Pedro DominguesThere are many things to do in Lagos. For example, I chose to visit Lagos and Ponta da Piedade on foot, following the trail that starts at Praia da Luz and ends in the city of Lagos, which is the last part of the famous Fisherman’s Trail on the Vicentina Coast. With that I was able to discover the following main tourist attractions:
- Luz beach itself.
- The Geodesic Mark of Atalaia, which should not be confused with Ponta da Atalaia next to Sagres.
- The cliffs of Porto Mós beach, high and completely vertical.
- The Viewpoint of Canavial beach, with a fantastic view over the coast.
- Ponta da Piedade, of course, with nice walkways nearby.
- The rock formations next to Camilo beach.
- Dona Ana Beach, my favorite in Lagos.
- The Roman bridge in Lagos, on the famous Students beach.
- And the city of Lagos, with places such as the city walls and its many churches. This city was very important for the Portuguese discoveries, so you will find many things to visit related to that.
Want to know more about Lagos? So keep reading this article because I am going to share with you many more things to do there besides walking this trail.
Where is Lagos located, in Algarve?
Lagos is located in the Western Algarve, in the South of Portugal. Its neighbors are the municipalities of Aljezur, Vila do Bispo, Monchique and Portimão.
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Useful tips for visiting Lagos
1. Rent a Car to visit Lagos
To visit Lagos, if you choose the trail I recommend, having a car is optional. However, you will need to use a taxi to transport you from the end of the trail to the beginning, or vice versa, as it is linear. A car will help anyone who wants to explore not only the essentials of Lagos, but also the surroundings, so I leave you a link to Discover Cars, if you need to compare some prices between rental companies and make a reservation.
2. How to get to Lagos?
As for how to get to Lagos, the nearest airport is located in Faro, capital of the Algarve. I recommend using Skyscanner and Google Flights to do some research before buying your tickets, comparing prices and flight conditions.
Once you arrive in Portugal, there are many buses and trains connecting Faro and Lagos. If you are travelling to Lagos from Lisbon, same thing applies. Check Rome2Rio website, if you are not sure how to get there from your location. For bus tickets in Algarve, use Rede Expressos or Vamus Algarve; for trains, use CP – Comboios de Portugal.
3. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Lagos
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Lagos, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.
>>> Travel Insurance with World Nomads
4. When to visit Lagos?
If you are going to do the trail from Luz beach to the city of Lagos, then choose the end of spring or beginning of autumn. It will still be warm enough for swimming at the beaches, but milder weather for hiking.
Of course, summer is also an excellent time to visit Lagos and, in fact, it is the most popular time to do so. This is primarily a beach destination, but being one of the most popular in Algarve, expect to see a lot of people in July and August.
5. What to eat and where to eat when visiting Lagos?
Gastronomy in Lagos is not very different from the rest of the Algarve coast. Be sure to opt for fish or seafood, such as tuna, clams, octopus or the traditional sardines. Try the Seafood Cataplana, very regional. 😉
As far as regional sweets are concerned, the most famous is Dom Rodrigo. Below I leave tips on where to eat, but there are many other good restaurants in Lagos.
- Taska do Kiko
- Restaurante Prato Cheio
- Casa do Prego
- Cantinho Algarvio
- Casinha do Petisco
- O Camilo
- Alma Lusa
- Restaurante Calhau
- Tasca Jota
- Restaurante A Barrigada
6. Accommodation tips in Lagos
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Baia da Luz Resort | 9.1 | Luz Beach |
| Luz Beach Apartments | 8.8 | Luz Beach |
| Estrela da Luz Resort | 9.1 | Luz Beach |
| Casa da Montanha | 9.2 | Luz Beach |
| Vila Luz | 9.3 | Luz Beach |
| Baluarte da Vila Apartments | 9.0 | Batata Beach |
| Dom Manuel I | 9.0 | Dona Ana Beach |
| Carvi Beach Hotel | 8.4 | Dona Ana Beach |
| Belmar Spa & Beach Resort | 8.7 | Porto Mós Beach |
| Hotel Marina Rio | 9.2 | Lagos City Center |
| Lagos Avenida Hotel | 9.2 | Lagos City Center |
| Lagos Atlantic Hotel | 9.2 | Porto Mós Beach |
| The Salty Lodge | 9.3 | Lagos City Center |
| Clube Porto de Mós | 8.8 | Porto Mós Beach |
| Villas D. Dinis | 9.0 | Dona Ana Beach |
| Cascade Wellness Resort | 9.0 | Porto Mós Beach |
| Costa D’oiro Village | 8.9 | Dona Ana Beach |
| Solar de Mós | 9.0 | Porto Mós Beach |
| Apartamentos Pinhão | 8.9 | Dona Ana Beach |
| Iberostar Selection | 8.6 | Meia Praia |
| Jardim da Meia Praia | 9.1 | Meia Praia |
Things to do in Lagos | Portugal
And now, all things to do in Lagos – Portugal. I prepared a list of 27 tourist spots to be visited, but I’ll start with a brief description of the trail I’ve been writing about.
