Travel Guide of Lagos in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers

Lagos is a municipality at the mouth of Bensafrim River and along the Atlantic Ocean, in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, in southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 31,049, in an area of 212.99 km². The main town of Lagos has a population of approximately 22,000.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Lagos

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Farol da Ponta da Piedade

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2 - Praia da Batata

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3 - Boat Tours in Lagos

Enjoy a beautiful sunset boat cruise from Lagos along the Algarve coast with views over incredible caves and beaches, with a stop to refresh yourself in the sea. In this hour and a half-long boat cruise from the city of Lagos and back you will be abl...

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4 - Praia do Camilo

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5 - Praia Dona Ana

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6 - Stand up Paddle in Lagos

Why walk on the water if you can glide across the crystal clear surface of the ocean with the smooth, flowing elegance of a SUP surfer? The SUP tours take you on an outing along the picturesque coastline of Lagos and Algarve. Only that this excursion...

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7 - Santa Maria

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8 - Praia da Rocha

   12 km away

Praia da Rocha is a beach and built up area on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern section of the concelho of Portimão, Algarve, southern Portugal.

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9 - Surfing in Lagos

Enjoy surfing like a pro and learn how to nail those crystal turns in Praia da Luz surf lessons, thanks to the heroes of the coast.Forget the winter and head south, you'll find a place where the sun never sets and the surf never rests: Portugal's Alg...

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10 - Portimão

   13 km away

Portimão is a town and a municipality in the district of Faro, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 55,614, in an area of 182.06 km². It was formerly known as Vila Nova de Portimão. In 1924, it was incorporated as a cidade and became known merely as Portimão.

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11 - Carvoeiro

   18 km away

Carvoeiro, or more commonly Praia de Carvoeiro, is a town and a former civil parish in the municipality of Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Lagoa e Carvoeiro. The population in 2011 was 2,721, in an area of 11.66 km². It is located about 5 kilometres south of Lagoa.

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12 - Jet Boating in Lagos

Experience Lagos on this ultimate jet boating tour that's packed with thrilling slides, spin-outs and power stop splashes! This 45-minute Jet Boat ride combines breathtaking scenery with thrilling slides, spin-outs, and power stop splashes! Enjoy the...

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13 - Praia do Carvalho

   21 km away
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14 - Benagil Caves

   22 km away
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15 - Paragliding in Lagos

You need no experience, and not even a good physical condition to participate in this incredible paragliding flight from Lagos. Enjoy the feeling of soaring in the wind and seeing the ocean, the beaches, and the mountains that so identify the Algarve...

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16 - Praia da Marinha

   23 km away

Praia da Marinha is one of the most emblematic beaches of Portugal with Mediterranean climate, located on the Atlantic coast in Caramujeira, in Lagoa Municipality, Algarve, and considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world.

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17 - Silves Cathedral

   23 km away

The Silves Cathedral is a former cathedral in the city of Silves, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. A mosque, built during the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula, was originally located in its current place, and was later mostly restructured and converted into a Catholic cathedral after the Reconquista.

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18 - Foja

   24 km away

With an elevation of 902 metres and a topographic prominence of 739 metres, Fóia is the highest mountain of Algarve, Portugal. It is part of the Serra de Monchique range and is located at 37.314795°N 8.596244°W within Monchique parish.

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19 - Praia da Bordeira

   24 km away
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20 - Sagres

   26 km away

Sagres is a civil parish in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, in the southern Algarve of Portugal. The population in 2011 was 1,909, in an area of 34.37 square kilometres. It is historically connected to the early Portuguese Age of Discovery.

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Pictures and Stories of Lagos from Influencers

20 pictures of Lagos from elizabeth lies, eriK., Katarzyna Grabowska and other travelers

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Why should you visit Lagos ?

Travel to Lagos if you like:

  🏖️ Beach     🏖️ Shore     🐾 Wildlife     🗼 Landmark     🏖️ Coast     🏖️ Sea cave  

How to visit Lagos ?

To get to Lagos, you can fly into Faro Airport (FAO), which is about 90 km away. From there, you can take a train or bus to Lagos, or rent a car for more flexibility. The train journey takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, while the bus takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take a 3-hour train ride to Lagos.

It's essential to book certain activities in advance, especially during the peak season (June to September). Consider reserving boat tours to explore the coastline and grottos, or surf lessons at nearby beaches. Additionally, book accommodations well in advance, as rooms fill up quickly during the high season.

Lagos is an affordable destination, with costs varying depending on the season. Meals at restaurants range from €10-€30 per person, while accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Activities such as boat tours and surf lessons can cost anywhere from €20-€60 per person.

