Looking for the best sights in Lagos? Lagos is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in the Algarve. History, breathtaking nature, and vibrant culture blend seamlessly here. Stroll through the old town with its winding streets, colorful houses, and numerous charming shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Also discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, impressive rock formations, and a variety of exciting activities. In this article, we’ll show you the most beautiful highlights in and around Lagos and take you on a virtual tour of the city. As a bonus, we’ll also share our insider tips for Lagos – have fun exploring!
- General information about Lagos
- What to expect in Lagos
- Lagos sights
- Most beautiful beaches & natural highlights
- Activities & Experiences
- Excursions from Lagos
- Restaurant Tips & Cafés
- Great Hotels in Lagos
- Practical Travel Tips for Lagos
- Lagos Sights – Conclusion
General Information about Lagos
Lagos is located on the southwest coast of Portugal, about 90 km from Faro, the capital of the Algarve, and around 300 km from Lisbon. With around 30,000 inhabitants, Lagos is known for its charming old town and impressive coastal scenery. From our own experience, we can also tell you that Lagos is a good starting point for exploring the numerous sights of the Algarve.
Tourism is the main industry in Lagos, and this is reflected year-round. Whether in winter, spring, summer, or autumn – Lagos is always busy and very touristy. However, we never found it too crowded or unpleasant. However, we must add that we have never been to the Algarve in summer (June, July, and August) and therefore cannot judge how crowded it really is during peak season.
What to expect in Lagos
Beautiful beaches: Lagos is known for its stunning beaches, including Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Meia Praia. These beaches await you with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and impressive rock formations.
Historic Old Town: The picturesque old town of Lagos, with its narrow, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and pretty squares, is a real eye-catcher. Our motto: Just go with the flow!
Stunning Coastal Landscapes: The Ponta da Piedade, a spectacular rock formation on the coast, is an absolute must-see. The majestic cliffs, small caves, and hidden coves can be explored by boat, kayak, or SUP. More on this below.
♀️ Diverse Activities: There are numerous activities you can enjoy around Lagos, including surfing, kayaking, boat tours, hiking, biking, whale watching, and even exploring the city.
Gastronomy: The gastronomy in Lagos is diverse and offers an abundance of freshly caught seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, and international delicacies. You’ll also find countless cool cafés in Lagos. We’ll introduce you to some of them later.
Lagos Sights
In the following section, we’ll introduce you to the most beautiful sights in Lagos and also share our insider tips. You should plan at least a full day for Lagos so you don’t just rush from A to B. We’ve been to Lagos three times, most recently for nine days with the whole family.
By loading the map, you accept Google’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Load map
Lagos Old Town
A highlight in Lagos is definitely the charming old town. It’s a veritable labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets lined with small shops, cafés, and restaurants. The whitewashed houses with colorful tiles and wrought-iron balconies give the city a typically Portuguese charm.
Start your tour of the old town at the central Praça do Infante Dom Henrique, named after the famous Portuguese prince, Henry the Navigator. There you’ll also find the 15th-century Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos, where Henry the Navigator’s remains were kept for a long time after his death.
Also worth seeing in Lagos’s old town is the green house on Praça Luís de Camões, which is completely decorated with green azulejos (tiles). By the way, from spring onwards, the beautiful jacaranda trees bloom in the Algarve, and in the old town of Lagos, the purple blossoms are particularly striking.
Other sights in the old town:
- Lagos Fish Market
- Lagos Slave Market (Museum)
- Igreja de Santo António
Port & Harbor Promenade of Lagos
The Lagos Marina is a modern marina that opened in 1994 and offers approximately 460 berths for boats and yachts. The marina is easily accessible from the old town via a pedestrian bridge. The colorful yachts and boats anchored in the bay provide a beautiful view and invite you to stroll.
Here in the harbor, you’ll also find many boat tour and water sports providers. The tours take you along the spectacular Algarve coastline to the famous caves of Ponta da Piedade and the nearby beaches. Dolphin watching tours* or trips on traditional Portuguese boats are also popular.
The promenade (Avenida dos Descobrimentos) runs along the Ribeira de Bensafrim river, which flows into the Atlantic, and is lined with palm trees and offers wide sidewalks perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Not far from the harbor is the local fish market, where you can buy freshly caught fish and seafood.
Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
If you follow the harbor promenade to the end, you will reach the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira. This is a well-preserved 17th-century fortress that played a crucial role in protecting the city and its harbor during the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
The fortress’s strategic location was ideal for defending the city against attacks from the sea. The walls are low but solid, typical of Algarve fortresses that had to withstand cannon fire from the sea. There’s a drawbridge over a moat, allowing you to glimpse inside.
