The 9 BEST Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal

With it’s beautiful beaches Lagos in one of the gems of the Algarves in Southern Portugal. If you’re looking for recommendations of what to do in Lagos, this curated guide featuring my top picks for sightseeing and activities is for you.

---

Despite its small size, Portugal is incredibly diverse. From the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto to the enchanting castles of Sintra, and the breathtaking cliffs of the Algarve coastline, there’s something for everyone.

When planning a beach getaway in the southern Algarve region, towns like Faro, Albufeira, and Portimão offer appealing options. However, my personal favorite is Lagos.

Lagos – pronounced “LAH-goash” – is often described as the Algarve’s most picturesque town. It is renowned for its historic center, stunning beaches, and access to the region’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. For a brief visit to the Algarve, Lagos is the ideal base.

I’ve put together this guide to help you hit all the highlights, taste the best food, and make the most of your time here.

9 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN LAGOS

TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM PONTA DA PIEDADE

Located 3km from the center of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is one of the most stunning places in Portugal! No joke!

Ponta de Piedade, which means Piety Point in English, is a mesmerizing collection of rock formations perched majestically above the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching heights of up to 20 meters, these golden-hued rocks sculpt caves, sea arches, and concealed grottos.

From Lagos, it is easy to reach Ponte da Piededa either by walking along the Estr. da Ponta da Piedade  (the main street to get there) or by  walking along the Ponta Da Piedade coastal trail (which is what I recommend). It is also possible to take a Uber or drive, but please note that the parking here is quickly full, especially in the summer.

Although Lagos has plenty of beautiful beaches, this is not one of them due to the absence of sand. You visit Ponta de Piedade for the views! And don’t forget to climb down the 190 steps to see the grottos (caves) of Ponta da Piedade. 

Read More // A Short Guide to Ponta da Piedade

Warning // There are no guardrails here. It is therefore crucial to exercise caution. The natural cliffs can be unstable, emphasizing the need for extra care, especially when taking photographs. Some areas pose a risk of falling directly off the cliff if one slips. So, while exploring, it’s essential to stay safe and mindful of your surroundings.

---

Walk the Ponta Da Piedade coastal trail

The Ponta da Piedade Trail is definitely the best trail in Lagos, and probably one of the most stunning in the Algarves.

The trail starts in Lagos city center and is made of a mix of paved road, dirt trail and boardwalks. In total the trail covers 5.6-km (out-and-back ) and will give you an aerial view of some of the best beaches in Lagos. And you may even spot a hidden beach or two. Apart from some small section with erosion, the trail is fairly easily.

Although the hike itself won’t take you very long – it take around 40 minutes to reach the lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade – I recommend you reserve at least half a day to explore the many beach you’ll see along the way.

---

Explore Praia dos Estudantes

Praia dos Estudantes, or ‘Students’ Beach’ in English, stands out as one of the most stunning beaches in Lagos. This is largely due to the presence of a Roman-style bridge spanning between two rocky formations over the ocean. As you might have guessed, the beach gets its name because of its popularity among young people.

The Ponte Romana de Lagos, or Lagos Roman Bridge, was once part of the Pinhão Fortress. The remainder the fort succumbed to the sea after an earthquake in the 18th century after an earthquake. While the bridge now sits adjacent to private property, visitors are free to capture its beauty from a distance.

Travel Tip // For an unforgettable perspective, I suggestion renting a kayak or joining a kayak tour to view the bridge from below.

Praia dos Estudantes is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk along the main street of Avenida dos Descobrimentos.

Adding to its charm, Praia dos Estudantes features two man-made tunnels – one on the southern side connecting the two halves of the beach, while another on the northern side leads directly to Praia da Batata.

---

Have a beach day at Praia de Dona Ana

Often named one of the best beaches in the Algarves, Praia de Dona Ana is the largest beach in Lagos.

