Guided Walking at Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz

The resort of Praia da Luz is a small peaceful resort town, particularly outside the main season. The most notable building is the church of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of the Light), from which the village takes its name. The extensive sandy beach is a just a short stroll from the hotel and has a ‘blue flag’ for the quality of its bathing water and facilities.

Local Highlights

Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) is the most westerly point on the Algarve. This intensely bleak cliff was the last sight of Europe for the explorers setting forth on their fearsome voyages beyond the horizon. About 200 ships a day turn this corner on the main highway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The famous lighthouse dates from 1846 and the present lights are visible 60 miles away.

Sagres Fort is the site of Prince Henry’s School of Navigation. The Prince, known as Henry the Navigator, chose this site for his 15^th century ‘think tank’. There are fortress walls and buildings, an old chapel, and stones laid out in the form of a large mariner’s compass or sundial. The Portuguese claim the buildings were sacked in 1587 by Sir Francis Drake.

Lagos: The town of Lagos has a rich historical past. It has a bold boulevard with marina, and many shops and restaurants. Lacobriga was the Roman name for Lagos and the Roman wall can still be seen, many parts of it original. It became the capital of the Algarve with the Governor's Palace at the headquarters of Henry’s School of Navigation. Lagos became a key port in the slave trade from the 14^th century until it was finally abolished in the second half of the 19^th century. Most of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake but one survivor is the alter of the Chapel of St. Anthony. There are boat trips from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade with many grottoes and sea cliffs to wonder at. 

Cars: can be hired from the hotel and you may enjoy a trip farther afield, say to the attractive town of Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve. Remember that you will need a valid driving licence. 

Shops & facilities

There is a supermarket 5 minutes from the hotel, and several others in the town centre. There is a bank with ATM on the corner of the main square. There are many beachside bars down on the beach promenade.

Climate

Climate averages for Lagos, the Algarve: