Things to do in Praia da Luz, Algarve

Areas of interest in and around Praia da Luz

• Viewpoint
  
  Relax at the viewpoint, near to the Fortalza, and enjoy sights of Praia da Luz bay to the left and Praia Prainha to the right. 
  

• The Black Rock 
  
  For fantastic views of Praia da Luz and the western Algarve coastline work your way up to the top of the Black Rock. There's also a very curious triangle that only be seen from the top, which leaves people guessing as to how it got there and why can't it be found from the ground?! It's not a suitable place for young children because of the obvious dangers, but it is well worth engineering the narrow 'road' up for the views alone.
  
  

Churches in the Praia da Luz area

• Praia da Luz church: Originating from the 16th century with some baroque decoration from the 18th century.
  
   

• Igreja de Santo António on Rua Silva Lopes in Lagos (recognisable by it's two bell towers of different heights.)
  Entrance is through the Regional Museum adjoining it and the adult entrance fee (January 2007) was €2,20
  The Church is often known as 'The Golden Church' because the walls and the altar are decorated in the gilded intricately carved baroque style. It was rebuilt in 1769.
  
  

• Igreja de Misericórdia (or Santa Maria) in Lagos is beside Praça D.Henrique and originates from the 15th /16th centuries, but was largely rebuilt in the 18th/19th centuries.
  
  

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo in Lagos  was part of a 16th century former monastery.

• Igreja de São Sebastião in Lagos originates from the 14th /16th centuries.
  
  

• Hermitage of St. John the Baptist, Lagos,  stands near the 'ship' roundabout at the entrance to Lagos and originates from the 15th/16th centuries and rebuilt during the 18th.
  
  

• Igreja Matriz de Raposeira -  originates from the 16th century and still has a manueline door.
   
  

• Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) thought to originate from the 13th century and is reputedly where Henry the Navigator worshipped just a short distance from Raposeira.
   
  

• Budens main Church from the 18th century contains religious artefacts from the 16th to 18th century.
  
  

• Hermitage of São António (St. Anthony) in Budens from the 18th century.
  
  

• Hermitage of São Lourenço (St. Lawrence) in Budens originates from the 16th and 17th centuries.

• Barão de São Miguel Church - originates from the 16th century.
  
  

Galleries and Museums in the Praia da Luz area

• The Lagos Municipal Museum adjoining Igreja de Santo António. Visitors can see collections of archeological finds that date back to the pre-Roman era, as well as collections of religious art and numismatics (coins, banknotes, medals, etc.). The gallery boasts some fascinating 17th and 18th centuries paintings, including a tall portrait of a man, which when you stand to one side of him, focus on him and then move across to the other side him whilst still holding his stare, he appears to follow you with his eyes and body!
  Adult entrance fee: €2,20 (January 2007)

• Cultural Centre Lagos: has exhibitions and shows and hosts concerts in the auditorium. 
  Opening hours: 10.00h to 20.00h (closed Sundays and holidays)

Historical remains in the Praia da Luz area

• 3rd - 5th century Roman baths: 
  
  Roman baths were part of a small fishing settlement (3rd 5th century AD) located and partially excavated by Estácio da Veiga during the 19th century. Later the area was used for growing vegetables, however, when building work was planned, rescue archaeological excavations were carried out. The work revealed sets of fish-salting tanksand an aqueduct as well as the baths from earlier excavations. The baths are now the only remains on view.
  
  The Roman baths are accessed from the main promenade in Praia da Luz, which runs behind the beach. The site is open from 10am to 5pm every day, entrance is free.
  
  

• Fortaleza
  
  Now a restaurant but formerly the 17th century  fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light).  
  
  

• Forte de Almádena:
  The fort was built during the 16th century on the orders off King João III
   
  

• Burgau has the remains of 17th century fortifications built during the reign of King João IV. 

• At Figueira the remains of a 16th century fortification can be seen, but it isn't easy to get to. 

• Zavial has the remains of a 17th century fortification and the ruins of a large masonry tower, formerly part of a watchtower, are visible at Ponte da Torre. 

• Boca do Rio - remains of a Roman villa, bathhouse and fish salting tanks. 

• Praia da Salema - Roman villa remains

• This area of the Algarve also has evidence of the existence of human presence as far back as the Stone Age in the form of numerous 'menhirs' or 'standing stones'.  Some are in groups of 2 or 3 and others up to 15 or 20:
  In the Budens area : Adreneira (3), Vale do Oiro (2), Caniços (3), Figueira (6).
  In the Raposeira area: Barreiros, Gasga (6), Milrei (21), Padrão (15), Ingrina(3)and Ladeiras (2).
  
  

• Lagos has several areas of historical interest:
  
  The Slave market - a reminder of the times when slaves brought back from Africa during the 15th century were sold. It is the opposite side of Praça D.Henrique from the Misericórdia Church.
  
  
  
  The city walls that still surround the older part of Lagos give a real feeling of history as you follow them around the town.
  
  
  
  Opposite the fort on the water front are the twin watchtowers either side of St. Gonçalo's gate. The walls date from the 16th century and have bulwarks at intervals that allowed the use of artillery . There are gateways through at various points. The best way to see them is to walk around the outside - there are landscaped gardens and paths to enjoy while you walk.
  
   
  
  The Governors Castle, just along from St. Gonçalo's gate, is of Arab construction, but has been altered many times since. 
   

Leisure activities in the Praia da Luz area

• Water sports:  Windsurfing, pedaloes, canoes, ski and more at Praia da Luz!
  
  

• Horse riding: 
  Tiffany's Riding Centre (Almádena), Tel: 282 697 395
  Quinta Paraiso Alto (Bensafrim), Tel: 282 687 596
  Dolphin watching trips (Lagos), Tel: 282 799 209

• Diving:
  Marina Dive Time (Lagos), Tel: 282 792 728
  Osmos(is) Dive Centre (Lagos), Tel: 914 589 226
  Blue Ocean Divers (Lagos), Tel: 282 782 718

• Slide and Splash water park near Lagoa - operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. It opens daily at 10am and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year.

• Aqualand (The Big One):  Water park near Alcantarilha. Open from 26th May to 12th September (2008) 10.00h to 18.00h.

• Golf:
  'Boavista', 'Parque da Floresta' and 'Palmares' are the closest courses

• Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos): A beautiful zoo, just on the outskirts of Lagos. It is a fantastic day out for all ages, with lots of lovely animals.
  Open all year round, 7 days a week.
  Winter (from the 1st of October to the 31st of March) 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Summer (from the 1st April to the 30th September) 10.00am – 7.00pm
  Quinta Figueiras – Sítio do Medronhal
  Barão de S.João
  8600-013
  Tel: 282 680 100
  
  

• Zoomarine at Guia (10km from Albufeira): It's open all year round and is a great day out for the family with dolphin and sealion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds show. It's both educational and fun. There are places to eat and drink, and also some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in!
  Opening hours are 10.00h to 17.00h in the winter (closed Mondays in January and February); 10.00h to 18.00h mid March to end of June and 10.00h to 19.30h during the summer.
  
  

• Dolphin watching trips: From the marina in Lagos Tel: 282 799 209 

• Wine tasting tours:
  Adega Cooperativa de Lagoa 
  09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 18:00.
  Contact details : E.N. 125, Lagoa 8400-901.
  Tel. +351 282 342 181
  Fax +351 282 342 369