Praia da Luz is another Algarve resort that has seen much development in recent years and it has become a firm favourite for several ex-patriot communities. It has retained its appeal and attractiveness by being held to a relatively low-rise landscape. A lot of the development has gone to the west of Praia da Luz, but it now boasts a wide selection of accommodation, with several hotels in the central hub of the village and many private holiday rentals.
Despite its growth, much of Praia da Luz accommodation is easily accessible and within walking distance of the town and the beautiful beach, whose bay is sheltered by the 'Black Rock'. There are lots of restaurants, cafés and shops along the promenade, which runs behind the beach. There are also all sorts of market stalls and artists displaying their work where you can browse if you want a break from the beach.
There are also some ruins of Roman baths from 3rd to 5th century A.D., just behind the wall that runs along the promenade. There is a door in the wall which is open from 10am to 5pm every day and just up the steps are the remains of Roman baths. This last piece of history is very well preserved and deserves a viewing.
Stalls, shops and accommodation on the promenade, several mini-mercados (including a Spar) and a main supermarket ('Baptista') for your everyday needs and also a good shop selling natural products and all those alternative food products you thought you wouldn't be able to find, explain why Praia da Luz is so popular for holidays.
The resort has everything you need - banks, shops for everything you are likely to need and all in a very attractive setting. It is an ideal resort for family holidays with everything so close at hand.
Praia da Luz is an excellent family beach resort and you really don't need to travel further afield, but if there is anything else you need, Lagos is around a 8-minute drive away!