Visitor Information:
- Address: 8600-563 Lagos, Portugal
- Opening Hours: Tue.-Sun. 10am to 1pm & 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission prices: €3, reduced €1.50
Weekly Market on the Weekend
Want an authentic experience? Then visit the markets in Lagos, which await you with local products, handicrafts, and fresh food. One of the most famous markets is the Mercado de Santo Amaro weekly market, which takes place every Saturday in the Santo Amaro district. This market mainly offers fresh local products such as fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and cheese, but also flowers, plants, and regional specialties. It’s a real local market where you can experience the authentic side of the Portuguese lifestyle.
Also recommended is the daily Mercado Municipal market, which takes place in a three-story building near the harbor and Avenida dos Descobrimentos (Mon. – Sat.). Here you’ll find fresh fish on the ground floor, while the upper floors sell fruit, vegetables, meat, and other local produce. This market is particularly lively on Saturday mornings.
Grafitti & Murals
Lagos is not only known for its beaches and historical sights, but also for its incredibly vibrant street art scene. In recent years, the city has become an important center for graffiti and murals in the Algarve. In many corners of the city, you can discover really cool and impressive works of art created by local and international artists.
In the narrow streets of Lagos’s old town, you’ll find many colorful murals adorning the walls of buildings. These murals vary in style and size and often address social, historical, or cultural themes that reflect local identity. The cultural center LAC – Laboratório de Actividades Criativas regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events focusing on street art, among other things.
Tip: You can discover many fascinating murals and graffiti in Lagos! You can find an overview of all the highlights here: Street Art in Lagos.
Most Beautiful Beaches & Natural Highlights
Surely you don’t just want to see the charming old town of Lagos, but also visit one or two beaches? The region around Lagos is known for its spectacular beaches with impressive rock formations, turquoise water, and golden sand.
Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana is one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve. The beach is surrounded by impressive, red-gold cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea. The water is clear and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is only about a 15-minute walk from Lagos’s old town and can be reached via a staircase leading down from the cliffs. During high season, the beach is very busy.
Praia do Camilo
South of Lagos, about a 10-minute walk from Praia Dona Ana, lies the stunningly beautiful Praia do Camilo. It is somewhat smaller and is accessible via a long wooden staircase that winds its way down over 200 steps to the beach. The beach is particularly popular with photographers, as the scenery at sunrise or sunset is truly unique.
Meia Praia
The Meia Praia is located north of Lagos, near the harbor. In contrast to the rocky beaches further south, Meia Praia is a long, sandy beach stretching for 4 kilometers. The beach is ideal for long walks, sunbathing, and water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Because it is so expansive, you can often find quieter areas here even in high season. Restaurants and cafes are available on site.
Praia da Batata
Praia da Batata is Lagos’s city beach, just a few minutes from the city center. This beach is often used by families and vacationers who appreciate its proximity to the city. Although the beach is relatively small, it offers access to some of the surrounding coves, which are accessible on foot. You’ll also find providers for kayaking, SUP, and boat excursions on site.
Praia dos Estudantes
Right next to Praia da Batata is Praia dos Estudantes. This small, sheltered beach is particularly famous for its natural rock arch and a historic Roman bridge connecting the cliffs. You reach the beach via a short tunnel through the rocks.
Ponta da Piedade
The Ponta da Piedade is one of the absolute top attractions in Lagos and fascinates with its impressive rock formations. The spectacular coastal landscape is characterized by caves, grottos, arches, and sharp rock needles that rise from the turquoise sea.
A well-maintained path along the cliffs invites you to take a walk and offers numerous fantastic photo opportunities. This place unfolds a magical atmosphere, especially at sunrise or sunset. From Lagos, the spacious, free visitor parking lot is about a 10-minute drive away.
A kayak tour* along the coast is particularly recommended. You’ll glide past impressive rock formations and explore caves and grottos that are only accessible by water. The entire family (10 people) was thrilled and returned home happy after this unforgettable tour. More about this below.
- Ponta da Piedade kayak tour*
- Boat trip to Ponta da Piedade*
Activities & Experiences
Lagos offers a variety of activities and experiences beyond sightseeing and beaches. From historical discoveries to sea adventures and culinary delights, there’s truly a lot to do in this picturesque town and its surroundings.
Boat Tours
One of Lagos’ most famous attractions is the spectacular rock formations and grottos of Ponta da Piedade. You can take a boat tour* to explore the caves and coves along the coast. We went on a great kayak tour* along the coast around Lagos.
The tour lasted just under 2.5 hours and took us past the impressive rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. We were even able to explore some caves and grottos that are only accessible by water. It was a fantastic experience for everyone, and we can 100% recommend it. Book your tour here*.
Dolphin watching tours* also depart regularly from the port of Lagos. These trips offer you the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, which is an unforgettable experience, especially for families with children.
Water Sports
Lagos is a great base for catching some waves. Many surf schools offer lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. The nearby beaches and the west coast (e.g., Praia da Arrifana) are ideal for surfing.
As mentioned above, kayaking along the coast is a very popular activity around Lagos. You can explore the grottos, hidden beaches, and rock formations independently or as part of a guided tour.
The calm waters around Lagos are also ideal for SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). You can paddle along the coast and explore the rocks and caves at a relaxed pace. You’ll find rental stations at the harbor, in the old town, and on the beaches.
