A getaway in the charming Algarve town of Lagos? Don’t miss the remains of the castle that give the old town its character! Although you can’t visit the interior, we were impressed by these medieval fortifications from another era. You can have fun searching for different sections of these historic walls through the cobbled streets of Lagos, starting with the Governors’ Castle.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Château des Gouverneurs in Lagos?
Are the remains of the castle worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, you won’t be able to miss them during your visit to Lagos, as they are such an integral part of the city’s urban landscape. Part of the fortifications stands opposite the entrance to the port. These include the former Château des Gouverneurs, which we loved to walk along. Listed as a National Monument, these remains bear witness to Lagos’ rich historical past, which you’ll discover as you stroll along.
In our opinion, this is one of the best activities in the resort!
Why is Château de Lagos famous?
From the second half of the 16th century, Lagos Castle served as a residence for the governors of the Algarve. One of the most remarkable features is the Manueline window, in front of which King D. Sebastião is said to have heard his last mass before leaving for the battle of Alcacer Quibir. He was King of Portugal and the Algarve between 1557 and 1578. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through the centuries as you walk along these fortifications that have watched over the coast for hundreds of years.
Our favorite moments
When we set out in search of the remains of Lagos Castle, there were several moments that particularly caught our attention:
- crossing the vaulted passage under the Arch of São Gonçalo,
- observation of the imposing fortifications of the Château des Gouverneurs,
- Search for the various walls and turrets scattered across Lagos, like an architectural treasure hunt!
You’ll be surprised to discover these fragments of history at the turn of a cobbled lane or a lively square.
WHERE TO STAY IN Lagos
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best hotel in Porto de Mós
Hotel Vivenda Miranda – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Ponta da Piedade
Cascade Wellness Resort Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Meia Praia
Aparthotel Palmares Signature – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in the old town
Hotel Lagos Avenida – See prices, photos and availability
History in brief
The history of Château de Lagos is rich and uncertain. Here are a few things we’ve learned, however:
- The Lagos defensive perimeter is made up of several sections of wall, punctuated by bastions, and a larger fortification known as Castelo dos Governadores (Governors’ Castle).
- The Château des Gouverneurs, the main component of the defensive system, was built in the Middle Ages and enlarged during the Renaissance.
- The wall is divided into 2 distinct sections: the Medieval Fence (Old Fence) and the Renaissance Fence (New Fence).
- Although the town was once entirely surrounded by walls, a considerable part of it has now disappeared, mainly due to urban expansion.
- The walls were part of a vast defensive system that protected not only the city but the entire Lagos region.
- Today, the walls of Lagos are classified as a National Monument.
How to get there: Lagos Castle in the Algarve
Where are the remains of Lagos Castle?
- In the center of Lagos in the Algarve,
- Several sections of wall spread across the old town,
- The main part, the Château des Gouverneurs, stands at the entrance to the port,
- Close to Ponta da Bandeira Fort.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
How to get there?
Lagos city center is well served by the local public transport network. To get to the Governors’ Castle, we recommend you get off at the “Praça do Infante” stop, just a 2-minute walk away. This stop is used by many lines. Find out more here.
From this central square, you can begin your exploration of the various sections of wall scattered around the old town. On our visit, we found this the most convenient option for starting our walk in the footsteps of Lagos Castle.
Parking
Parking da Frente Ribeirinha is the ideal solution for parking close to the castle walls. Located just a 3-minute walk from the Château des Gouverneurs, this covered parking lot is subject to a charge, but offers a practical and secure solution. We particularly appreciated its strategic location, with quick access to the historic center.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
To make the most of your visit, we do not recommend the 2 summer months (July and August), when the city is at its busiest. However, April to October offer the best weather conditions for exploring the city in search of the different sections of the walls. You’ll particularly appreciate a visit in fine weather, to appreciate the architecture of the Château des Gouverneurs from the Jardin de la Constitution.
Length of visit and main difficulties
To discover the remains of Lagos Castle, plan a 30-minute to 1-hour stroll through the old town. We feel this is the ideal length of time to appreciate the various fortifications without rushing.
Strolling through the historic district is generally pleasant, although some difficulties can be encountered. Alleys are sometimes narrow and floors are often cobbled, which can make getting around difficult. During our visit, we noted that these features contributed to the town’s charm, but could also represent an obstacle for people with reduced mobility. However, you can admire the Château des Gouverneurs from the Jardin de la Constitution without any particular difficulty.