Map | Things to do in Lagos
Follow the trail from Luz Beach to Lagos
- Link to this Trail on wikiloc: Luz beach to Lagos and Ponta da Piedade.
- Total Distance: ~13km, one way.
- Well market trail, with information panels along the route, and even some wooden walkways.
- Difficulty: easy to moderate. You should wear comfortable shoes (no flip flops), and plenty of water.
- Time Required: full day, with stops at all accessible beaches.
- Taxi to return to Luz Beach: 10€
Visit Lagos Historic Center
Next I will write about Lagos Historic Center. It has enough for a whole day, if you want to take it easy and visit all the museums in the city.
1. Avenida dos Descobrimentos
Avenida dos Descobrimentos is the main avenue in the city of Lagos, and its name is proof of how this city is so linked to the Portuguese discoveries, having been the starting point of several expeditions in the past. It follows Lagos promenade along the Bensafrim river, and has several other points of tourist interest, some of which I will mention in more detail in this article. For example:
- The Statue of São Gonçalo.
- The Fortress of Ponta da Bandeira.
- The Walls and Arch of São Gonçalo.
- The Monument to the 10th of June.
- The Constitution Garden.
- Infante Dom Henrique Square.
- The Navigators monument.
- The Municipal Market of Lagos.
- The Marina of Lagos.
- Among others.
2. City walls of Lagos and Arch of São Gonçalo
The Arch of São Gonçalo is the main entrance to the city of Lagos, being part of the walls and old Castle of Lagos. São Gonçalo is the patron saint of the city and was born in the 14th century in the place where his image is located next to these doors. He is responsible for the Lagos municipal holiday on the 27th of October.
With regard to the walls themselves, here they are quite evident, but there is also an excellent section next to the City Park of Lagos. They were built in several phases, with the oldest walls from the 14th century (Cerca Velha), and the most recent walls from the 16th and 17th centuries (Cerca Nova).
3. Constitution Garden and Governors Castle
The Constitution Garden is immediately in front of the walls of Lagos, having some important monuments of the city, such as the Coat of Arms of Lagos, the Statue of Gil Eanes (who crossed Cape Bojador), and the monument that portrays the Battle of Alcácer Quibir and the disappearance of King D. Sebastião.
Next to this garden stands out the Governors Castle, dating from the 15th century. This place was the residence of the governors of Algarve since the 16th century, later being converted into Santa Casa da Misericórdia in the 19th century.
4. Municipal Museum of Lagos and its several sections
The Municipal Museum of Lagos is, in fact, a collection of several museum spaces in the city, all of which must be discovered and visited! Below I leave you a short summary of the most important highlights.
- Ponta da Bandeira Fort, also known as Fort of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, Fort of Pau da Bandeira or Fort of Registration. It was built in the 17th century to defend access to Lagos pier, and is without a doubt one of the best preserved forts in Algarve, and one of the best achieved at a military level.
- The Museum of Lagos Dr. José Formosinho includes the fabulous Church of Santo António from the beginning of the 18th century, and the Pillory of Lagos. The Church has a beautiful gilded carving to admire, and in this museum you can also access various exhibitions of sacred art, archeology and ethnography, in addition to those on the history of Lagos.
- In the former Crown Barracks from the 17th century, you will find an Interpretation Center of the Urban Evolution of the City of Lagos.
- Don’t forget the Documentation Center of Lagos Museum, with a vast collection of literary works and newspapers dating from the 1930s.
- The Slave Market, which recalls the connection of this city with the slave trade of the 15th century. This museum came about after the skeletons of more than 150 African individuals were found in excavations in the Gafaria Valley.
5. Infante Dom Henrique Square
Infante Dom Henrique square is very close to all the places mentioned so far. Again a place with a name associated with important figures of the Portuguese discoveries. Infante Dom Henrique has, in fact, a statue in his honor in this square.
Also noteworthy are the following monuments:
- The Regimental Warehouse, which served to store the products brought by the ships that docked in Lagos.
- And the Church of Santa Maria, also know as Church of Santa Casa da Misericórdia. The original building dates back to the end of the 15th century.
6. Gil Eanes Square
Gil Eanes square is probably the most important in the city. There you will find the Town Hall and the Tourist Office. In the center stands out the Statue of King D. Sebastião, who in 1573 raised Lagos to the rank of city, and from there left for the battle of Alcácer Quibir, in which he disappeared forever. The Town Hall building is from the 19th century.
