In Lagos, there is little need to do anything more to enjoy your holiday other than sprawl on the sandy beach with an occasional dip in the ocean, but those who need more activity can choose between dozens of pursuits like sailing, wind-surfing, fishing, para-sailing, microlight flights and scuba diving. Golf is a major attraction here as it is throughout the Algarve, with the Palmares and Alto courses nearby, offering a round with sea views. There is also the challenge of the Penina Championship Course, site of many a Portuguese Open. Those who hire a car will be well-rewarded in exploring the adjacent coastline and seeking out unspoilt villages and beaches. There are also a few sightseeing opportunities in the town, including an interesting museum.

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.

There is not a lot for children to do in Lagos but there is a zoo and an excellent water park not too far away.

The centre of Lagos comes alive in the evenings with buskers and street entertainers, and the nightlife in Lagos can compete with any holiday resort in the Algarve, with several energetic dance clubs and character-filled bars strewn through the main part of town. Of the bars most popular are Bar Amuras at the marina, the Red Eye Bar on the Rue Candido dos Reis, and Zanzibar on the Rua 25 de Abril. Most have music, darts, pool tables and Sky TV sports channels, and stay open late until 2 or 4am.

Eating out is part of the pleasure of a holiday on the Algarve, and Lagos offers the best of the best choices of establishments in which to indulge. Seafood lovers will be ecstatic, but no one, even vegetarians, will be disappointed or go hungry. A good choice at the marina is the Do Cais Bistro, which serves waterfront breakfasts, lunches and dinners seven days a week. For creative international cuisine in the town centre (including vegetarian dishes) Duquesa Restaurante is hard to beat. Truly gourmet local specialities like pork chops with figs, savoury shrimp and succulent shellfish, are enjoyed at the Don Sebastiao tavern in the old town pedestrian area. This restaurant also has the best wine cellar in town.

Besides an ongoing flea market that sprawls through the streets, Lagos boasts numerous fascinating shops and boutiques, especially in the pedestrianised old city. Browsing is as pleasurable as buying in the well-stocked shops that are bristling with attractive local wares, from wickerwork to filigree jewellery, copperware and leather goods to wine and pastries.

Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).