We recommend a visit to the Ponta da Bandeira Fort during your stay in Lagos! Standing at the entrance to the port, this stone fortress protected the city’s maritime access in the 17th century. We particularly appreciated its unique military architecture and spectacular ocean views.
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 Ponta da Bandeira Fort?
Is the fort worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, this maritime fortress offers a unique perspective on the Port of Lagos and the surrounding beaches. We were particularly taken by its advanced military architecture for the time, with its quadrangular plan and low, thick walls facing out to sea. It also conceals a small chapel decorated with 17th-century azulejos. This is one of the best activities in Lagos! You can also contemplate it from the sea ona boat trip to Ponta da Piedade.
Why is Ponta da Bandeira Fort so famous?
Ponta da Bandeira Fort is recognized as one of the best-preserved 17th-century fortresses in the Algarve. This public interest building is distinguished by its military architecture, which was technically advanced for its time. We were impressed by its unique design, with its quadrangular plan, massive walls and small watchtowers facing the sea.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated several aspects of the fort:
- The drawbridge entrance plunges us into another era
- Viewing military architecture from sea or land
- Contemplating the ocean view from upstairs
History in brief
Ponta da Bandeira Fort has a rich military history dating back to the 17th century. Also known as Fort de Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, Fort do Pau da Bandeira or Fort do Registo, it was built between 1680 and 1690. It was built to protect access to the eastern flank of the city walls, in coordination with the Porta da Vila Bastion and the Bastion of the Governor’s Castle. At the time, it was one of the most advanced fortresses in the Algarve. Today, we can admire this military architecture thanks to a major restoration campaign carried out around 1960.
Access: Ponta da Bandeira Fort, Lagos
Where is the fort?
- South of downtown Lagos
- Located at the mouth of the Ribeira da Bensafrim
- At the entrance to the Port of Lagos
- 2min walk from Praia da Batata
- 2min from Porta de São Gonçalo
- 3min walk from Praia dos Estudantes
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.
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How to get there?
The fort is easily accessible by bus thanks to the local network. The “Praça do Infante” stop is a 5-minute walk away and is served by numerous lines. To plan your journey, consult the timetables here.
Parking
Parking da Frente Ribeirinha is a 5-minute walk from the museum. This covered parking lot is subject to a charge and offers a convenient solution for parking nearby.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We advise you to avoid July and August, when Lagos is very busy. However, April to October are the best months to visit Ponta da Bandeira Fort, as they offer more pleasant weather conditions. You’ll particularly appreciate a visit when the weather is fine, to take full advantage of the ocean panorama. Visitor flow is limited, so it’s best to visit as soon as it opens.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 15-30 minutes for your visit.
The floor is paved and irregular, and the entrance is via a drawbridge. We noted an upward slope to access the viewpoint, as well as a few steps. We have seen small ramps to facilitate wheelchair access, but access for people with reduced mobility remains complicated.
Advice on how to visit
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend you start by contemplating the military architecture from the outside. Then cross the drawbridge to enter the building. Before climbing up to admire the panorama, you’ll pass the small chapel dedicated to Santa Barbara, adorned with numerous azulejos. Finish your tour by climbing to the roof for panoramic views over Lagos Bay.
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Visiting with children
Although there are no special facilities for children, the view is sure to please them. During our visit, we noticed a family with a stroller enjoying the scenery. Children can also project themselves into a world of adventure in this military fort with its watchtowers.
Schedules and rates
The fort is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, April 25th, May 1st, December 1st, 24th and 25th.
Admission is free, but the flow of visitors is controlled.
Catering
There are no food outlets in the fort, but its central location gives you easy access to nearby restaurants. Check out our article on the best restaurants in Lagos to make sure you’re in for a treat!
The fort’s military architecture
During our visit to Lagos, the fort became an essential part of the cityscape. We contemplated it from the land, but also from the sea duringa boat trip to Ponta da Piedade. This vantage point revealed a different perspective on the military building that once protected the entrance to the Port of Lagos.
The fort features a square layout designed to optimize defense and artillery fire. Its distinctive entrance is via a drawbridge spanning a moat, while small watchtowers at each of the 4 corners give it a special cachet. Take a peek through the loophole of a watchtower to admire the view!
Dedicated to Santa Barbara, the fort houses a small chapel on the first floor, a unique architectural feature for a fortification of this period. You’re sure to fall under the spell of the magnificent blue, white and ochre azulejos adorning the walls. We were intrigued by this combination of military and religious elements, which testifies to the importance of faith in the daily lives of soldiers at the time.
Ocean views
In our opinion, this is THE highlight of the visit! Strategically located at the mouth of the Ribeira de Bensafrim, the fortress offers breathtaking views from its elevated terrace. Watch the ballet of boats entering and leaving the harbor, and the dike that separates the river from the ocean. We particularly enjoyed the view of Praia da Batata and its golden cliffs, typical of the Algarve!
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)
Where to stay in the Algarve (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha (coming soon)
Things to do in Lagos (coming soon)
Things to do in Portimao (coming soon)
Things to do in Albufeira (coming soon)
Things to do in Faro (coming soon)
