Lagos Marina Portugal, Algarve
Lagos is lively and bustling town that is known for its trading, fishing and tourism is steeped in history most of which is connected with the sea. The port can be traced back to before the Phoenician times and the towns walls were built by the Moors. In the 15th century the seaport was closely connected to the discoveries of Prince Henry the Navigator and was established as a trading centre for gold, ivory and slaves.
In 1587 the town was attacked and severely damaged by the English “Pirate” Sir Francis Drake, and many other sea battles were fought off the Algarve coast which usually involved the British fleet. A strong earthquake destroyed a lot of the architectural heritage of the town and only a few building were left standing.
The Town now has all the visiting yachtsman could want and the Algarves most westerly marina has the coveted “Blue flag” and “Euromarina Anchor” status. Fresh, frozen and canned provisions are readily available from the many supermarkets and local shops. There is also a fresh produce and fish market near the west breakwater. The heart of the town is just a short walk from the marina over the pedestrian lifting bridge. Here you find plenty of good bars and restaurants and can provide a lively night out and there also a number of bars around the marina front. There are several excellent hotels which can get busy at the height of the tourist season.
Road communication is good, and car hire can be found in the town and taxis organised from the marina office. The railway station is just behind the marina. Faro international airport is about a 45 minute car drive or 90 minutes by rail. There is a mian post office in the town
Medical and dental needs are met by the MedLagos private hospital. There are numerous banks and cash points.
Anchorage
Anchor off the beach to the east of the eastern breakwater in 5-6m over sand. Shelter is good but is exposed to southerly winds and can be uncomfortable in a south-westerly swell. A safety area off the beach is indicated by yellow floats
The Approach
From the west, Lagos lies 17M east of Cabo de Sao Vincente and about a mile north after rounding Ponta da Piedade. The coast is rocky with numerous caves, the 5m line runs about 400m from the coast
From the East, there are few hazards and a line using the west breakwater and the church of Santo Antonio will lead to the entrance.
Care should be taken entering the harbour keeping a watch for jet skis, pleasure boats and wind surfers.
The Entrance
After formalities have been completed and a berth arranged it is necessary to pass through the lifting bridge. This is no problem and the bridge is lifted when the harbour office sees you depart the reception berth, or by request on channel 9 VHF. The bridge has a maximum width for vessels of 11m. Note the bridge remains closed 15 minutes before and after a train is due to depart or arrive (the railway station is just beyond the marina). The bridge operates between 0800-2200 in the summer and 0900-1900 in the winter. If arriving later than this moor overnight alongside the reception pontoon. The marina can take 462 yachts and room for visitors is usually no problem. Maximum length 30m.
Formalities
The marina reception office houses the Police, Customs and the Port Captain. If coming from a Portuguese port it is necessary only to visit the reception desk to acquire a berth number.
