Lagos
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Lagos, Portugal (Port of entry)
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 | 37°05.8′N, 08°39.9′W |
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 | Local chartlet |
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Lagos on the Algarve coast of Portugal is a port steeped in over 2,000 years of history. Originally a Carthaginian settlement, it was seized by Rome during the Second Punic War (218 BC - 201), becoming part of the Roman province of Lusitania. The town passed through the hands of the Visigoths after the fall of Rome and later the Byzantines. In the 8th century the Moors arrived and Lagos became part of the administrative region of al-Gharb (from which the term Algarve derives). It was not until 1249 that the region became part of the Portuguese kingdom under King Alfonso III. However, it was towards the end of the 15th century that Lagos established itself as a centre of world exploration with the start of the Voyages of Discovery, most of which departed from the harbour. Prince Henry the Navigator, the prime mover behind the voyages, spent most of his time here in Lagos, directing expeditions to the north and west coasts of Africa in a revolutionary new design of sailing ship, the caravel, a lateen-rigged vessel with excellent seafaring capabilities. Much of the beautiful old town of Lagos dating from this period was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 1755. However, the town still retains some impressive walls from the 16th century, a 17th century governor's castle, and the site of what was reputedly the first black slave market in Europe (the Mercado de Escravos, opened in 1444). For the yachtsman, the excellent marina at Lagos offers a convenient stopping point between Cape St Vincent and the ports of southern Spain and Gibraltar and a good place to gather strength for a passage down to Madeira or the Canary Islands.
Charts
- BA1381 Lagos Nigeria
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
Local weather conditions?
Sources for Weather forecasts:
- Marina reception and on VHF channel 12 during high season (10.00 and 16.00)
The entrance to Lagos is 1.5 miles north of Ponta da Piedade, a headland distinguished by remarkable jagged rock formations and marked with a conspicuous squat yellow lighthouse tower with a red top. Vessels enter Lagos up a narrow channel between two moles identifiable by port and starboard tower markers. The channel is dredged to a minimum depth of 3.0 metres. Proceed up the channel and berth at the 80 metre marina reception pontoon to starboard just before the lifting bridge. This pontoon also serves as the fuel station.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Entry to the marina is via a lifting bridge, which opens on demand from: 08.00 - 22.00 (1 June - 15 September); 09.00 - 18.00 (16 September - 31 May). Once berthed on the reception pontoon, visit the marina office adjacent to the pontoon with your boat papers. The marina can also be contacted on VHF channel 09 or via telephone: +351 282 770 210 and e-mail: [email protected].
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The Marina de Lagos (www.marinadelagos.pt) has a total of 462 berths on finger pontoons. Vessel of up to 30 metres can be accommodated. Water and electricity at all pontoons. Toilets and showers (card access). WiFi. Laundrette (tokens from marina reception). Travel hoist (35T). Security via access cards. The marina is by most accounts the best marina in Portugal and has maintained a very high standard over the 15 years since its opening.
Anchorages
Numerous sandy bays between Lagos entrance and headland of Ponta da Piedade at southern end of bay. All open to winds with anything east in them. Most sheltered anchorage within easy reach is in bay of Sagres 20 miles to the west, which is sheltered from all directions except S round to SE, or Ferragudo, 12 miles to the east, which is sheltered from all directions. The inlet of Alvor ( 37°6.95′N, 08°37.08′W) three miles east of Lagos is another possibility, but the entrance is shallow (barely 2.0 metres) and the sandbanks in the channel up to the anchorage off the town are difficult to spot.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Sopromar Boat Yard is situated to the rear of the marina and can undertake virtually all repairs. Contact details: Telephone: +351 282 763 889 Fax: +351 282 792 135 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sopromar.com
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station next to the marina reception pontoon. Contact marina reception or call on VHF channel 09. Water and electricity on all pontoons.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Although busy with tourists during high season, Lagos is an attractive town and its partially preserved old town walls are very photogenic. The richly decorated interior of the 17th century Santo Antonio church is worth exploring. Down at the waterfront near the harbour entrance, the 17th century Ponta da Bandeira fort is accessed via a drawbridge and has great views over the harbour entrance and the beach beyond. The walk south to Ponta da Piedade is rewarded with views of some of the Algarve’s most iconic beaches.
 Old town walls, Lagos |
 Beaches of Ponta da Piedade |
 The Portuguese sail training ship Sagres off Lagos |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Excellent Pingo Doce supermarket north of the marina (open seven days a week). Every conceivable shop in Lagos town. Chandleries behind the marina.
Eateries
Restaurants and bars in the marina. Numerous others in the town.
Internet/WiFi
Yes. In the marina office and on the pontoons.
Laundry
In the marina.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Several outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins to rear of marina office.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2001 --Athene of Lymington 19:42, 22 March 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
- We kept our boat here from November 2009 to May 2010. The marina is very well protected from the elements and with good security. Marina staff are helpful and there is a good atmosphere. The marina is centrally placed in the town, so all facilities are readily available. A number of bars and restaurants are placed around the marina. There is a fully equipped boatyard very close by, which has a good reputation among the yachtsmen. The Algarve has a favourable climate and we are looking forward to a return visit. This is one of the best all-round marinas we have been to in many years of cruising. (sv Wild Heron)
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Portugal | Lagos | |
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