Situated within a cove between the town of Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, Praia Dona Ana has a prime location on the eastern side of Ponta da Piedade. This positioning provides shelter from the wind while basking in ample sunshine. However, it’s worth noting that in the afternoon, around 17:00, the beach falls under the shadow, offering a welcomed respite from the scorching summer temperatures, which often soar above 30°C.

As a blue flag beach, Praia Dona Ana upholds high standards of cleanliness and offers excellent facilities. While the water remains invitingly clear and calm for swimming on most days, it tends to be refreshingly cool throughout much of the year, making it ideal for a quick dip to beat the heat.

Among the most photographed views in the region, a visit to this breathtaking beach is an absolute must-do in Lagos.

---

Climb down the famous staircase at Praia do Camilo

My favorite beach in Lagos is Praia do Camilo, famous for it’s 200 steps staircase. But trust me, it is worth the effort!

Located between Praia de Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo is one of the smallest beaches in Lagos. It can fit no more than a 100 beach umbrellas so be sure to get there early if you visit in the summer.

Nestled amidst ochre-colored cliffs, rock pillars, dramatic cutouts, and hidden caves, Praia do Camilo emerges as a photographer’s paradise. With its unique features including a tunnel through the rock, a long set of stairs, and two small beaches connected by a charming cave, this beach offers a dreamlike setting for capturing stunning photos.

---

Discover Lagos’ Old Town

The city of Lagos has a long history that is closely linked to the sea.

Prior to the arrival of the Romans, the Phoenicians established a thriving trading settlement in the area. Evidence of trade with Greeks and Carthaginians can be found in various coins displayed at the Municipal Museum of Lagos.

The Romans eventually took control of the region, naming the settlement Lacóbriga, which eventually evolved into the present-day name of Lagos. The Moors then conquered the town in 1190. During their stay they further fortified Lagos with protective walls, some of which still stand to this day. They remained in region until the middle of the 13th century.

Because of its  natural harbor, Lagos became the main base port of the Portuguese discoveries. Henry the Navigator, who financed many of the first explorations, lived in Lagos and was the governor of the Algarve.

Today, Lagos’ historic center exudes a quaint charm, characterized by its picturesque white-washed buildings and winding cobbled streets. Unlike the steep hills of Lisbon or Porto, the inclines in Lagos are gentler, making exploring the town a more leisurely experience without the grueling uphill climbs.

Here are some of the places to see Lagos’ Old Town :

• Visit the Markthalle seafood market near the marina, where you can sample fresh local delicacies.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets adorned with captivating street art and discover picturesque tucked away squares.
• Marvel at the architectural gems of Lagos, including the historic landmarks such as Porta de São Gonçalo, Castelo de Lagos, and Forte da Ponta da Bandeira.
• Take a peek at the beautiful Igreja de Santo António built in 1707.
• Visit the Mercado de Escravos, a museum dedicated to the history of slavery in Lagos and Portugal as a whole. It’s located on the site of the city’s former slave market, which was the first slave market in Europe, dating back to 1444.

Foodie break // Lagos is not known for it’s cuisine, it can actually appear quite underwhelming compared to other cities like Lisbon and Porto. But here are some of my favorite adresses:

Churrasqueira Praça d’Armas | Some of the best Piri Piri chicken I’ve ever had. This place is a bit unassuming but when I saw the queue of locals I knew I stubbled on something good. And I was correct!

Black & White Coffee Shop | The best brunch in town. This place is very popular among tourists, but it does live up to it’s name. If you try only one thing, let it be the pancakes, they were amazing!

The Garden | For delicious Portuguese cuisine in a beautiful setting, try The Garden.

Tasca da Loca | Located near the harbor, this is another great place to try some Portuguese cuisine and fresh fish.

Tour // If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Lagos, I suggest joining this Walking Tour. And for my foodies out there, this Classic Food Tour will help you discover authentic Algarve cuisine. If walking is not your thing, then try this TUK TUK Tour around Lagos.

---

See the sights from the water : take a kayak or a boat tour

Once your are done exploring Lagos on land, you need to see it from the water!