Advice on how to visit
For the best possible exploration of the remains of Lagos Castle, we suggest a very specific itinerary. Start by admiring the main façade of the Governors’ Castle, which is easy to spot on the Plaza Infante Dom Henrique. Its strategic position opposite the entrance to the port makes it an ideal starting point. Then head for the Arc de São Gonçalo to enter the old town via this charming secret passageway, which we particularly enjoyed during our visit. Finally, stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and up Rua da Atalaia, which leads to another section of the Lagos Castle walls. You’ll gradually discover the different facets of these historic fortifications.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Visiting with children
Although there are no facilities specifically dedicated to children around the walls of Château de Lagos, the tour can nevertheless captivate young visitors. This historic setting provides an excellent opportunity for youngsters to project themselves into another era. The massive turrets and the Arch of São Gonçalo can stimulate the imagination of even the youngest visitors. You can turn this tour into a treasure hunt, with children having to locate the different sections of wall scattered around the town, adding a playful aspect to the discovery of our heritage.
Schedules and rates
Exploring the remains of Lagos Castle has the advantage of requiring neither reservation nor admission. It’s a self-guided tour of the city, with no set times or prices. The walls and remains of the fortifications can be seen from the streets of Lagos, and although access to the interior of the castle is not possible, you can admire its impressive exterior structures at any time of day.
Catering
The old town of Lagos is full of excellent restaurants where you can dine before or after exploring the castle walls. To discover our favourite addresses, read our article on the city’s best restaurants, which will allow you to treat yourself after your cultural visit!
Castle remains through the old town
Several sections of wall punctuated by imposing bastions dot the old town of Lagos. At the heart of this system is the Château des Gouverneurs, the main component of this defensive complex. During our exploration, we were impressed by this structure which dominates the entrance to the port. Probably built in the Middle Ages and enlarged during the Renaissance, it bears witness to the strategic role Lagos played in defending the Algarve coastline. Its massive turrets and medieval castle appearance tell the story of the region’s military history.
As you wander through the cobbled streets of Lagos, you’ll come across other sections of the defensive walls. We were surprised to discover, as we strolled along, another section of the walls at Estrada do Biker, which you can walk along. This diversity of locations makes exploration even more fun. Although the town was once entirely surrounded by walls, urban expansion has unfortunately led to the disappearance of a considerable proportion of these defensive structures. The vestiges that remain are all the more precious!
The vaulted passage beneath the Arc de São Gonçalo
The Arc de São Gonçalo is one of the most charming features of the Lagos fortifications. It marks the birthplace of the Patron Saint of Fishermen, São Gonçalo, in 1360. According to local tradition, which we discovered during our visit, São Gonçalo was born in a house near the Portes de la Mer, precisely where his niche and image now stand. This vaulted passageway leading to the old town particularly appealed to us for its well-preserved medieval atmosphere. Crossing this arch, you’ll have the impression of stepping back in time to the Lagos of yesteryear, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
Listed as a National Monument, this arch is a fine example of 14th-century military architecture. We were intrigued by the details of its construction, in particular the main entrance flanked by 2 towers, typical of Islamic fortresses. In the 15th and 16th centuries, this passageway was the main access to the medieval town quay. As you cross it, you’ll notice the little chapel hidden beneath the passageway. São Gonçalo, known for his miracles, including the “multiplication of tuna”, has been the official Patron Saint of Lagos since 1972. This combination of military and religious history makes the Arc a unique testimony to the city’s rich past.
The view from the Constitution Garden
The Jardin de la Constitution offers a privileged view of the Château des Gouverneurs and its imposing fortifications. Contrary to what its name might suggest, we discovered that it’s more of an esplanade surrounding the château than a traditional garden. The space is enhanced by a few palm trees and grassy medians that nevertheless create a pleasant atmosphere. During our visit, we particularly appreciated the views of the historic walls. Here you can take a relaxing break while admiring the military architecture that stands majestically before you.
Hidden along the walls is a statue of Gil Eannes, a famous 15th-century Portuguese navigator and explorer born in Lagos. Not far from there, we also noticed a stele decorated with the coat of arms of the city of Lagos, strategically positioned in front of the castle. What particularly caught our eye during our exploration was the presence of several contemporary works of art. You may be surprised, as we were, to discover these futuristic abstract art installations or archaic scenes that create a striking contrast with the surrounding medieval fortifications.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the inside of Château de Lagos?
No, you can’t visit the interior of the Château des Gouverneurs. The walls and remains of the fortifications can only be seen from the streets of Lagos. During our exploration, we found that despite this restriction, the experience was still very satisfying, thanks to the many exterior vantage points from which to admire these imposing defensive structures. You can admire the facades from the Constitution Garden, or explore different sections of the walls as you stroll through the old town.
What other historical monuments can be visited in the vicinity of the remains?
Close to the walls of Château de Lagos, you’ll find a number of historic monuments that also deserve your attention. The Ponta da Bandeira Fort is particularly recommended and is just a few minutes’ walk from the Governors’ Castle. Our visit also included a visit to the Church of Santa Maria, overlooking the Plaça Infante Dom Henrique. You can easily combine the discovery of these different sites to complete your visit.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages (coming soon)
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
