Lagos is undeniably linked to the sea throughout its long history.
Zawaia – Lacobriga – Lagos
Even today, the term “lacobrigenses”, the term that defines those who live in Lagos, goes back to its primitive name of Lacobriga. Many peoples have passed through here: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors – who called it Zawaia – and then the Portuguese, who conquered the city in 1249.
Due to its location, Lagos grew during the Age of Discovery. Ships and caravels left and arrived from there and the city became a centre of commerce.
The typical walls of Lagos, built as early as the 16th century, defended the city from enemies, and other forts were built in defensive and strategic positions.
Fishing is inextricably linked to the history of Lagos, with the growth of the canning industry. Until the First World War, Lagos was the largest canning centre in the Algarve, later supplanted by Olhão. There were as many as 29 factories in operation at the same time!
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
This classic Portuguese dish is made in the style of Lagareiro, hence the name. Lagareiro refers to a cooking style with numerous varieties, but it usually ends in dressing grilled or roasted fish and seafood with extra virgin olive oil. In this case, octopus is boiled, then cut into pieces, grilled, then brushed with olive oil. The dish is often additionally dressed with a combination of garlic, corainder, lemon juice, and salt. It is traditionally served with small, roasted potatoes with their skin intact.
In the next Post in the next few days, I will talk about the bests Seafood dishes in Portugal, don’t miss this piece of information.
Filetes de polvo – Polvo Panado
Filetes de polvo or Polvo Panado is a traditional Portuguese dish consisting of fried octopus tentacles. The octopus is boiled until tender, and it is then often seasoned with lemon juice and pepper. The tentacles are dipped in eggwash and breadcrumbs, then fried in oil until golden-brown in color. This delicious dish is sometimes served with rice on the side, and it is then called filetes de polvo com arroz do mesmo.
Arroz de polvo
Arroz de polvo is a versatile Portuguese dish consisting of cooked diced octopus and rice, incorporated into a rich base of tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and various spices. It is usually prepared in the traditional malandrinho style, in which the liquid is not completely reduced, and the dish resembles a thick rice stew. Arroz de polvo is a hearty meal that is traditionally associated with colder seasons. It is usually served garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and enjoyed as a nourishing main course.
This is a dish that gives us a lot of energy to spend on a good Kayak tour along the coast and caves of Ponta da Piedade. 🙂
Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve coastline is home to some of the most beautiful and pleasant beaches in the world. From long stretches of golden sand, to hidden coves and rocky cliffs, there’s something for everyone in this stunning part of the world. Whether you’re looking for a spot of sunbathing, a place to relax, or something more adventurous, this article will point you in the right direction to make sure you get the best experience possible.
Soaking Up the Sun in Algarve!
Algarve’s beaches are the perfect place to soak up the sun and relax. The powdery sand and clear waters make it the perfect spot to catch a few rays and enjoy a dip in the ocean. The stunning Albufeira beach, with its striking golden sand, is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Or if you’d like to get away from the crowds, head to the tranquil Praia de Sao Rafael in the east of Algarve.
If you’d like to try something a bit more active, then why not join a beach volleyball game, or take up windsurfing? The Falesia beach is a great spot for windsurfing, or you can take lessons at the nearby windsurfing center.
Discovering Algarve’s Quaint Beaches
Algarve isn’t just about sunbathing and water sports, there’s plenty of other attractions to enjoy too. From quaint fishing villages to secluded coves, the Algarve coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The Praia da Marinha beach near Carvoeiro is a great spot to explore, with its stunning rock formations and small coves.
If you’re looking for something even more secluded, then head to the Cabo de Sao Vicente in the south-west of Algarve. This area is home to a number of little-known beaches, as well as some spectacular cliffs, which make it a great spot for photography and exploring.
No matter what type of beach experience you’re looking for, Algarve has something for everyone. With its stunning golden sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy some of the best beaches in Europe. So why not take a trip down to Algarve, and have some fun in the sun!
At this time of year, around 11 November, it is usually sunny, interrupting the typical cloudy and cold autumn weather. We call this the summer of São Martinho!
Verão de Sao MArtinho
The 11th is dedicated to S. Martinho
At this time of year, around 11 November, it is usually sunny, interrupting the typical cloudy and cold autumn weather. We call this the summer of São Martinho!
The person responsible for this usual good weather, even out of season, is Martinho, a knight in the Roman army.
