Praia da Luz

The South of Portugal in the Western Algarve is home to  Praia da Luz, a quiet area for those who live there, and one that brings great experiences for those who are passing through.

Praia da Luz is only 7 km from Lagos and has always been dedicated to fishing. Mainly sardine and tuna fishing, in the reign of D. Afonso III (in the XIII century), already in the reign of D. Dinis (XIV century), there was also whale fishing. 

As time went by the growth of the area was inevitable, and it was in the 40's that the fishermen would spend the night at sea and the next morning when they returned to land, they would take the fish to the factories that existed in Luz.

 Even today local fishing still occurs in the region, usually always near the cliffs, for it is there that the best fish species are caught since the coast is rich in mineral and phyto-plant ingredients.

Formerly, Praia da Luz was known as Nossa Senhora da Luz, and it is believed that the name comes from the association with the cult of the Virgin Mary during the middle ages, as the fishing locations in the coastal areas of the Algarve had the most religious influence.

The beautiful boardwalk with shady palm trees invites for a short wark leading from the sands to a viewpoint which has since become a restaurant

Today, the area stands out for its high tourist potential. The Luzenses should be proud of their sea, unique climate with brilliant sunshine, not to mention the rocks, golden sand and the community. Praia da Luz beach is one of the jewels of the Algarve coast.