Boavista Golf & Spa is centrally located between the historic town of Lagos and the popular beach resort of Praia da Luz. Lagos is a charming town that boasts, stunning beaches, a colourful history and a vibrant nightlife. This combination provides a great base for a holiday location, part-time of permanent living. Lagos and the western Algarve has so much more to offer than solely the magnificent beaches for which it is renowned.
With a history that is rich and fascinating, Lagos is the jewelin Algarve’s crown. It has a rich seafaring heritage and it was from Lagos’s port that Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) set sail to colonise parts of Africa and the Azores. A statue in his commemoration can be found in the Praça Infante Dom Henrigue. The number of other historical monuments are also scattered around the town and bear witness to its varied past. The beautiful Santo Antonio Church, the Mercado dos Escravos (Europe’s first slave market) and the 17th century Bandeira Fort are but a few of the sites worth visiting. The historic centre with its narrow-cobbled streets, traditional houses, shops selling local handicrafts and busy harbour provides a leisurely half-day wander. The nightlife is vibrant with a choice of local and international restaurants and bars. There is entertainment for all ages – from nightclubs to cultural shows.
On the coast just south of Lagos, the Ponta da Piedade forms a spectacular series of beautiful sandstone cliffs that have been eroded over a millennium by powerful winter storms that have created sea arches, grottos and smugglers’ caves. The coastline is varied with rugged cliffs that drop steeply to small inlets as well as kilometres of beaches with soft sand the colour of gold. Meia Praia beach stretches for more than five kilometres and attracts families to its safe waters while the waves of Porto do Mos and Praia Dona Ana attract surfers from around the world.
Beyond Lagos, in a westerly direction, is Praia da Luz which is a busy village with an attractive beach, small family restaurants and bars. A coastal path from Boavista’s most southerly point provides a scenic walk to the village but beware, the descent is steep!
Moving on again along the coast are the scenic fishing villages of Burgau and then Salema before reaching the most south-westerly point in Europe and the site of Cabo São Vincente. Sagres feels like an outpost and is characterised by massive cliffs, raging seas and desserted beaches. This small town has a trendy vibe and is famous for its fishing port being the preferred destination of hardy surfers.
The west coast of Portugal is raw and rural and famous for its rugged cliffs that descend majestically to the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The town of Aljezur is steeped in history and a visit to the ruins of a 10th century Moorish castle is a worthwhile trip. The little town bustles with activity and the fruit, vegetable and fish market should not be missed. Inland is the quintessential mountain town of Monchique that boasts some of the most scenic walks with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. This is Medronho country – a potent liqueur made for the fruit of the arbutus tree.