It is said that one autumn day in the year 337, in the middle of the fourth century, when Martinho was returning home, on a freezing and stormy day, he found a beggar who asked him for alms. Martinho had nothing with him that he could give him. He then decided to take the robe of a Roman soldier from his back and cut it in half, offering half to the beggar. At that same moment, the storm that was being felt gave way to a radiant sun.
This moment was known as the “summer of São Martinho”. Since then, around the 11th of November, it is expected that the colder and sometimes rainy weather will give way to sunnier days. It became known as the miracle of Saint Martinho.
It is due to this legend that the 11th of November is commemorated the day of Saint Martin. This fact coincides with the time of year when the work in the field is finished and it is at this time that the harvests begin to be enjoyed, including chestnuts and wine, meaning that this festival has a whole component that tends to prevail. and to take root even more.
This is a festival that is much cherished by the population in general, not only because of the various activities related to roasting chestnuts and tasting wines throughout the country but also because of the legend that sustains all the traditions.
Liturgically, Saint Martinho\’s Day is also celebrated on November 11, the day the Saint, who died on November 8, 397 (81 years old), was buried in Tours, France. His generosity and humility in helping the underprivileged have made him one of the most beloved saints in the population. During the Middle Ages and until recently, he was one of France\’s most popular saints. In fact, this anniversary is celebrated not only in Portugal but also in other countries such as Italy, Spain, and Germany.
Lagos Adventure – Kayak Ponta da Piedade – Lagos – Portugal
Today, May 23, 2021, is the anniversary of Portugal and all of us. That\’s why: Portuguese congratulations! We have been here for 842 years and here we will continue!
Although there is no consensus among experts as to the date that officially marks the most correct, May 23 seems to be the most correct and the most official day to celebrate according to the customs of the time, since it was on this day, in 1179, that Pope Alexander III, who represented the Catholic Church (which ruled Europe at the time) issued the bull “Manifestis Probatum”, recognizing Portugal as an independent kingdom.
It is important to clarify that, at that time, the Pope and the Catholic Church were the highest authorities with regard to the recognition of new countries. Nowadays, whenever a new country is born or a region becomes independent, it is the United Nations that recognizes the right of that country to proclaim its independence. Each era has its own traditions or laws.
Thus, it was on this date that the Portucalense County officially detached itself from the Kingdom of Leão, becoming D. Afonso Henriques its sovereign. The bull also recognized the validity of the Treaty of Zamora, signed on October 5, 1143 in the city with the same name by D. Afonso Henriques and the king of Leão.
June 24, 1128
It was on this date that the Battle of São Mamede took place, which opposed the forces of D. Afonso Henriques to the troops of his mother D. Teresa and Count Galego Fernão Peres de Trava. The two factions clashed at Campo de São Mamede, in Guimarães, where D. Afonso Henriques was located.
With the victory, D. Afonso Henriques secured the leadership of the Condado Portucalense, not letting it fall into the hands of Castile or under Galician influence. From here, D. Afonso Henriques gradually traced the path to become the first king of Portugal. The conquest of territories to the south led the Portucalense County to increase its size and its resources, making its independence inevitable.
July 25, 1139
This is the date of the battle of Ourique, which took place in a place that the sources call Ourique (Aulic, Oric, Ouric) which, at the time, was under Muslim rule. Here the forces of D. Afonso Henriques met against the forces of five Moorish “kings”: Seville, Badajoz, Évora, Beja, and a fifth named Ismar, who would be mayor of Santarém or Elvas.
These military victories gave D. Afonso Henriques a territory vast enough to reign, which allowed Portugal to be recognized as a Kingdom. Of all the victories achieved by D. Afonso Henriques, Ourique\’s was the most significant, since it was from there that Afonso Henriques started to use the title of King (Rex).
October 5, 1143
On this date, the Treaty of Zamora, signed between D. Afonso Henriques and D. Afonso VII de Leão and Castile, was signed, resulting in peace between the two kingdoms. From the Treaty, the king of Leon and Castile recognizes the king and the Kingdom of Portugal as being independent, with the safeguard that the kingdom remains under the purview of the Spanish monarch, as its emperor (Imperatore).
Note the important detail: the Spanish King recognizes Afonso Henriques\’ right to be treated as King of an independent country, but he emphasizes that he owes him allegiance and that he should treat him as Emperor.
In addition, being recognized by only one country, even if it was the country to which Portugal belonged before declaring its independence, does not guarantee that it will be recognized by the international authorities of the time and by the other states. It was the Papal Bull issued on May 23, 1179 that ensured that the rest of Europe and the Catholic Church recognized Portugal as a sovereign and independent state.
