Praia da Luz Portugal, Praia da Luz Algarve Information & Review

Where is Praia da Luz?

Praia da Luz is approximately 6km's southwest of Lagos the former capital of the Algarve, Portugal. Praia da Nossa Senhora da Luz is the village named after the beach of (the church/ parish) of Our Lady of Light. Adored for it's sheltered bay and wide sandy crescent beach, Praia da Luz is located within a short drive of the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park and some of the finest and most varied beaches in Europe.

The traveluzion Praia da Luz travel guide provides in depth travel information and tips, local community classified ads, an events calender , discussion forums and photos!

The village

Praia da Luz like neighbouring Burgau was a small Portuguese fishing village comprised of little white fisherman's cottages along the cobbled main road (Rue Direita) leading to the village church and the side streets leading down to the beach. The village has expanded considerably since the 1960's and now villas and apartments spread out into the hills, west and north of the centre for some distance. The recent pedestrianisation of the promenade along the beach and the introduction of a one way system has helped maintain the quiet traditional feel.

History

Remains of a bathhouse and artesian wells were part of a Roman settlement and Luz was once inhabited by the Carthaginians. More recently Luz was a fishing village that specialized in octopus potting and also once had a Tuna canning factory by the beach.

The Beach of Light

The praia (beach) is wide and sandy curving around the bay and at its rear has a raised pedestrian promenade complete with benches and Palm tress. To the east the beach becomes thinner beneath the cliffs heading towards the Rocha Negra, a black igneous outcrop left by the now dormant volcanoes at Monchique. Two watersports centres offer water sports; sailing and windsurfing at the eastern end of the beach. Praia da Luz also has a diving centre. The beach is sheltered with gentle wave's ideal for a refreshing swim in the clean sandy bay. There are life guards and a coloured flag system indicating the swimming conditions. With little traffic Luz beach is in safe walking distance of much of the villa and apartments accommodation in Praia da Luz.

Climate of Praia da Luz

The climate is slightly cooler and windier than Lagos to the east while it is more sheltered and warmer than Sagres further to the west. Close to the beach as much of the older village is, temperatures are pleasently cool at night even in mid summer and it is recommended to wear a coat in the evenings. Day time temperatures are pleasantly warm but Praia da Luz is far enough West that temperatures by day do not often exceed 35 degrees Celsius and the influence of the Atlantic also keeps mosquitoes to a minimum.

Day Trips/ Excursions

The walk up the Miradoura da Atalaia (108 m high) with it's fabulous views to the east of Praia da Luz takes one out into open countryside and along the cliff road. Wild flowers grow in spring and early summer among the fig trees and if you continue along the cliff road you can reach the idyllic Praia do Porto de Mos.

To the west of Luz lies the little village and beach of Burgau. It takes about an hour and a half to walk along the coastal road, around a large hill and down towards the beach. There are a number of cafes and restaurants or you could take a packed lunch and spend the afternoon on the beach.

Monchique is about 45 minutes by car from Luz and is a lovely spot to collect fresh spring water, to walk among the trees and is famous for its chicken Piri Piri, thermal baths and cool mountain air.

There are many differing beaches to try especially those to the west within the Costa Vicentina natural park. The beaches near Lagos such as Praia donna Ana sheltered beneath the cliffs or the long Meia Praia stretching east of Lagos are also excellent.

Lagos is ideal for shopping in its pedestrianised centre. On Saturday morning's there is a traditional fruit and vegetable market by the bus station and Lagos also has daily fish market in the former slave market. The old town is home to plenty of little shops and a wide range of restaurants, cafes and a famous night scene and is very busy in the summer. The last bus into town is at around 7PM by the church and one can take taxis back (approximately 7 euros) all night.

Eating Out

There are plenty of restaurants centrally located in Praia da Luz that offer up international dishes including Italian, an Indian and a number of Portuguese restaurants. Neighbouring Lagos offers higher quality and better value for money while Luz is more limited. The Fortaleza restaurant offers good meals in a superb setting and cheap bites can be had in the cafes around the village. See the discussion on restaurants in Luz for more information.

Eating In

There are several small supermarkets including the Baptistas supermarket in town. However if you can make the Saturday morning market in Lagos you can stock up on a wide range of local fruit and vegetables including organic food and fresh eggs. Also be sure to visit the fresh fish market for the days catch. Barbecued fish, salads with boiled potatoes are a favourite.

The Baptistas supermarket in Luz is not far from the village church and sells a good range of food including some local organic foods and imports for the British or German holiday maker. Prices are a little steep as compared with the large hypermarkets on the outskirts of Lagos.

Coffee Shops

The Portuguese coffee shop next to the O Poço restaurant at the western end of Luz beach is a good place to have breakfast in the sun or to sit sipping a good cup of coffee.

Internet Access

Eureka Services, Internet & Video rental shop offers a good internet service and is located 3 minutes walk from the church on the right hand side of Rua Direita opposite the Ocean club main office. They have several machines and offer pre pay deals. The Lazuli bar also has one machine available for customers down by the beach.

The village post office and a cash machine are on the right hand side of Rua Direita opposite the Ocean Club office. The bus stop and taxi rank are by the village church.

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Further Information

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