Keep reading to know how to make the best visit to Ponta da Piedade in Lagos : how to get there, what to do and some key tips on how to find the best views!
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 dramatic cliffs harbor secret grottoes and sea caves, embraced by pristine, translucent waters!
But what are the best ways to enjoy Ponta da Piedade? On foot from above? On boat from below? The answer here is : both! No trip to Lagos is complete without seeing Ponta da Piedade at least twice.
Keep Reading // 9 amazing things to do in Lagos
In this short guide, I share tips to get the best views and the top activities to do in and around Ponta da Piedade.
How to make the best visit to Ponta da Piedade
How to get there?
Getting to Ponta da Piedade on foot
Walking to Ponta da Piedade will take around 40 minutes. There are two possible options :
- Use the Ponta da Piedade Trail. 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. You can find a map of the trail here.
- Walk along Estr. da Ponta da Piedade (the main road that leads to the point). You will walk slightly uphill until you reach Praia Dona Ana; from there you join the same boardwalk as the trail. You can find a map of the walk here.
Getting to Ponta da Piedade by car
It is possible to drive to Ponta da Piedade, but finding a parking spot might be a problem (especially during the high season). There is a parking at Praia Dona Ana, right next to the beginning of the boardwalk. You’ll still have to walk about 20 minutes to reach the point.
Instead, I recommend taking a Uber or a Taxi: it will cost you around 5-6€ from the center of Lagos.
During the summer months, there is also a hop-on-hop-off train that connects Lagos to Ponta da Piedade. The day pass will cost you 5€ and children under the age of 4 travel for free. This is a great way not only to reach Ponta da Piedade, but also other key sites and beaches in Lagos. Find all the information you need about the hop-on-hop-off train here.
Getting to Ponta da Piedade by boat
There are many boat tours and kayak tours that will take you to Ponta da Piedade (I will cover them in more details later in this post). These tours usually leave from Lagos’ Marina.
How and Where to see the best of Ponta da Piedade?
Hike the Ponta da Piedade trail & check out the views from the boardwalk
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.
Though the lighthouse itself remains inaccessible to the public, the vistas from its vicinity are absolutely incredible!
Recently, Ponta da Piedade underwent a significant transformation, featuring a revamped car park and a network of interconnected boardwalks. From there you’ll be able to enjoy different view platforms in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
THE DETAILS
Where | You can find a map of the trail here.
Warning // Some areas have no guardrails. 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.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.
Head down to the Grotto viewpoint
One of the best viewpoint of Ponta da Piedade is by heading down to the grotto. Now to get there you’ll have to go down (and then back up…) 202 stone steps, Prepare for a descent via 202 stone steps. This will bring you right to the water’s edge where you’ll be able to admire the majestic sea arches and intricate formations that adorn the coastline.
So how to you find this staircase?
Once you pass the lighthouse, take a left and you’ll see a stone pathway. Follow it to the steep staircase.
Travel Tip // In my opinion, the best view is from the midway point of the staircase itself. Prepare your camera!
At the bottom of the stairs you’ll find a tiny port. During peak seasons, opportunistic boat operators may wait at the staircase’s base, offering impromptu coastal tours. While tempting, reliability and availability fluctuate unpredictably. I recommend booking a tour ahead of time rather than jumping on one of these tours.
This viewpoint gets extremely crowded in the Summer months so I suggest you head there bright and early!
Catch a sunset
I think that everyone will agree that the best sunset in Lagos is over Ponta da Piedade. And 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.
If you are lucky enough to visit around sunset, prepare to see the cliffs bathed in a warm orange glow, offering a gorgeous backdrop for this spectacle unfolding in before your eyes
Travel Tip // If you want to enjoy some of the best views of Ponta da Piedade, follow the boardwalks westwards!
Tour // If you want to see the sunset from the water, why not join this small guided boat tour of Ponta da Piedade at sunset.
Take a Kayak Tour
Kayaking at Ponta da Piedade is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the area.