Oratory built in the 1940s to perpetuate the memory of the Saint Patron of Lagos who was born in 1360, according to tradition, in a house located near Portas do Mar, in the place where his niche and image is today.
As a young man he goes to study in Lisbon, where he decides to enter the Order of the Hermits of S. Agostinho. He studied theology and devoted himself to catechesis and preaching, always interested in the well-being of the people and supporting the poor. There he gained fame as a saint, for the good and the miracles he did, both in life and after he died. São Gonçalo de Lagos died in Torres Vedras, on October 15, 1422. In 1778 Pope Pius VI authorized the cult of the “Blessed” or Blessed, to Friar Gonçalo de Lagos, with honors from Saint in Portugal.
On October 27, Lagos celebrates its municipal holiday, in honor of its illustrious son and patron.
Lagos Adventure – Kayak Ponta da Piedade – Lagos – Portugal
Castelo dos Governadores, also known as Castelo de Lagos and probably Paço do Infante D. Henrique, is a property built in the second half of the 15th century, which local authors refer to as having Arab origins.
The Castle is part of the so-called Medieval City Fence, whose construction began in the 14th century and lasted until the end of the following century.
As part of the construction of the second fence in Lagos, the Renaissance Fence, started in the mid-16th century, a bastion was added to it, as documented in the anonymous plan of 1554-1555, attributed to Miguel de Arruda, which constitutes the oldest drawn document of the fortifications of the City and project of this second fence.
After 1581, the Castle was transformed into the residence of the Governors of the Algarve, and works were carried out to adapt this space.
In 1850 the land and remains of the built complex, partially ruined by the 1755 earthquake, were transferred to the Misericórdia de Lagos, which, from 1885, adapted it to Hospital.
In 1960, within the scope of the works carried out for the Commemorations of the V Centenary of the Death of Infante D. Henrique, Avenida dos Descobrimentos was built and the Bairro da Ribeira was demolished, and part of the Castle was also demolished, giving it the image it currently has.
Lagos Adventure – Kayak Ponta da Piedade – Lagos – Portugal
Castelo dos Governadores, also known as Castelo de Lagos and probably Paço do Infante D. Henrique, is a property built in the second half of the 15th century, which local authors refer to as having Arab origins.
The Castle is part of the so-called Medieval City Fence, whose construction began in the 14th century and lasted until the end of the following century.
As part of the construction of the second fence in Lagos, the Renaissance Fence, started in the mid-16th century, a bastion was added to it, as documented in the anonymous plan of 1554-1555, attributed to Miguel de Arruda, which constitutes the oldest drawn document of the fortifications of the City and project of this second fence.
After 1581, the Castle was transformed into the residence of the Governors of the Algarve, and works were carried out to adapt this space.
In 1850 the land and remains of the built complex, partially ruined by the 1755 earthquake, were transferred to the Misericórdia de Lagos, which, from 1885, adapted it to Hospital.
In 1960, within the scope of the works carried out for the Commemorations of the V Centenary of the Death of Infante D. Henrique, Avenida dos Descobrimentos was built and the Bairro da Ribeira was demolished, and part of the Castle was also demolished, giving it the image it currently has.
Lagos Adventure – Kayak Ponta da Piedade – Lagos – Portugal
Castelo dos Governadores, also known as Castelo de Lagos and probably Paço do Infante D. Henrique, is a property built in the second half of the 15th century, which local authors refer to as having Arab origins.
The Castle is part of the so-called Medieval City Fence, whose construction began in the 14th century and lasted until the end of the following century.
As part of the construction of the second fence in Lagos, the Renaissance Fence, started in the mid-16th century, a bastion was added to it, as documented in the anonymous plan of 1554-1555, attributed to Miguel de Arruda, which constitutes the oldest drawn document of the fortifications of the City and project of this second fence.
After 1581, the Castle was transformed into the residence of the Governors of the Algarve, and works were carried out to adapt this space.
In 1850 the land and remains of the built complex, partially ruined by the 1755 earthquake, were transferred to the Misericórdia de Lagos, which, from 1885, adapted it to Hospital.
In 1960, within the scope of the works carried out for the Commemorations of the V Centenary of the Death of Infante D. Henrique, Avenida dos Descobrimentos was built and the Bairro da Ribeira was demolished, and part of the Castle was also demolished, giving it the image it currently has.
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