2 Best Sights in Lagos, The Algarve

Prince Henry the Navigator brought the first enslaved Africans to Portugal for his own use in 1441, initiating what would become a centuries-long system of exploitation. To manage the growing trade, he established a slave market in West Africa, and by 1455, around 800 enslaved people were being shipped to Portugal each year. The first African slave market in Europe was held beneath the arches of the old Casa da Alfândega in Lagos—a chilling landmark in European history. Today, the building houses a museum that touches on this legacy, but its displays remain unfortunately sparse. Visitors are advised to read widely beforehand to truly understand the gravity of what occurred here.

This 17th-century fort defended the entrance to the harbor in bygone days. From inside you can look out at sweeping ocean views. For an interesting perspective on the rock formations and grottoes of the area's shoreline, take one of the short boat trips offered by the fishermen near the Ponta da Bandeira.