7. Luís de Camões Square and Rua Garrett
Another square worth visiting is the square of Luís de Camões where the monument in honor of Portugal’s participation in the 1st World War stands out. It is close to the previous one, only separated from it by Rua Garrett, where there you will find a beautiful fountain, representing an older one from the 16th century. It is called Fonte das 8 Bicas, in portuguese language.
8. Rua da Barroca
Rua da Barroca is one of the most typical streets in Lagos, due to its many arches. Make sure you take a walk through it to discover all its details. This area of the city is believed to have been occupied since the 8th century BC.
9. Municipal Market of Lagos
The Municipal Market of Lagos is housed in a building from 1924, as can be seen from the inscription on its façade. Inside, the tile panel that was placed there during the 2004 restoration. It is an unmissable place to buy local products for a snack on the beach. 😉
10. Church of São Sebastião in Lagos
At the back of the Municipal Market is the Church of São Sebastião. This is perhaps the most imposing church in Lagos, located on the site of the former Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, dating from the 14th century. This hermitage became the Church of São Sebastião only in the 15th century.
I highlight the fact that it has a small bone chapel attached. As a curiosity, there are three similar ones in the Algarve: in Faro, in Alcantarilha (Silves) and in Lagos. As you can see, it’s not just on a visit to Évora that you find this type of creepy chapels. 😉
11. Lagos Marina and Replica of the Caravela Boa Esperança
Don’t forget to admire Lagos Marina and the boats moored there. The biggest highlight goes to the Replica of the Caravela Boa Esperança, which represents the Portuguese caravels from the time of the discoveries. It is made of wood and was built according to the shipbuilding rules of the 15th century.
It is possible to visit the Caravela inside. To find out more, check this website. 😉
12. Wax Museum of the Discoveries
Another incredible place, and still on the same theme, is the Discoveries Wax Museum, with all the main events and famous figures of that time.
Optional places in the City of Lagos
The places mentioned so far are a must when visiting the city of Lagos. However, there are still others to discover if you have more time. I leave you some examples:
- The Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, from the 16th century, but built in the place of a previous chapel from the 13th century.
- The City Park of Lagos, next to which there is a nice section of the city walls. It’s worth the detour.
- The ruins of Santo Amaro Chapel (14th century)..
- The Convent of Nossa Senhora do Loreto, also known as Convent of São Francisco.
- And the Caravela Roundabout, specially at night to observe its lights. Next to it is the Hermitage of São João Baptista.
Visit the Best Beaches in Lagos and Ponta da Piedade
After visiting the historic center of Lagos, it’s time to head to the best beaches in Lagos. I discovered them while doing the trail I already mentioned, but you can go to each one separately on a walk through Ponta da Piedade and surroundings.
13. Meia Praia
I’ll start by writing about Meia Praia, which is an exception to what I just said. This is the beach with space for everyone, due to its enormous extension (over 4km). It is on the other side of Bensafrim River, and is in complete contrast to the beaches of Ponta da Piedade, as it is not a beach with cliffs.
I highlight the Fort of Meia Praia, also known as Fort of São Roque, which dates back to the second half of the 17th century.
14. Batata Beach
Batata beach is not the prettiest, but it is very close to the city of Lagos, which makes it very practical. It is connected by a network of tunnels to Students beach. Here and on the neighboring beach of Solaria, a traditional event in Lagos takes place every year: “banho de 29”, on the 29th of August. On that day the devil is supposed to be on the loose, so people come to bathe here at midnight!
15. Students Beach
Students Beach is already part of the group of beaches belonging to the Golden Coast of Lagos. This coastline extends to Ponta da Piedade, owing its name to the color of the cliffs in the region. At Students Beach, the Roman Bridge of Lagos clearly stands out.
16. Dona Ana Beach
Dona Ana beach was once considered one of the best beaches in the world! It is one of the most famous in the region, my favorite in Lagos, and has fantastic viewpoints on both sides.
17. Pinhão Beach
Pinhão beach is very close to Dona Ana beach, so they should be considered as good alternatives. How about a morning at Dona Ana beach and an afternoon at Pinhão beach?
18. Camilo Beach
To get to Camilo beach, you have to go down a long wooden staircase, but it’s completely worth it, as the view from the sand is fabulous: the best rock formations in Ponta da Piedade are around here and in the surrounding area.
19. Balança Beach
Balança Beach is located in the privileged area of Ponta da Piedade, like the previous one. For those who are more attentive, it is possible to see marine fossils on the beach cliffs. Access is, however, very complicated, without support infrastructure, and is best done by sea.
20. Caves and walkways at Ponta da Piedade
At Ponta da Piedade, the scenery is truly impressive, with some of the most beautiful cliffs in the entire Algarve region. Its countless caves deserve to be visited both from the top of the cliffs and by sea, through a boat or kayak trip.
