25x The best things to do in Lagos Portugal

What to do in Lagos, Portugal

There are plenty of things to do in Lagos, Portugal, and it’s also a fantastic base from which to explore the rest of the Algarve region. Let’s first look at some sights you can discover in the town and then at some tours and activities in the area.

One or two days might be sufficient to find all the sights in Lagos. But a one- or two-week holiday is recommended to explore the rest of the Algarve.

1. Lagos Old Town

The city centre in Lagos, Portugal, is a maze of narrow streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and charming squares. Lagos Old Town is a beautiful place to walk around, and you’ll discover some of the most important sights in town. Examples are the Church Igreja Santo António and the Fortress of Ponta da Bandeira. Enjoy walking around the cobbled streets and exploring all its beauty.

2. Fortress of Ponta da Bandeira

The Fortress of Ponta da Bandeira was built in the 17th century to protect Lagos from pirate attacks. It’s hidden behind the city walls and close to the beach Praia do Cais da Solária. The fort has a drawbridge, and within the complex, you’ll discover a chapel dedicated to Santa Barbara.

You can visit art exhibitions and the Museum of Discoveries in the barracks. From the fort, you have some of the best panoramic views over the area.

3. Ponta da Piedade

The world-famous Ponta da Piedade is a must-see during your stay in Lagos. It’s one of the most popular sights in the whole region! The unique limestone formation is believed to have formed around 16 million years ago, and the colourful rocks contrast brightly with the azure blue sea. There are several ways to explore its natural beauty, with sea caves, cliffs, and beaches.

You can take a lovely boat trip along the coast for the best views of Ponte da Piedade. But you can also walk to the lighthouse, which dates back to 1913, and walk along the cliffs. It’s a unique spot to watch a magical sunset! Don’t forget to take the steps down at Ponta da Piedade. This staircase will bring you all the way to sea level, and you’ll see some of the rocks and caves up close. You can park your car near the lighthouse, and a small restaurant with bathrooms is next to the car park.

Are you a morning person? Then, a paddle board or kayak tour for sunrise is fantastic! You’ll still have the place to yourself, and the landscape is just stunning! You’ll discover the 2-kilometre-long coastline full of hidden bays, sea arches, caves and rocks. Tours usually last about 2 to 2,5 hours. Most trips leave from the Lagos Marina.

From the sea, Ponte da Piedade looks even more impressive! Ponte da Piedade translates to Piety Point, and you’ll discover some of the best beaches between the spectacular rock formations. The cliffs are roughly 20 meters high, so do be careful, and don’t go near the edge! Some rocks also got names over the years. Can you locate the elephant, the kissing couple, and the camel head?

4. Church of Santo António

If you’re up for a sparkling sight, visiting Igreja de Santo António is a must. The baroque-style church is known as one of the most beautiful in Portugal. It is decorated with a lot of gold, and the paintings on the roof are mesmerising!

The church was built in 1707 and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake in 1769. It is closed on Mondays and holidays. On all other days, it is open between 10 AM and 12:30 PM and 2 PM and 5:30 PM.

5. Igreja Paroquial de Santa Maria 

Igreja Paroquial de Santa Maria is a 15th-century church, and the interior differs significantly from Igreja de Santo António. The roof has spectacular patterns, and the altar contains beautiful statues. This church was rebuilt in the 19th century, as it was also destroyed during the earthquake. The church is open daily from 9 AM until 7 or 8 PM. On Sundays, opening times may differ.

6. Best beaches in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve! From the town centre, you can easily walk over to Praia do Cais da Solária, Praia da Batata (Potato Beach), and Praia dos Estudantes. You reach Praia dos Estudantes through a tunnel from Praia da Batata, known for its Roman-style bridge.

The bridge is located on the southern part of the beach and was once part of the fortress of Pinhão. During low tide, you can walk from here to Praia do Pinhão. It’s a small beach, so Praia dos Estudantes and Praia da Batata can be jam-packed during the high season.

Another famous beach is Praia de Dona Ana. This beach is located around 1.8 kilometres from Lagos’s town centre. There are plenty of facilities, and it’s an excellent spot for a day at the beach. 

Praia do Camilo is one of the most picturesque beaches. It is located between Praia de Dona Ana and Ponte da Piedade. You can reach the beach by a long, steep staircase, which is THE spot to take a picture! It’s a small beach, and you can expect it to be packed in summer. You can visit two small beaches that are connected by a tunnel.

Meia Praia Beach is a place to enjoy a long beach walk and more space. It’s not overcrowded and easy to reach from Lagos. Meia Praia Beach is around 4.5 kilometres long and stretches all the way to Ria de Alvor. It’s one of the most pristine beaches and perfect for a dip in the refreshing sea!

