Luís Ledo is a very well-known entrepreneur in the real estate sector of the western Algarve and his great potential is the capacity of understanding where a business opportunity exists. An infallible vision.

Célia Real, as genuine as her name, is a woman that eight years ago left Lisbon’s upsurge to enjoy the sun rising in the small town of Sagres. A full heart.

Even before they met, they already shared a common desire that ended up by being a perfect match. Luís wanted to develop a business in Lagos, where he saw an emerging market opportunity; Célia was looking into handicrafts and all things handmade as something to be explored and introduced to a public thirsty for history, culture and tradition.

Célia was looking into handicrafts and all things handmade as something to be explored and introduced to a public thirsty for history, culture and tradition.

Thanks to a friend they have in common, Luís and Célia met in March 2014 and soon realised there was a natural understanding regarding their business intentions. As a result of that initial click, 50% of the job was done. The human aspect of the business had been found.

The next step was obvious: to find the ideal space in which to realise their abstract dream. They were half way there!

One of the mandatory requirements was that it should be located in the historic centre of Lagos. In a short period of time, the ideal place was found amidst some of the greatest buildings of cultural and historical interest. The building, once the old maritime associations’ church and, later on, headquarters of the Lagos fire brigade for approximately 54 years, it has now taken on the identity of a building to be used for commerce and the dissemination of Portuguese culture, high quality products, great stories to tell and a variety of experiences of the kind one does not forget.

“Mar d’estórias” evolved from a dream to an idea and from the idea to reality. And it is in this reality that you will enter, be part and take us in your memories.