Praia da Luz

• In the town ofPraia da LuzPraia da Luz curves around a sheltered bay ten minutes west of Lagos, framed at its eastern end by Rocha Negra, a headland of black volcanic rock that gives the beach its most distinctive backdrop. The village has been lived in for a very long time: Roman remains, including old fish-salting tanks and baths, sit near the seafront by the parish church, and the small fortress on the front was built against corsair raids. Modern Luz is a family resort with an established international community: low-rise, walkable, with a palm-lined promenade along the beach, water-sports operators working the bay in summer, and cafés and restaurants that stay open through the winter. The beach mixes sand and flat rock slabs, with calm water on most days and paddleboards and kayaks heading out around the headlands. The climb up Rocha Negra rewards you with a view along the coast towards Lagos, and the clifftop path west runs on to Burgau. Lagos, with its old town and marina, is close enough for an evening out. Luz suits families and long-stayers: safe swimming, easy walking, and a village that works in January as well as July.

Praia da Luz is the sheltered beach of Luz village, west of Lagos, with the dark volcanic mass of Rocha Negra rising at its eastern end. Rocha Negra, a headland of black volcanic rock unusual on this limestone coast, closes the bay to the east and gives the beach its most distinctive landmark. A promenade runs behind the sand, with the village church standing close to the seafront, and the bay is calm in most conditions, sandy in the centre with rock shelves towards the western end. Access is level from the promenade. It suits families, promenade strollers, and anyone after a gentle, well-kept village beach with a proper landmark.