Luz Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Luz
Luz
Luz
Photo by Colin Byrne
Photo by Caro VL

Luz, is a civil parish located about 6 kilometres from the city of Lagos in the Algarve. "Praia da Luz", which translates to ‘Beach of the Light’, is used to refer to both the local beach as well as the village.

This small fishing village has become a unique tourist destination with a great selection of holiday villas. The fact that it’s bit more peaceful than other coastal villages on Algarve makes it perfect for a relaxing break.

History

Luz is great for history fans. Due to the Carthaginian and the Roman occupations, Luz has some great Roman ruins. In the 8th Century the Moors conquered the Algarve, and while it was reclaimed by the Portuguese around 13th Century, Moorish influence can be seen in the architecture all over the region.

With the growth of the fishing industry in the 16th Century, a fort was built along the coast to act as a defence against pirates. This Fort is now a restaurant, which provides stunning views from its terraces and tasty food.

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed most of the village. Rebuilding started in the 19th Century, which means most of the architecture is Algarvian neo–Baroque style. Nevertheless, one can still find some façades with Manueline architectural motifs and rural single-storey buildings from the 18th Century and before.

Landmarks

The Blue Flag beach of Praia da Luz is the village’s most famous landmark. The beach has two distinguishing features that attract the holidaymakers: the gorgeous sandy beach and imposing rocky cliffs. The famous Rocha Negra "black rock" cliff is the result of the Monchique region's volcanic lava flow and was formed millions of years ago.

There are plenty of water-based activities to try at the beach, including diving, waterskiing, kayaking, dolphin and whale watching and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a tennis and bowling club, as well as health spas and fitness centres located in some of the resort complexes.

If you want to explore the nearby mountains then there are off-road 4x4 Tours, climbing and walking tours. Praia da Luz also has great golf courses located within a ten minute drive at Boavista and Palmares.

‘The Roman Archaeological Site of Praia da Luz’ consists of a small Roman bath complex located alongside the main Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz. A cobbled promenade called, Avenida dos Pescadores, runs from this church along the seafront to the beach bars.

A military point of Interest is also the fort and the Castle of Nossa Senhora da Luz.

Eating and Drinking

There is a fantastic choice of restaurants in Luz, serving everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine. From eateries that are popular with both tourists and locals, to takeaways, you are spoilt for choice here.

There are also a few supermarkets in Luz and large hypermarkets in the nearby town of Lagos perfect for those of you who are going self-catered. In Praia da Luz, you can also find some shops, a medical centre and a pharmacy.

Praia da Luz's main highlight is the beach, but, as you’ll find out, there are many other reasons that make this village a perfect, relaxing choice to spend your holiday.

Quinta do Mar - Country & Sea Village

Quinta do Mar - Country & Sea Village

3 out of 5
Cama da Vaca, 4, Lagos
The price is ₹13,944 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹13,944
₹14,781 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools and airport pick-up service (surcharge). Popular attractions Praia da Luz and Camilo ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"Great location with stunning views."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2025

Quinta do Mar - Country & Sea Village
Belavista da Luz – Wellness & Lifestyle Hotel

Belavista da Luz – Wellness & Lifestyle Hotel

4 out of 5
Praia Da Luz, Algarve, Lagos
The price is ₹18,797 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹18,797
₹19,924 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay, only gripe was guests putting towels on sun beds with umbrellas to reserve them, and not using tthem until late afternoon. The Hotel needs to address this, some guests with young children couldn’t find shade."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Belavista da Luz – Wellness & Lifestyle Hotel
Aurora SOl

Aurora SOl

3 out of 5
Montinhos da Luz - EM 537, Lote 16, Lagos, Faro
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Praia da Luz and Marina de Lagos are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Loved it!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Aurora SOl
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Baia da Luz

Baia da Luz

4 out of 5
Rua Alfredo Nascimento Batista, Lt 35, Praia da Luz, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a garden. Popular attractions Praia da Luz and Marina de Lagos are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (247 reviews)
"Location is lovely Resort rooms are spacious and equipped with everything you need"

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Baia da Luz
Parque de Campismo Orbitur Valverde

Parque de Campismo Orbitur Valverde

4 out of 5
Estrada da Praia da Luz, Lagos, Faro
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly campsite in Lagos. Enjoy an outdoor pool, parking (surcharge) and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Praia da Luz and ...
Poco cuidado
"Lugar poco cuidado, en general las maderas están poco cuidadas. La ventilación muy mal, hemos pasado muchísimo calor. Durante el día imposible estar dentro."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2023

Parque de Campismo Orbitur Valverde
Estrela da Luz

Estrela da Luz

4 out of 5
Rua Manuel Augusto Alves Catarino, Praia da Luz, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Praia da Luz and Marina de Lagos are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (144 reviews)
"Estrella da Luz was nice. Staff was great at check in and breakfast. We had a great time"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Estrela da Luz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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