Exploring the stunning coastline around Ponta da Piedade is a must-do activity while in Lagos, and there are various ways to experience it:

1. Kayak Tour: Embark on a thrilling kayak adventure to get up close to the remarkable rock formations, glide under natural arches, and venture into sea caves. This is an excellent option for those seeking an active and immersive experience, especially during the warmer months.
2. Small-Boat Tour: Opt for a leisurely small-boat tour, offering a relaxed way to admire the scenery of Ponta da Piedade. These tours typically last about an hour and provide access to the same stunning sights as kayak tours, without the need for special gear. It’s a convenient option that can easily fit into any sightseeing itinerary.
3. Boat Tours to Benagil Cave: While exploring Ponta da Piedade is a highlight, consider joining a boat tour that ventures further along the Algarve coast toward the famous Benagil Cave. While it’s more common to visit Benagil Cave from Portimao or Albufeira, there are plenty of boat cruises departing from Lagos as well.

Here are my selection of some of the best boat tours from Lagos:

• The best Kayak Tour from Lagos : I did this kayaking tour to Ponta da Piedade and it was great (minus some heavy waves that made me a bit sea sick). I recommend going early – the sea is calmer and there are fewer boats making it more enjoyable.
• Popular boat tour to Ponta da Piedade : I had booked this tour but unfortunately because of a storm coming in it was canceled.
• Best rated boat tour to Benagil Caves : It’s important to note that boat tours are the only way to see the caves at the moment. Since 2023, Kayaks and SUP are not allowed in the caves and in some beaches surrounding it.
• Daulphin-watching Tour : Join this “seasafari” boat tour to see some daulphins.
• Half-day catamaran tour to Ponta da Piedade : On this half-day tour you’ll have time to swim and snorkel in the beautiful aqua water of Lagos.

---

Touch the most Western Tip of Europe in Sagres

Visiting Sagres, is one of the best and easiest day trip from Lagos.

Nestled at the Western Tip of Europe, Sagres stands out as one of the most distinctive destinations to explore in the Algarve. Whether you have a day or a week to spare in the region, Sagres is an absolute must on your itinerary.

Before the Age of Exploration, which began in the 15th century, Sagres was thought to be the “End of the World”. It was the last outpost before the vast unknown of the Atlantic Ocean. Looking at the waves hitting the cliffs, it’s easy to see why the thought that there was nothing beyond this point.

Sagres played a key role in the Age of Exploring. Starting in 1419, many sailors left from the port of Sagres to explore new routes to reach Asia. It’s during these voyages that Europeans reached parts of Africa and the Americas for the first time.

Today Sagres has left it’s explorating era behind and has become a relaxed surf-town and a fishing port. However, you can still visit the Fortaleza de Sagres, a military fortress built in the 15th century by Henry the Navigator in order to protect the coast of the Algarves.

Keep Reading //  How to get from Lagos to Sagres by bus

Tour // If you don’t have a car and want to visit Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vincente in the same day, then I recommend taking this half-day organised tour. Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vincente are also known to have some of the best sunsets in Portugal : consider joining this sunset tour.

---

Watch the sun set over Ponta da Piedade

I think that everyone will agree that the best sunset in Lagos is over Ponta da Piedade.

Yes, by the end of your stay in Lagos you’ll have seen Ponta da Piedade from all angles! But trust me, you’ll never get tired of seeing this place.

So at the end of a sunny day, make your way to the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade and enjoy the views!

READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING LAGOS!

LAGOS GUIDES | A short guide to Ponta de Piedade; How to get from Lagos to Sagres by bus?; Where to stay in Lagos?

LISBON GUIDES | 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon; How to make the best of your visit to Belém; 1 day, 3 castles: How to make the best of your day in Sintra; 5 tips for riding Tram 28 in Lisbon; Where to Stay in Lisbon?

THE REST OF PORTUGAL | 11 amazing things to do in Porto

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Follow me on Instagram!