You’ll find Praia do Canavial and Praia de Porto de Mós on the other side of Ponta de Piedade. These beaches are also more extensive and have more space. Praia do Canavial is a little hard to get to, but it is nice and quiet all year round. It’s also an unofficial nude beach, just so you know. 

Porto de Mós Beach is larger and easier to get to. It’s a popular spot with locals and surfers. The waves are more prominent as this beach is more to the west.

7. Castelo de Lagos

Castelo de Lagos, also known as the Castle of the Governors, was built in the 17th century. The medieval castle, which once contained seven gates, is now a national monument. Enjoy the stone architecture, the arched access tunnel, and the beautiful towers on either side.

8. Jardim da Constituição

Jardim da Constituição is next to the castle and Igreja Paroquial de Santa Maria. The park is small, but it is a lovely place to take a break. You can spot the Lagos city walls from the garden and enjoy a nice view over the river.

9. Lagos Marina

Lagos has a gorgeous harbour known as Lagos Marina. There are several restaurants along the waterfront, and it’s a nice place to walk. Take a look at the stalls to find some nice Portuguese souvenirs for the home front, or enjoy some ice cream in the sun.

10. Mercado Municipal de Lagos

Mercado Municipal de Lagos is worth your time if you like visiting markets. You can buy local produce such as fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and other local delicacies. You can also visit Mercado Municipal to soak up the atmosphere! The market is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM.

11. The Lagos Tourist Train

For those who can’t walk far distances or can take a break from all that walking, the Lagos Tourist Train is a welcoming relief. You can travel through the city centre to beaches like Camilo Beach or Dona Ana Beach, Ponta da Piedade and visit Lagos Marina.

The Tourist Train Lagos only runs in the summer, and a ticket costs € 4,00 per person for one ride or € 5,00 per person for the whole day. Children up to 4 years old can travel for free. You can check the route and schedule here. The tour takes about 55 minutes.

12. The Slave Market Museum

Mercado de Escravos is a historic building. Nowadays, you can visit a museum about the slave trade that occurred here for hundreds of years. The structure was used for military administration and later as a customs house.

Lagos was a major maritime town trading with Africa. Expeditions brought back enslaved Africans, sent throughout Europe, bringing considerable income to the Portuguese monarchy and merchants. The profit of selling enslaved people back then could be as high as 700%! Ships full of enslaved people were sent to the former colonies, and boats returned full of sugar, coffee, tobacco, rice, cotton, and other precious cargo.

The Slave Market Museum opened in 2016, and during your visit, you’ll learn a lot about the slave trade in Lagos and Portugal. You can visit between Tuesday and Sunday, from 10 AM until 12:30 PM, and 2 PM and 5:30 PM. A ticket costs € 4,00.

13. Museu de Lagos – Dr José Formosinho

Another interesting museum is Museu Municipal Dr José Formosinho, located in a Baroque church. It’s a great place to learn more about the history and culture of the municipality of Lagos. The collection covers archaeology, sacred art, Lagos’s history, Algarve ethnography, painting, numismatics, mineralogy and overseas ethnography.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM—the last entry is half an hour before the museum closes. The entrance fee is € 3,00, but ticket combinations are available. For example, you can also visit Forte Ponta da Bandeira or Rota da Escravatura. Combi tickets cost between € 4,00 and € 6,00.

15. Discover the restaurants in Lagos, Portugal

If you like a good meal, Lagos has plenty of options to choose from! For a nice lunch, Pom Pom Bagels is a fantastic spot! And also, Empanadas & Co. serves amazing empanadas (what’s in the name)!

For dinner, you can book a table at The Garden. The outdoor seating area is charming! Seafood lovers will enjoy dinner at Restaurante Pescador, but Pizzaria Luzzo is a lovely place to visit if your kids prefer a pizza.

Tip: Some restaurants require a reservation, so book in time! Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.

Fun tours from Lagos, Portugal

Lagos has plenty of sights, and the Algarve boasts some of the most famous activities in Portugal! Lagos is the perfect spot to venture out and book some tours! Let’s have a look at some of the highlights!

16. Visit Benagil Cave

The number one place to visit in the Algarve is the Benagil Cave. These stunning sea caves are close to Algar de Benagil. The biggest one, Benagil Cave, is often called the Benagil Cathedral and has a circular hole at its top. But there are many more caves and stunning rock formations along the beautiful coastline!

You can reach the famous sea cave by kayak, canoe, or boat (Don’t swim to the caves! The current can be strong, and it’s unsafe to do so). Boat tours leave Lagos regularly, and it is important to book your excursion in time!