Ponta da Piedade has walkways located between the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse and Canavial beach. They are an excellent option for those who do not intend to do the entire route from Luz to Lagos, of which they are part.
Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse was built between 1912 and 1913. As a curiosity, in that place existed before a Christian chapel, a Roman temple, a Moorish temple and a fortification.
21. Canavial Beach
Canavial beach has pedestrian access from the top of the cliff. Even if you don’t want to walk there, choose to visit at least the aforementioned viewpoint.
22. Porto Mós Beach
What most characterizes Porto Mós beach are its high, vertical cliffs with an extensive but narrow sand at the base. These cliffs are very different from those at Ponta da Piedade, especially when walking towards Praia da Luz.
Be sure to admire the “Black Rock” as you walk towards the Geodesic Mark of Atalaia, as it is proof of the existence of volcanism in this region 70 million years ago. This rock separates the beaches of Porto Mós and Luz.
23. Luz Beach
Luz Beach is located at one end of the municipality of Lagos. In the surroundings, check out the following sights:
- The Roman Baths of Luz Beach, dating back to the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD.
- The Church of Luz, which dates back to the 16th century.
- And the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz.
Other places to visit in Lagos
On the outskirts of the city, there are still other things to do in Lagos and places to visit, in addition to the beaches mentioned. I leave them here in this section, but they are optional. 😉
24. Monte Molião Archaeological Station
Monte Molião Archaeological Station is located near the city of Lagos, overlooking Bensafrim River estuary. Traces of a settlement from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC can be seen there.
25. Lagos Megalithic Monuments
There are also megalithic monuments in Lagos, of which I highlight the Menhir of Cabeça do Redondo and the Menhir of Odiáxere. Both optional, in my opinion.
26. Lagos Zoo
You can also visit Lagos Zoo, in Barão de São João. It has several species of animals, from the 5 continents, and you can find out more on the official website.
27. Bravura Dam
Bravura Dam is located to the north of the municipality and is also known as the Odiáxere Dam. If you like hiking, why not take a trail near it? Only optional!
Go on Guided Tours in Lagos and Algarve
It is completely mandatory to go on a boat tour in Lagos, specially around Ponta da Piedade. Instead, you can also choose to go on a kayak tour through the caves.
Below are examples of possible guided tours in Algarve with Civitatis, Viator and Get Your Guide. Some are in Lagos, or with Lagos as the destination. If you do your own research, you will find even more alternatives on these websites. 😉
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Tavira Tuk Tuk City Tour 2 - Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour 3 - Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option 4 - From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade 5 - From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour 6 - Benagil Caves and Secret Spots Guided Kayaking Tour 7 - 1-Hour Carrapateira Horseback Riding Tour 8 - From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari 9 - From Lagos: Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour 10 - Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour 11 - Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise 12 - Albufeira: Single, Double or Triple Parasailing Tour
Guided Tours with Viator: 1 - Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira 2 - Boat trip to the caves of Benagil (from Lagos) 3 - Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao 4 - Benagil Cave tour from Faro 5 - Benagil Long Boat tour (From Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha) 6 - Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera 7 - Kayaking in Secret Algarve Benagil Caves 8 - Benagil Area Kayak and SUP (from Albufeira) 9 - Kayak Trip in Lagos and Ponta da Piedade 10 - Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat 11 - Coasteering and Cliff Jumping Near Lagos 12 - 2 hour Off-Road Buggy Adventure Tour from Albufeira 13 - Jeep Safari in the Algarve Mountains (Albufeira) 14 - Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura 15 - Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro 16 - Boat trip to the 3 Islands of Ria Formosa (Olhão) 17 - Classic Food Tour in Lagos 18 - Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira 19 - Tandem Skydiving in Algarve 20 - 2 Hour Surf Lesson at the Algarvian West Coast
Guided Tours with Civitatis: 1 - Tuk Tuk Tour in Tavira 2 - Benagil Caves Speed Boat Ride from Portimão 3 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Lagos 4 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Boat Trip from Lagos 5 - Albufeira Half Day Safari Tour 6 - Faro Walking Tour 7 - Parasailing in Albufeira 8 - Ria Formosa Eco Boat Trip from Faro 9 - Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Carvoeiro 10 - Deserta and Farol Islands Cruise from Faro 11 - Lagos Dolphin Watching or Dolphin Watching in Albufeira 12 - Sagres Coast Sunset Jeep Tour from Lagos
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
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- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
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- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
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- Things to do in Aveiro
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- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoy visiting this city of my country. 😉 If this article with Things to do in Lagos (South of Portugal) was useful for you, please send me your feedback below, in the comment section.
