Flights to Lagos, Portugal, arrive at Faro International Airport (FAO), located about 60 miles east of the city. The airport serves about 9.7 million passengers each year. It is a hub for the low-cost airlines Ryanair and easyJet, which makes booking cheap flights to Lagos, Portugal, possible, especially for travelers who may be flying off-season.
Many of the tourists who fly to Lagos live in regions with cold climates, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia. In addition to the area’s beaches and resorts, visitors also fly to Lagos to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities in the protected natural areas that surround the city. These include the Baron of Saint John National Forest, the Alvor Lagoon, and the Gold Coast Grottos, a series of ancient sea caves accessible by boat.
Other popular tourist attractions in Lagos include the ruins of its original city wall, which was destroyed by an earthquake and tsunami in 1755; the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse; and the ruins of the Fonte Coberta Dam, built by the ancient Romans.
For those looking to take in wonderful regional eats, Pastelaria Gombá is a popular bakery and pastry shop. It’s frequented by tourists and locals alike, many of whom indulge in the bakery’s coffee and juice drinks, carob pastry, and pasteis de nata, which are traditional egg custard tarts dusted with cinnamon.
For tourists hungry for classic Portuguese seafood, Adega da Marina and O Camilo are classic restaurants that specialize in seafare, with O Camilo offering an incredible view alongside its superbly prepared dishes and cocktails.
Outdoor enthusiasts interested in the beach and natural landscaping along the coast will love sights like Praia dos Estudantes, which is a small cove accessible through a rock tunnel. This spot offers breathtaking views and is a popular opportunity for family photos or a little relaxation on the beach. Similarly, Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are other awe-worthy beaches popular with tourists who book flights to Lagos. Some of these spots, like Praia Dona Ana, have beachside bars for drinks and a snack.
Man travelers make it a point to check out the Ponta da Piedade, which is a series of rock formations along the coast. More than just an Instagram-worthy spot, they’re a unique feature and among some of the most heavily trafficked natural sights in Portugal.
Though there are many opportunities for fun in Lagos, some of Europe’s darker history is on display in museums like Mercado de Escravos, which translates to “Slave Market.” This museum is located on the site where the first recorded slave market was located, originating in the mid-15th century. Tourists who visit this museum can learn about the historical period of slavery, as well as the slave trade and the people who suffered from it.
In addition to tourism, the fishing industry has historically been an important part of Lagos’ economy. The region is also known for its muscatel wine and is a large producer of almonds and figs.
Notable people from Lagos include Portuguese navigator and explorer Diogo Gomes and the Roman Catholic Saint Gundisalvus of Lagos among many other famous artisans, leaders, and adventurers.