If you decide on a boat tour, you’ll visit the main cave for a brief moment to take some images. If you venture out by canoe or kayak, you can also enter the shore. It gets bustling here during the high season, so come early or expect some big crowds.

17. Dolphin watching in Lagos

The Algarve is also known for its underwater animals. Step on board a catamaran or boat and discover the many dolphins that live in these waters. Of course, there is no 100% guarantee you’ll see them, but changes are significant.

There is even a chance to see whales! Different tour operators offer various boat tours. Some work with marine biologists, and others stop for a break and allow you to swim or go snorkelling.

18. Jeep tour from Lagos

If you prefer to stay on land, a Jeep tour is a terrific way to explore the surroundings of Lagos. You’ll stop at some small villages, and some guides will even bring you to a local Medronho (a traditional fruit brandy made from arbutus berries) distillery!

These tours are great for discovering more places in the Algarve, and the Jeep will take many windy and off-the-beaten-path roads.

Fun things to do in Lagos with kids

The Algarve is a beautiful place for families to visit, with a lot for children to do! There are plenty of activities to keep both parents and kids entertained!

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Lagos has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families with kids of all ages.

20. Parque Aventura Lagos

Parque Aventura Lagos is perfect for those who are not afraid of heights! You’ll encounter several challenges with several high ropes and courses between the trees. There are bridges, rope nets, and giant zip lines to be conquered! In total, there are three different levels so that everyone can participate.

The price depends on your height and adventure level, and the minimum climbing height is 1.00 meters. After a climbing session, you can play an unforgettable Paintball match. The paintball site is 2500m2 inside a forest, with plenty of obstacles and challenges!

21. Slide & Splash – Waterpark

For a splashing day at a water park, Slide & Splash is perfect! The waterpark contains multiple slides, such as the Big Slides Tower, the Boomerang, and the Kamikaze. There are unique slides for the youngest children, and if you like to take things easy, you can take a plunge in the pool. Tip: chill in the jacuzzi while your kids are on their adventure!

Each adventure slide has its restrictions and minimum height regulations. Visitors between 11 and 64 years old pay € 33,00 for a full day, and children over 1 metre in height and up to 10 years pay € 25,00. Children under 1 meter in size can visit the waterpark for free. Slide & Splash is located about 30 minutes by car from Lagos. You can take a taxi, drive, or organise transport to the park.

22. ProPuttingGarden

If you prefer to stay in Lagos town, you can visit the ProPuttingGarden. The miniature golf course is fun for all ages and is easy to reach from the town centre. The mini golf experience is fun for kids, and a 9-hole junior course and an 18-hole full course are available.

Lagos for active travellers

Lagos is also a paradise for active travellers! Besides kayaking and canoeing along the coast, there are other great activities in Lagos, Portugal, for the sportive traveller. Let’s have a look at some fantastic outdoor activities around Lagos!

23. Golf courses in Lagos

The Algarve has many golf courses, some very close to Lagos. Check out Palmares Golf, for example, where you can also stay!

There are three 9-hole linked golf courses next to the ocean, and you can stay at the Beach House Hotel or the Palmares Signature ApartmentsVilla Penina is closer to Alvor and Portimão but equally stunning.

Fairviews Village – Boavista Resort is located in Lagos, and a Green 9 is less than a kilometre from your apartment.

24. Hiking trails around Lagos

One of the best ways to enjoy the rugged coast is to follow the boardwalk in Lagos. The trail is between Ponta da Piedade’s lighthouse and Praia de Porto Mós. The route is also accessible by people in a wheelchair. Especially during sunset, this is a gorgeous spot for a walk!

The Carvoeiro Boardwalk is a 45-minute drive away. You’ll find a wooden boardwalk on top of the Algar Seco cliff. It’s a short walk that takes around 10 minutes, but you can extend this gorgeous walk into a proper hike known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a 6-kilometre (3.73-mile) coastal route with some of the best views of the Algarve! A one-way trip usually takes two to three hours, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the view. The return journey is 12 kilometres (7.45 miles), so you should plan a whole day for this hike.

You’ll walk from Praia da Marinha Beach to Vale Centeanes Beach, and the PR LGA1 route is one of Europe’s most beautiful trails! This hike is perfect during the colder months. If it’s sunny, take care of the sun, bring enough water, and protect your skin. It’s a moderate to medium challenging trail and should be avoided on stormy and windy days.

Another stunning place to hike is Serra de Monchique. This mountain range is inland, and you can climb the 902-meter-tall Fóia Mountain. Passadiço Barranco do Demo is one of the most popular trails, but there are a total of 43 scenic routes in the mountains! You can even combine a hike with a Medronho tasting. If you prefer a relaxing visit, you can visit the thermal baths in Caldas de Monchique.