As you paddle along the coast, you’ll navigate under the graceful arches formed by nature and delve into the depths of mesmerizing sea caves. The crystalline waters provide a window into the underwater world, offering glimpses of fish darting beneath your kayak. Additionally, the area is perfect for bird watching with numerous birds nesting amidst the coastal cliffs.
The majority of Ponta da Piedade kayak tours leave from Lagos Marina, where several companies operate kayak excursions. Others leave from Lagos Fortress which is slightly closer to Ponta da Piedade.
Throughout the tour, an accompanying boat remains with the group, providing a secure place to store belongings and offering a convenient option for those who may opt out of kayaking at any point (or if like me you start feeling seasick on the way back!)
Tours usually last around 2 hours to 2 hours and a half, weather permitting.
THE DETAILS
What tour to choose | There are many kayak tour options in Lagos. They all are very similar in price and in what they offer. I chose this one and it was great
Price | 40€ per person
How long | 2h30
Or a Boat Tour…
If a kayak tour sounds a bit too intense for your taste, then why not join a boat tour?
The Ponta da Piedade boat tour is one of the shortest yet most captivating excursions you can do fromLagos. The tours usually last between 60 to 75 minutes in total. This condensed timeframe encompasses a journey through a breathtaking array of caves, beaches, and grottoes nestled between Lagos and Ponta da Piedade.
Much like for the kayak tours, most of the options available to you are similar in price (you can see the full selection here).
The best boat tours from Lagos
- Popular boat tour to Ponta da Piedade : I had booked this tour but unfortunately because of a storm coming in it was canceled.
- 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.
- Ponta da Piedade at sunset : This is the perfect tour if you want to enjoy a sunset on the water.
- 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.
What if I want to go for a swim?
Although Lagos has plenty of beautiful beaches, Ponta da Piedade is not one of them due to the absence of sand. You visit Ponta de Piedade for the views!
However, if you want to go for a swim, Praia do Camilo, which happens to be my favorite beach in Lagos, is the closest.
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.
Travel Tip // At the top of the staircase that leads to Praia do Camilo, you’ll find the restaurant O Camilo. This is the best food option near Ponta da Piedade. There is another restaurant called Sol Nascente near the lighthouse but I would skip it unless you only want a quick drink (or if, like me, you are trying to hide from a sudden rain storm!).
READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING PONTA DA PIEDADE!
LAGOS GUIDES | 9 amazing things to do in Lagos; 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!
Travel fail moment: let me tell you about the time I went kayaking in Lagos and had to be tugged back 😂
Ok, so, the weather was definitely not ideal, but I was determined to kayak during my visit to Lagos. All the tour companies were canceling on me, but finally, I found one that was still running tours—and of course, I jumped at the chance.
At first, everything was going smoothly. I was feeling fantastic, kayaking like a pro, keeping up with the guide, and even tackling the waves like a champ. I thought, “I’ve seen worse, this is nothing!” 🌊
But then... we hit the caves. That’s when I realized why everyone else canceled. The waves were ROUGH, and I got caught in one that tossed me around like a rag doll. The more I fought to get out, the more I felt... well... not so great. 🤢
We finally found a calmer spot, and the guide actually admitted he was starting to feel seasick too. The other girl in the group was in the same boat (pun intended). So, after a quick discussion, we all agreed that being tugged back was the best option. 😵💫
The ride back was surprisingly fun, but I was so relieved to get my feet back on solid ground. 👣
It’s a hilarious story now, though! 😂
So, who else has had a travel fail? Anyone else get seasick?
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#travelfail #instagramvsreality #lagosportugal #kayakinginlagos
Confession of the day : I used to HATE Winter. ❄️ I was the person who hibernated under blankets, avoiding any and all outdoor plans once the temperature dropped below 5°C.
But, plot twist: I’ve learned to love winter, and now I get excited about winter hikes now.