- Lagos: Sunrise SUP Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves*
- From Lagos: Group Surf Lessons for All Levels*
- From Lagos Marina: Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tour*
Hiking
A hike along the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade is a must. The breathtaking view of the rock formations and the deep blue sea is absolutely worth seeing. There are well-marked trails that lead you through this unique landscape, and you can stop at small bays or viewpoints along the way.
The Via Algarviana is a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the region from one end to the other, connecting Cabo de São Vicente with Alcoutim. You can explore sections of this route from Lagos and discover the rural side of the region, with traditional villages, cork oak forests, and olive groves.
The coastal hike from Lagos to Luz is also popular. This section is part of the approximately 220 km long Trilho dos Pescadores, which runs along the coast in 13 stages. Along the approximately 12 km, you can expect stunning views, impressive rock formations, great beaches, and much more.
Excursions from Lagos
Lagos is a great starting point for exploring the many beautiful places and sights of the Algarve. In the following table, we’ve listed some of the top spots and also provided the distances. Be sure to also take a look at our separate articles on the highlights and places of the Algarve as well as the most beautiful beaches. There you will find even more inspiration.
Restaurant Tips & Cafés
Beats & Burritos: In this cool restaurant, you can create your own burritos. The service is fast and the portions are generous. In addition to burritos, you can also order bowls, nachos, quesadillas, or tacos.
Coffee & Waves: Right next door is the small, cool café Coffee & Waves. Here you can get delicious invigorating drinks, excellent coffee, cakes, bowls, toast, and other small snacks.
Twin Fin: The Twin Fin is a super nice, casual, and delicious surfer café in the old town of Lagos. Here you can find avocado toast, muesli bowls, smoothies, cakes, waffles and much more.
The Studio Coffee Roaster: Our favorite place was The Studio. You can have a good breakfast there and sip delicious coffee. It’s also a popular place to work on your laptop for a few hours.
Pomò – La pasta italiana: This small restaurant is located in the northern part of the old town and is very popular. We ate probably the best pasta here in ages. The lasagna was a dream!
Restaurante The Garden: A beautifully designed restaurant with a great atmosphere, good food and friendly service. In this open-air restaurant, you can order burgers, international fish and meat dishes, as well as cocktails and beer.
Great Hotels in Lagos
We recently stayed at the beautiful Quinta da Alquimia*. Although it’s located a bit outside of town, you’ll find peace and quiet here. The spacious complex has five beautiful and modern apartments, a great garden, and a large pool with loungers.
We stayed here for five nights and enjoyed our time to the fullest. However, you’ll need a car to get away from there. It’s also important to note that five dogs live on the property and like to visit from time to time. It didn’t bother us because we love dogs!
This year we were with the whole family (2024) for 9 nights at Villa Atlas*. We particularly enjoyed the spacious garden with pool, the numerous sun loungers, BBQ area, and well-kept green areas. The villa has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a living room, a large kitchen, a terrace, a balcony, a cellar with billiards, and much more. If you are planning a trip with a large group, we highly recommend this accommodation!
Other hotels in Lagos
- Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda*
- Lagos Avenida Hotel*
- Cascade Wellness Resort*
- Uma Casa a Beira Sol*
- Casa Margô*
Practical travel tips for Lagos
Arrival and public transport
The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), about 90 km away. from Lagos. From Faro, you can travel to Lagos by train, bus, or taxi. The train ride takes about 2 hours and offers great views along the way. Lagos has good public transport links, including buses that take you to the beaches and surrounding towns.
Transportation in the City
Lagos’s old town is compact and best explored on foot. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops are nearby. Bicycles can be rented from many shops and hotels. There are cycle paths along the coast that are ideal for touring. Taxis are available in Lagos. We always use Uber here.
Weather and Best Time to Visit Lagos
Lagos has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. July and August are the hottest months, while the spring and autumn months (April to June and September to October) offer more pleasant temperatures. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, especially if you’re traveling in the summer. A cap and sunglasses are also recommended.
We were recently in the Algarve for the entire month of May and had fantastic weather the whole way through. It was never too hot, yet still summery warm. It didn’t rain during our stay. The best time to travel to Lagos is May, June, September, and October. If you don’t mind the heat, July and August are of course also an option. However, that’s when the Algarve is busiest.
Travel reading
If you need even more inspiration for your trip to the Algarve, we recommend the following travel guides:
- DuMont direct travel guide Algarve*
- Happy places in the Algarve: Go there & Be happy*
- DuMont Travel Guide Portugal*
- Michael Müller Travel Guide Algarve*
Lagos Sights – Conclusion
As you can see, Lagos has an incredible amount to offer. The city is an excellent starting point for exploring the unique Algarve. Lagos offers the perfect mix of nature, beaches, exploration, and relaxation. Plan at least 2 full days for the city itself and be sure to explore the surrounding area as well! We hope you enjoy it!