Portugal – Algarve – Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz is in the Western Algarve, a small sleepy traditional Portuguese village just 5km from the historical town of Lagos which is the major town in the area. It is one of those hidden gems of places that unlike other resorts  has so much more to offer, from breathtaking cliff walks to a beautiful south facing sheltered bay, a choice of very good restaurants, an old fort, the atmospheric Restaurant Fortaleza overlooking the rugged cliffs, and the remains of an ancient Roman Ruins.

Nestled in a cove which was formerly a small fishing village Luz has grown over the past 27 years that I have been visiting, it has now extended back from the ocean with many new tasteful developments, from Villas and Apartments in town to beach front studios.

Over the years Luz has neither lost it’s charm or character.

My family own an apartment here, Casa Cian on the 8th floor. Luztur is the tallest complex in Luz and as the apartment is an end apartment it has the best panoramic view in all of Luz, sitting on the balcony you have over 180 degree view from Sunrise to Sunset. The sunrises are stunning, rising over the sea   at the far end of the beach. From here I can watch the fishing boats come in as the fishermen wrap up another nights catch. At sunset I can sit out and enjoy the warm glow of the evening light on Rocha Negra, literally translated ‘Black Cliff’, the cliff at the far end of the beach which was formed from volcanic activity.
Luz is ideally suited to both the independent traveller who wants to explore, hike and cycle, but equally it is a quieter family resort catering to kids.

It really has everything you need close at hand, and if you play Golf, you have a choice of several courses, and great deals to be had off season.

I would highly recommend Luz as an all year round destination and whilst the weather may be changeable off season it is still very pleasant for a relaxed walking or hiking break. In January when I was there it was a very mild, sunny 15 degrees.

Luz  is less than an hour from Faro which is serviced by Ryanair and Aer Lingus from Belfast, Dublin, Knock and Kerry.

Written by Cian O’Loingsigh – Casa Cian – Edificio Luztur, Praia da Luz.