Lagos is full of historical interest with its origins dating as far back as 2000 years BC when it was known as Lacobriga. Lagos has always had a seafaring connection, originally visited by Phoenicians and Carthaginians and then, during the 15th century, was the base for the 'Voyages of the Discoveries' instigated by Henry the Navigator when trade between Africa and Portugal brought a great deal of wealth into the town.
The Avenida dos Descobrimentos ('Boulevard of the Discoveries') is Lagos' main thoroughfare running beside the Bensafrim River estuary. The main part of the town lies on the Western bank.
The Avenida invites leisurely strolling, from the statue of São Gonçalo for 1.5 km to the Dona Maria II bridge at the end of the Avenida.
En route you will pass the 17th century fortress Ponta da Bandeira, by Praia da Batata. Across the Avenida is Praça Infante Dom Henrique with a statue of Prince Henry looking out to sea. The square is next to the Governors' castle and hosts Igreja da Santa Maria. The facade of this church is 15/16th century but it was rebuilt in the 18/19th centuries. On the opposite side of the square to the church is the 'Slave Market' from the 15th century, where slaves brought back from the discovery voyages were sold.
To explore a little further, carry on along the Avenida passing the old Mercado Municipal (recently refurbished) and you will come to the very modern Lagos Marina. You will then arrive at the Dona Maria Bridge which was rebuilt in 1783 and has been recently strengthened to cope with modern traffic.
To locate the cache you will need to visit the 5 stages detailed below and do a little arithmetic, substituting your answers in the following formula:
N 37° 06.ABC W 008° 40.DEF
The cache starts at the given coordinates above for Stage 1 which are:
Stage 1: N 37° 05.885 W 008° 40.110
The third number of the first date = A
Stage 2: N 37° 05.969 W 008° 40.163
The second number minus the first number = B
Stage 3: N 37° 06.034 W 008° 40.247
Add the first two numbers of the first date to get the value of F. Then add the first number from each date to get C
Stage 4: N 37° 06.250 W 008° 40.386
The first number of this date = E
Stage 5: N 37° 06.576 W 008° 40.601
Add the first and last numbers from this date to get D
You can check your answer here:
Enjoy!