Here’s the secret to not just surviving winter, but actually enjoying it:
1. Dress like an onion. Layers, people—layers! Don’t skip on the warm socks and gloves, and yes, you’ll need more than one jacket. You’ll thank me when you’re not freezing your face off. 🧣
2. Start small. No need to go full-on adventurer right away. Begin with short walks on a local trail. Once you see how peaceful it is, you’ll be hooked! 🏞️
3. Find joy in the little things. Snow falling on the trees, the crunch underfoot, and the fresh, crisp air—winter hikes offer a whole new vibe compared to summer. You’ll be surprised how magical it can feel. ✨
So, who else has gone from winter hater to winter lover? Drop your winter hike tips or share your favorite winter activity! Let’s make the snow work for us, not against us! ❄️
PS. Is it too early for snowy content, or no? Asking for a friend. 😉
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires 👇🏻
#winteriscoming❄️ #winteriscoming #almostwinter #winterinontario #winterhiking
Stop Googling ‘best day trips from Ottawa’—I found the ultimate adventure hack! 🙌 Last weekend, I surprised my friend Emily (she just moved here!) with a road trip planned entirely by Unexpected Journeys. 🚗✨
They planned everything—adorable towns, scenic hikes, cozy coffee shops, and even cider tastings. 🍎🍵 Each stop was a surprise, and honestly, it made the day SO much more fun. We saw Ontario’s oldest bridge, visited the cutest little towns, and drank way too much chai lattes!
Whether you’re exploring with your friends, partner, or the fam, this is the way to find hidden gems without stressing over the details. Bonus: now Emily feels like she’s already a local. 🙌
Looking for something fun to do this holiday season—or the perfect gift for your fave adventurer? 🎁 This is it.
Would you like to try your own surprise roadtrip? We might have a surprise coming your way next week! Stay tuned 😉
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
Ps. I was gifted this Unexpected Journey but all option remain my own! 🙌🏻
#ottawatourism #ottawaontario #visitottawa
Hi, I’m Marie! 👋
I’m a French-Canadian woman who grew up in New Brunswick and now call Kingston, Ontario, home. By day, I’m a university professor; by weekend, I’m chasing sunsets, exploring trails, and finding cozy coffee spots to fuel my adventures. Oh, and yes—being bilingual means you’ll often see a touch of French flair in my posts!
My travel style? Solo, slow, and full of great views. There’s something magical about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding beauty in unexpected places, whether it’s a misty forest, a lakeside sunrise, or a charming café. My camera is always in hand to capture those moments that make life feel extraordinary.
I taught myself photography through YouTube, and now it’s my creative outlet and happy place. While I love big adventures, I believe you don’t have to travel far to experience something beautiful—Ontario alone is filled with stunning views and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
My goal? To inspire you to add more adventures to your daily life. Whether it’s trying a new trail, discovering a local gem, or simply slowing down to enjoy a moment, every day can hold a little magic.
If you love outdoor adventures, photography tips, and hidden gems (with a side of great food), follow along! And tell me in the comments: what’s one small adventure you’re dreaming of lately?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires 👇🏻
#ontarioadventurer #ontariocreator #aboutme
Ever wanted to live in a Hallmark Christmas movie? Just book a trip to Quebec City. 🎄✨
It has everything —minus the small-town bakery owner who’s secretly a prince falling in love with me. 😂❄️
But maybe I was just not looking in the right place. Here’s where you might meet your very own prince this Christmas if you visit Quebec City :
❄️ Skating on Place d’Youville’s rink
☕ Sipping hot chocolate at Café La Maison Smith
🎁 Strolling through the German Christmas market
🏰 Wandering the charming streets of Old Quebec
🎶 Enjoying live holiday music at Terrasse Dufferin
Tag your Hallmark movie co-star and let’s make some memories (and maybe a Christmas love story) happen! 🎥❤️
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#vieuxquebec #oldquebec #oldquebeccity