🥾 Tip! Use the AllTrails App to discover the best hiking trails in Portugal and the rest of the world. You’ll find all the trail information and can use offline maps to stay aware of your location!

25. Watersport activities in and around Lagos

With its location next to the ocean, you can expect a lot of activities on the water! You can enjoy paddle boarding, canoeing, sailing, surfing, diving and much more! Watersport activities are available for all ages and are great for families.

Retreats and relaxing in Lagos

After all these activities, you might take things easier and spoil yourself! Thankfully, there are man retreats in and around Lagos. Don’t forget to check out the best yoga retreats in Portugal! Enjoy a 4-Day Solo Destress and Recharge Retreat in an Ecodesign & Spa Hotel! Or join an 8-Day Juice Detox Retreat with Yoga for Body, Mind, and Spirit in Lagos.

When is the best time to visit Lagos?

The average temperature in Lagos is 21.5 °C; even in winter, it’s rarely under 10 °C. July and August are the warmest months and perfect for a beach holiday! But they’re also the busiest time of year. Therefore, many travellers prefer to visit Lagos between April and June and September and October.

Where is Lagos located, and how can you get there?

Lagos is located in southern Portugal on the Bensafrim River (Ribeira de Bensafrim) and the Atlantic Coast. It’s one of the larger cities in the region and has good connections to Faro Airport and Lisbon.

How to get to Lagos from Faro?

The easiest way to get to Lagos from Faro is by train or bus. The journey by train takes around two hours and is often direct or with a transfer in Tunes. Flixbus doesn’t operate this route, but you can take a local bus. Line 57 Transrápido runs between Lagos and Faro.

Many travellers organise private transfers or a taxi between the two cities. Especially with luggage, this might be the easiest and definitely the quickest. Tip: Download Uber or Bolt (cheaper) and book a transfer with them on the spot, or book a transfer with Kiwi Taxi in advance.

If you’ve rented a car or organised a transfer, the trip to Lagos takes around an hour. We usually rent a car at Faro Aiport if we arrive in Faro.

Getting around in Lagos

If you stay in Lagos and don’t plan to venture out much, a car is not needed. Most things in Lagos are within walking distance, and you can explore the nearby places by local bus and train. Bus and train connections can be less often, so planning and scheduling times might be handy. Lagos Train Station is located near Lagos Marina and is within walking distance from the Old Town.

You can also book tours online and discover the region with guided tours. As Lagos is so popular, there are so many options! Some tour operators offer a hotel pick-up, or you’ll meet in a central location. You can also take many boat trips from Lagos Marina along the Algarve coast.

If you like to travel off the beaten path and have the freedom to explore the Algarve on your own terms, hiring a car in Lagos is super easy! This way, you can travel to the mountain range Serra de Monchique, stunning beaches like Praia da Bordeira, and towns like Cabanas. 

Discover Cars offers excellent deals, and you can rent a car with some of the best rental companies in Portugal. We often rent with Sixt, Hertz or Europcar and you can easily compare prices. Click on the banner below to book a cheap rental car in Lagos!

Towns to visit from Lagos

Lagos is a stunning town, but the Algarve has many more beautiful places to visit. Visit the nearby Praia da Luz, for example. Or make a trip to Sagres Fortress and visit some beautiful beaches around here. 

Alvor is a stone’s throw away from Lagos, and this picturesque village is a must-see. Praia de Alvor is perfect for a long beach walk, with some stunning hiking trails along the Odiáxere River.

Monchique is perfect for those who like hiking. Even in summer, it’s pretty quiet here. The town is surrounded by mountains, and you can visit the thermal baths.

A visit to the Algarve isn’t complete without a visit to the capital, Faro. The town has many sights, and the nearby Ria Formosa is perfect for nature lovers. Tavira is another favourite town with a castle, a Roman bridge, many churches, and a lovely town centre.

FAQ

Final thoughts about a vacation in Lagos

With so many activities, it’s easy to see why many people love visiting Lagos! Whether you travel alone, with your partner, kids or friends, I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time in town! Venture out to surrounding villages and discover the many tours in the Algarve. Places such as Ponta da Piedade and the Benagil Caves are definitely must-sees!

If you like this area but are looking for a quieter place, Salema, Praia da Luz or Alvor are great options. You can also stay in the mountains and discover Monchique and Aljezur. You can easily spend two weeks in the region and enjoy the summer holidays near the gorgeous beaches. But also in spring and autumn, the Algarve and Lagos have much to offer!