the year: art, music, dance, theater, gastronomy, literature, nature, you name it! And if you want a pause from this celebration of culture, why not take a stroll along the Costa d’Oiro, know the history behind the various monuments, be dazzled by the urban art or relax and taste the famous local sweet, Dom Rodrigo, in the Historic Centre.
Praça do Infante
Barão de São João National Forest
Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the priorities of the municipality, whether in the various initiatives such as the “Municipal Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change” or the rehabilitation of areas such as Ponta da Piedade, the Barão de São João National Forest, the various initiatives organized with local schools or, more recently, adherence to the project SuSTowns, which promotes entrepreneurship awareness of innovation and sustainability. These strategies have been recognized with awards such as the annual attribution of the “Blue Flag” to the beaches of Lagos or the recognition by ECOXXI Project.
COVID-19 awareness on the beaches
Health & Safety
Since the beginning of the pandemic crisis, the municipality of Lagos has taken the mission to preserve the health of the community and prevent the spread of the virus. To this end, resources were directed to distribute personal protection material to the population and entities that are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. In addition, all public buildings (cultural buildings were even awarded the Clean & Safe seal) and access to beaches were provided with conditions for social distancing and guiding signs.
In the social media and website, awareness campaigns for citizens and visitors have been constant. In 2020, Meia Praia beach was awarded by the European Best Destinations as one Europe’s safest beaches during the pandemic.
“Lagos na Onda do Verão” Project
Good Practice Story
The “Lagos na Onda do Verão” (Lagos in the Summer Wave) campaign started in 2007 and aims to sensitize, inform and make the population (residents and visitors) aware, particularly children, of the existing problems involving the environment, as well as the role that each of them can play in reducing and eradicating some of these problems, trying to instill in us routines in terms of more environmentally sustainable behaviors, such as waste separation, contributing to a more sustainable development and growth.
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GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
Famed for the height of its cliffs and the beauty of its rock formations, the “Costa d’ Oiro” (Golden Coast) is a unique place. Marvel at the breathtaking landscape and feel the fresh sea breeze and the warmth of the sun. At Ponta da Piedade, where the sea meets the land, sprawling walkways and viewpoints running across 2km of coast invite you to appreciate the unmissable natural landscape and geological wonders.
If you prefer the interior, you can also visit the Barão de São João National Forest or the Bravura Dam – on foot or by bicycle within its many trails. Witness the biodiversity and wildlife of this wonderful region.
Ponta da Piedade
Lagos Train Station
Getting there
Lagos is located about 300 km south of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, 90 km from Faro, the district capital and where the Faro International Airport is located, and about 350 km from Seville, Spain. You can easily get here by car (125 National Road or A22 Highway), by bus (Eva Transportes and Rede Nacional de Expressos), train (CP station near de Lagos’ Marina) or even by boat.
ONDA Bus
Getting around
GOOD PLACES TO STAY
Praia de Santos
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
Quinta da Mó
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
Aldeia da Fonte
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
Graciosa Hotel
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
Calma do Mar
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
Quinta da Meia Eira
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs including Green Key.
Travel tips from our editors
Walking routes
Walking and trekking are excellent ways to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the municipality of Sintra. Enjoy the small pathways and the Large Route of “Caminho do Atlântico” (Atlantic Way). You don’t need a guide, as all the paths are very well signposted and there are many information panels along the way.
Relax with a view
With so many places to stroll through Sintra, you may need to rest. Enjoy and relax on a terrace by the sea, in one of the viewpoints with stunning views or in one of the local cafes, where you can taste our regional flavors. Savor the fish and seafood from our coast, accompanied by wine from the Colares Region and be sure to try the typical queijadas, travesseiros or the famous Fofos de Belas for dessert.
Vineyards
The area os Colares, due to its geological nature, is divided into two sub-zones: “sand floor” (region of the dunes) and “hard floor” (limestone soils). The unique characteristics of its wine are due to its grape varieties, soil and temperate and humid climate in summer, and also to the fact that 80% of the vineyard is installed on a sandy ground.
Local markets
From rural to more urban areas, get to know the municipal markets of Sintra and find not only the food products you are looking for, but also areas dedicated to restaurants, newsstands, florists, among others. The 10 markets, authentic places on flavor and tradition, await you.
Waterfalls
In Sintra, the waterfalls are small treasures that are worth discovering, still little frequented and that invite you to moments of rest and contemplation. Some are so secret that they are only known to those who live nearby.
Cultural events
During the tributes to its patron saint, São Pedro, Sintra offers an evening filled with music and color with a parade of popular marches, in a festive atmosphere of the Popular Saints.
Cycling
Besides walking, trekking and hiking through Sintra’s many scenic routes, we also highly encourage you to bring your bike (or rent one here) and enjoy the beautiful urban and natural landscapes. The municipality has an extensive network of cycle paths.
Sustainability Recognitions
Lagos is listed in the 2020 Sustainable Top 100
Lagos holds a Quality Coast Gold award
Carlos Bernardes |Mayor of Torres Vedras
“Torres Vedras does not have any doubts that it has to make its way towards a sustainable future. For example, we initiated a program of small vegetable gardens in schools; decided to join the Paris “Pact for Impact”; and developed the Santa Cruz Declaration on Climate Change.”
What does it mean?
- They have shown at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria.
- They have submitted a story that was selected to the list for its innovative, effective and / or transferable good management practice.
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit Good Practice Story
Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit submitted a Good Practice Story. It was about combining various tactics sustainability became the departure point for tourism development. Read the full story here.
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