Lagos is a coastal town in the Algarve region in Southern Portugal. It’s getting more and more popular for tourists and there is definitely a reason for it. It’s famous for its amazing beaches with golden sand, rocky coves, natural arches, and stunning water. We have put together a guide of the top things to do in Lagos based on our highlights.
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Old Town
The Old Town of Lagos is a great place to stroll around and get lost in the little cobbled streets. There are many restaurants and cafes around where you can try the local food. If you prefer international cuisine we can recommend Delhi Darbar Indian Restaurant and their amazing lunch deal for €7.50 per person!
There are many historical sights in the old town which you shouldn’t miss. The Church of St Anthony is a great place to learn more about Portuguese history and the golden Baroque ornaments inside are very impressive. Entry costs only €3 per person.
We also recommend looking around the remaining walls of The Lagos Castle. On the other side of the castle you can find Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th century fort built to defend the town. The views from there are great and you can see the surrounding beaches with their rock formations.
Ponta de Piedade
Definitely one of the top things to do in Lagos is the breath taking Ponta de Piedade. We were very impressed with the unique rock formations (some of them can be as high as 20 meters) and the stunning clear water with shades of blue and green. The view was amazing from the top where you can also see the surrounding beaches. There are stairs leading down to the base of the water where you can see the golden cliffs up close. It’s definitely one of the best spots in the whole of Portugal and it’s also free to visit.
We set out on the scenic two mile walk from the old town of Lagos to Ponta da Piedade as we wanted to see more of the coastline and the nature surrounding it. There is a well maintained boardwalk from Lagos all the way to Ponta de Piedade. It’s a great walk along the stunning coastline where you can enjoy the views of the dramatic cliffs and golden beaches. There are also boat trips that can take you directly there and you will travel through some famous grottos. If you have a car there’s parking nearby too.
Praia Dona Ana
This is one of the best beaches we’ve seen in Europe. You can reach it from the old town by walking just 15 minutes and the views along the way are great to admire, offering stunning panoramas from above.
The beach is situated in a calm cove which shelters it from the wind and the conditions are great for swimming or just relaxing on the sand. There are many impressive rock formations and the views are breath taking. There are also some snorkelling spots available near the rocks where you can see colourful fish. If you fancy a drink or something to eat there is a small restaurant on the beach where we enjoyed a cold beer.
Praia dos Estudantes
Another beach, but that is what the Algarve is famous for! Praia dos Estudantes is tucked away in a small cove and is accessed via a natural tunnel in the cliffs from Praia da Batata. There are many hidden beaches like this in the Algarve and discovering them is something we really enjoyed.
It’s located only 10 minutes walk from the centre of Lagos which makes it a perfect spot to chill for a couple of hours after exploring the town. Praia dos Estudantes is famous for the Roman style bridge connecting the cliffs that can be seen from the beach and from above. You can also rent a kayak for around €20 per day if you want more of an adventure and to see more of the coastline from the water.
Fisherman’s Trail
Fisherman’s Trail is around 140 miles long and follows the coast of Portugal. It starts in the Alentejo region at São Torpes Beach and finishes around Lagos. If you fancy a challenge it would definitely be worth completing the whole trail, however you can also enjoy strolling along smaller sections of it.
The trail is one of the best we have seen, with stunning views of the cliffs and beaches throughout. There are many viewpoints and it’s definitely a great way to switch off and take in the nature. You can expect some of the trail to be uphill, though overall it’s fairly flat and parts of it have a charming boardwalk to walk along.
Meia Praia
If you fancy another beach day this is a great spot. It’s situated only 1 mile away from Lagos centre. There’s plenty of space as it’s much larger than other beaches in the area. It might be lacking the impressive rock formations, however the golden sand and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to visit for the day.
There are several cafes and restaurants right on the beach where you can grab some food and a drink. During the summer season you can also rent sunbeds if you want some extra comfort and shade. There is a walkway running from Lagos Marina to the end of the beach. It’s a great place for a stroll if you want to see more of the coastline and stunning nature.
We hope you enjoyed our guide of the top things to do in Lagos and that it helps you plan your trip! Lagos was really impressive and we enjoyed the mix of relaxing on the beach and exploring the sights. We also Rented A Scooter in Portugal to visit other spots in the Algarve which you can read more about.
