Lagos and Sagres Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve

Drive by the statue with an explanation about the protector of Lagos city.

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland is one of the finest natural beauties of the Algarve. This dramatic sandstone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms. The headland can only be described as stunning.

The fortress was built in the 16th century in order to protect the coast from the frequent attacks by Moorish pirates. It stands on the site of an earlier medieval convent, which have housed the mortal remains of São Vicente (St Vincent). It is a military construction with a polygonal floor plan, with a gateway crowned by the royal shield and which once had a drawbridge. Inside the fortress can be seen the lighthouse of São Vicente which was built in 1904 and is still in operation today, also the stunning view of the cliffs and the Atlantic ocean.

Usually we have lunch in Sagres. It is home to the most impressive landscape in the Algarve. The force of nature is so strong in this south-westerly tip of continental Europe that visitors will soon understand why ancient settlers deemed it sacred, how it lured 15th century Portuguese explorers to set sail into the unknown and how it has managed to retain its original striking beauty. Sagres history has been defined by its geographic location and the stunning landscape of the Sagres and Cape St. Vincent promontories. The lands end fell of these 50 meter high headlands dropping dramatically into the sea were a constant source of mystery and attraction to the region’s successive settlers as the various traces of their presence show. The most influential figure in Sagres history was Henry the Navigator, who found inspiration here to embark on his exploratory journeys, bringing fame to the region and leading to the creation of the town of Vila do Infante. Under his guidance, the area became a hub of maritime activity as cartographers, astronomers and mariners congregated, caravels were built and the exploration of the coast of Africa began.

Usually we have a nice walk by the Marina, over the river draw bridge, along the river side, feeling the cool breeze from the Atlantic. We have the change to purchase some souvenirs by the river or old town.

Lagos is a dynamic and active city, which is justifiably proud of its past and possesses a very rich and well preserved patrimony. The region of Lagos has a long history linking it to the sea. Its original name, Lacobriga, reflects the fact that the first inhabitants of this port, in roughly 2000 years BC, were of Celtic origin. After them came the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, but it was the Romans that brought growth and prosperity to the town. The Moors built walls around Lagos in the 10th century. The 15th century was the golden age for the town of Lagos, with its immediate involvement in the period of the Discoveries. Due to the port’s location, directly across from Africa, it became the major point of departure and arrival for the ships that, year after year, set sail in discovery of that continent.

Henry the Navigator founded the school in Sagres, where the navigators could learn more about sailing. He had update elaborated maps, went to get famous cartographers, navigators, geographers and naval builders to bundle all this information with the news brought by the arriving sailors. He made sure each expedition learned with the previous and motivated them to use navigation instruments, such as the sea compass, the astrolabe and the quadrant that helped determine latitude.

Enter and appreciate this simple church built in the 15th century, with a rectangular layout, single nave, and elevated main chapel, baptistery and high choir. The high altar is painted in a surprising manner - with luminous colors and biblical scenes.