Weekend in Lagos

The historic marina area includes Europe's oldest slave market building, a small whitewashed structure from 1444, now a free exhibition space on Lagos' role in the early slave trad

Tip: The exhibition at the Mercado de Escravos is small but sobering—spend 15 minutes reading the panels. Then walk 100m east to the Praça do Infante for the bronze statue of Henry the Navigator; it's the best free photo backdrop in town.

Small municipal museum housed in a former 17th-century Franciscan convent. Exhibits include local archaeology—Neolithic tools, Roman pottery—sacred art, and a detailed model of the

Tip: Free entry on Sundays. The cloister garden is a quiet spot for a break, but the museum's real highlight is the restored convent chapel with its blue-and-white azulejo tiles.

Small central beach tucked between the town walls and the marina. Sheltered by cliffs, with calm water swimmable most of the year. The beach has soft golden sand and views of the 17th-century Forte da

Tip: It gets packed by 11am in summer. Go for a late-afternoon swim (5pm onward) when the sun leaves the main stretch and the light catches the fort. Bring your own towel; deckchair hire on site but cheap.

Dramatic sea cliffs with limestone rock formations, grottoes and sea arches. Walk the clifftop boardwalk for panoramic views along the coastline; the main trail is well maintained and you can descend

Tip: Go at low tide and early morning (before 9am) to avoid crowds and see the rock pools clearly. Free parking near the lighthouse; the boardwalk itself costs nothing.

18th-century church attached to the old Franciscan convent. The interior is covered in blue-and-white tile panels depicting scenes from Saint Anthony's life. Adjoining small museum holds gilded woodwo

Tip: Entry is €2 for the museum; the church itself is free to visit. Go on the first Sunday of the month when both are free. Arrive before 10am to hear the organ being practised.