Did you know there are several cities around the world named Lagos? This can be quite confusing, especially for travelers. Picture yourself at an airport, boarding a flight to Lagos, only to discover it’s not the Lagos you had in mind! These similarly named cities are called homonyms.
To avoid any mix-ups on your next trip, here’s a closer look at some of the cities named Lagos:
1. Lagos, Nigeria
The most famous Lagos is in Nigeria, established as a state on May 27, 1967. The name “Lagos,” meaning “lake” in Portuguese, was given by Portuguese traders who arrived in Nigeria centuries ago.
2. Lagos, Ghana
Ghana also has a Lagos, situated about 45 kilometers from Kumasi, the Ashanti capital, and 176 kilometers from Accra, the country’s main city.
3. Los Lagos, Chile
In Chile, Los Lagos translates to “The Lakes” in Spanish. This picturesque city is surrounded by lakes and known for its natural beauty. Many locals are involved in forestry, fishing, and cattle farming.
4. Lagos, Greece (Xanthi)
Greece’s Xanthi region has a coastal town named Lagos, nestled between the Aegean Sea and Lake Vistonida.
5. Lagos, Greece (Heraklion)
Crete also boasts a Lagos, located in Kasteli, Heraklion, near the settlements of Agnos and Smar. As of 2021, the broader area had a population of about 211,370, with Lagos itself home to 179,302 people according to the 2011 census.
6. Lagos, Portugal (Algarve)
In southern Portugal’s Algarve region, Lagos is a beloved tourist spot, famous for its stunning Atlantic beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic walled town.
7. Lagos, Portugal (Azores)
The Azores, an archipelago off mainland Portugal, features a Lagos on São Miguel Island’s southwestern tip, with a population of around 14,442 in 2011.
8. Lagos, Spain (Malaga)
Spain’s Malaga province has a sunny Lagos known for its beautiful beaches, making it a popular vacation destination.
9. Lagos, Spain (Andalucia)
Another Spanish Lagos is a small coastal community between Algarrobo and Torrox, near Vélez-Málaga.
10. Lagos, Indonesia
Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province includes a Lagos about 372 kilometers from Kupang and roughly 1,545 kilometers from Jakarta.
11. Lagos, France
France also has a village named Lagos, located in the southwestern Pyrenees-Atlantiques department, within the township of Nay-Est in the Pau district.
Next time you hear about Lagos, make sure you’re headed to the right one!