Luz lies in the west of the Algarve and has a ninety minute transfer from the airport. It is situated five kilometres west of Lagos in one of the most unspoiled coastal areas. This is due to planning restrictions by the national park authorities which has led to controlled development. Originally a small fishing village, it has spread to encompass the accommodation built in traditional style for the many tourists who visit each year. Luz has a soft sandy beach and offers a wealth of recreational activities both in and out of the water. A Luz holiday promises a relaxing break in charming surroundings with a choice of golf courses and many sightseeing opportunities.
Luz is a popular resort where many visitors make return visits. Its family friendly beach and its range of water sports draw many people to its shores. An added attraction is its proximity to Lagos which is well worth a visit. Its old town is a warren of narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants. If you are looking for a seaside holiday with a guarantee of summer sun, a laid back atmosphere and plenty of leisure activities, Luz fits the bill.
Luz has something for everyone as it is well placed to access the many tourist attractions in the area. Golfers have a choice of courses and can enjoy a round of their favourite game at any time of year. Sun seekers and water sport enthusiasts will enjoy the fine beaches and the clear waters. Families with young children will find perfect sandcastle conditions as well as safe bathing.
Luz has hot dry summers and pleasant winters making it a year-round holiday destination. The summer is the most popular time with sun seekers and beach lovers flocking to its shores in their thousands. Golfers travel to Luz at any time of the year.
Luz is a very popular resort lying five kilometres west of Lagos. Its long sandy beach shelving gently into the sea attracts many families, their young children armed with buckets and spades. A variety of water sports are available for the more energetic holidaymaker. There are also boat trips for fishing and dolphin watching. A palm lined promenade runs behind the beach, its cafes offering daylong refreshments to the sun worshippers baking on the sand.
There are a wide range of hotels, apartments and studios accommodating all budgets and restaurants catering for most tastes. Mini-markets provide all of your essential provisions and there are enough gift shops to supply you with your obligatory souvenirs. Luz has a wide range of leisure facilities including a choice of fine golf courses, horse riding and tennis.
Luz is only a few kilometres from Lagos and is well worth visiting. Its old town is hilly with a warren of narrow streets filled with shops, bars and restaurants. The squares are planted with an abundance of brightly coloured flowers contrasting sharply with the white buildings. The church of Santo Antonio, known as the ‘gold church’ because of its many gilded carvings should not be missed. The Forte da Bandeira at the harbour, a fortified castle from the seventeenth century, built to defend the town from pirates and other invaders is another popular attraction.
Luz nightlife is fairly low-key reflecting the family nature of the resort. It is as relaxed by night as it is by day. Evenings are spent wandering along the promenade or through the narrow cobbled streets enjoying a drink or a meal in the many friendly bars and restaurants.
Luz has the usual number of gift and souvenir shops much loved by tourists. Those who enjoy holiday retail therapy can take the short bus ride to Lagos with its variety of shops and boutiques. Candido dos Reis is an especially good street if you are looking for clothes. Gift shops are abundant particularly in Rua 25 de Abril with a vast array of leather goods, pottery and jewellery. Filigree jewellery renowned for its delicacy is extremely popular. There is also a flea market in the old town.
There are many restaurants in Luz providing a wide range of cuisine catering for most tastes. Fresh fish and shellfish are high on the menu and traditional fish restaurants sit along side fast food outlets restaurants serving international cuisine. It is common in Portugal to be served appetisers known as ‘covers’ while waiting for your food. Please remember that these are not free samples and will appear on the bill. Wines are an excellent accompaniment to dinner, while the almond liqueur or, for chocolate lovers the Alfarroba liqueur, is a great way to relax at the end of the day.
