Wednesday 2nd May 2018
Lagos on the Algarve was a short drive from where we were staying so it was worthy of a visit.
As we entered the town we passed the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira on one side of the road and the Governor’s Castle (Castelo dos Governadores) on the other. (Neither of which we visited). Just after here we located an underground car park with very reasonable charges.
As we had the grandchildren with us we had decided we wouldn’t be doing the normal touristy stuff but just wandering around getting a feel for the place. Lagos was so much busier than we had anticipated!
As we made our way into the old town we passed the statue of the Infante Dom Henrique and admired the delightful church of Santo António. Here too was the Mercado dos Escravos, Lagos’ Slave Market, dating back to 1444, which now houses a small museum.
As we wandered into the cobbled streets of the old town we soon discovered what most visitors to the town were doing.
The streets were lined with shops selling almost everything including boat trips to the caves along the coast and street musicians hoping to earn a euro or two.
It was somewhat overwhelming and if I am honest, disappointing.
If this was Lagos in early May, heaven knows what it must be like in July and August!
After a spot of lunch in one of the small squares, we finally made our way out of the hustle and bustle of the old town and took a walk along the waterfront towards the marina. This too was lined with stalls selling an array of local goods, but at least the sellers were Portuguese.
After passing more vendors hoping you would purchase one of their boat trips we came to a bridge which led to a modern marina with an array of bars and restaurants as well as the train station.
Our time in Lagos was done. If ever there was ‘a next time’ perhaps a gentle boat trip to discover the nearby coastline or the famous cave of Benagil would appeal more.