Some of the best things to do in Lagos include:
1. Exploring the historic city center: Wander through narrow streets, admire the colorful architecture, and visit the iconic Church of Saint Anthony.
2. Beach-hopping: Lagos is home to some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches, such as Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Meia Praia.
3. Kayak or boat tours: Discover the fascinating sea caves, hidden grottos, and dramatic cliffs along the coastline.
4. Ponta da Piedade: Marvel at the stunning rock formations at this scenic viewpoint, accessible by boat or a coastal hike.
5. Surfing: Take advantage of the excellent surfing conditions at nearby beaches like Praia do Amado or Praia da Arrifana.

For dining, try out Casinha do Petisco for delicious Portuguese tapas or Nah Nah Bah for mouthwatering burgers and international cuisine. For fresh seafood, head to O Camilo or Adega da Marina.

When it comes to accommodations, Lagos offers various options. Budget travelers can stay at Rising Cock Hostel, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent location. For mid-range options, consider Casa Mãe, which offers stylish rooms and a tranquil garden. If you're looking for luxury, stay at the Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, a stunning beachfront hotel with incredible amenities.

Off the beaten path:
For a unique travel experience, visit the lesser-known Algar de Benagil, a breathtaking sea cave only accessible by water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Benagil Beach, or join a boat tour to explore this hidden gem. Additionally, venture inland to the picturesque town of Silves, where you can explore a well-preserved Moorish castle and soak in the town's rich history.

Learn More about Lagos

Lagos is a coastal city that was the departure point for sailors during the Portuguese conquests. 

Lagos has also witnessed the passage of the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors,

As the former capital of the Algarve, you will be amazed by the cultural opulence of the city: the cobbled streets of the city center will take you to the charming parks of the historic quarter from where you can observe the fortifications dating from the 16th century.
The Algarvian handicrafts, the traditional canning industry, the myths and legends of the Moors, and the beaches will convince you to stay in Lagos.

 See the sunset in Ponta da Piedade 

There are two different ways to visit Ponta da Piedade: you can either go by land along with one of the paths that run along the coastline, or you can go by sea on a boat tour. These boat tours are done on old fishing boats, as they can easily navigate through the rocky structures.
For the more adventurous visitors, it is also possible to visit the area by kayak or stand up paddle.

Visiting Ponta da Piedade from the land is equally enjoyable, as there are paths that run along the top of the cliffs, stairs that lead to the most beautiful cave in the area, and a walkway that offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

The most beautiful beaches of Lagos

For swimming, there are many possibilities in Lagos but we selected two favorite beaches; Praia do Camilo and Praia dos Estudiantes.

• Praia do Camilo

Praia do Camilo is the beach not to be missed during a stay in Algarve. Indeed, it is a real little paradise with clear water for swimming and a fine sand beach. 
From the stairs to get there, the view of the ocean is breathtaking.
This beach has to be earned because there are many steps to go down but after the effort, the comfort of being in one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.

• Praia dos Estudiantes

A real favorite for the students' beach, especially because of the bridge connected by two rocks.
Near the center of Lagos, it is an unmissable beach during your passage in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Lagos

Where to eat in Lagos

At the restaurant O Camilo
Just before the steps leading to Praia do Camilo is the restaurant of the same name.

It is a popular address for both tourists and locals. The specialties are the fish that you can choose in the window. Freshly caught, they are also well cooked.
All this for a good quality-price ratio and a magnificent view of the ocean.

At Amorizade 
The Amorizade restaurant was ranked N°1 on Tripadvisor 

 it is a little bit out of the heart of the city. 
Two French people run the restaurant. It will be the occasion to eat foie gras or a lemon meringue pie.

Is Lagos worth a visit to the Algarve?

 Lagos is worth a visit for its spectacular ocean landscape explore.

 If you still have a thirst for adventure, there are many other caves and even some hidden beaches to discover all around Lagos.

For fans of water sports and kayaking, Lagos is a paradise 

   Where to Stay in Lagos

   More Travel spots to explore around Lagos

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Lagos

  ⛰️ Cliff spots     🏖️ Beach spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🏖️ Coast spots     🏘️ Town spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🚢 Lighthouse spots     ️🏜️ Natural arch spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🏖️ Sailing spots     🏖️ Sea cave spots     🌴 Tropics spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     Cave spots     🚴 Cycling spots     🏖️ Headland spots     🌴 Jungle spots     🗼 Landmark spots  

  Travel map of Lagos

Explore popular touristic places around Lagos

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