Best of Lagos (Portugal): Travel Guide, Beaches & Our Tips

Many people consider Lagos the most beautiful city on the Algarve coast. It’s undeniable: the mix of a historic, well-kept old town with charming attractions and stunning beaches nearby is unbeatable.

We think that Lagos is a must-see during a holiday in the Algarve, Portugal. Plus, if you’re searching for an ideal home base for exploring the Algarve, we highly recommend Lagos as a starting point.

In this travel guide, you’ll find out exactly what to expect in Lagos. We introduce you to the most beautiful attractions in Lagos and share our personal tips. Such as: Which beaches are a must-visit? Where can you find the best coffee in town? And where is the best place to stay in Lagos? Let’s go!

1. Lagos in Portugal: First Tips & FAQs

What can I expect in Lagos?

• Lagos = the perfect blend of old town and beach. With its whitewashed houses and beautifully renovated alleys, the old town of Lagos is truly a gem with plenty of attractions to discover.
• The old town itself is worth a visit. However, the icing on the cake are the impressive beaches around Lagos. Some are located within the city limits and can be reached on foot from the old town.
• Lagos is quite touristy. We visited in early February and it was surprisingly busy. We can only imagine what it’s like in summer.
• Trendy cafés and restaurants are abundant in Lagos. You can literally hop from one avocado toast to the next and search for the city’s best flat white.
• Ideally located to explore the western part of the Algarve, many great excursion destinations and attractions are accessible from Lagos. For instance, the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente or the beaches around Aljezur.

How many days should I plan for Lagos?

How long you should stay in Lagos depends heavily on what you want to experience. Our specific tip: Stay…

• 2 nights if you just want to explore Lagos and the nearby beaches.
• 3 to 4 nights if you also want to make one or two excursions.
• 5 nights or longer if Lagos is your only destination in the Algarve and you want to experience a lot from here.

When is the best time to visit Lagos?

You can theoretically travel to Lagos all year round. In summer (from mid/late June to early/mid-September), it’s peak season. If possible, we would avoid this time. Due to the holidays, it can be very crowded in the Algarve.

In spring and autumn, the temperatures are milder and the Algarve is not quite as crowded (although still well-visited). The Atlantic is relatively cool for swimming – so if you’re after a beach holiday, autumn might even be slightly more suitable for you.

We ourselves were in the Algarve – including Lagos – in winter, specifically in early February. The advantage of the off-season: You can have some beaches completely to yourself. Still, Lagos was far from deserted – quite the contrary. The town was quite lively.

In winter, just expect some minor restrictions. For example, some accommodations and restaurants go into winter break. It’s obviously not ideal for a beach holiday (unless you like it cold). However, lying in the sun is still possible, as temperatures are pleasant. Although there are a few rainy days in the month, you might get lucky with 20 degrees and sunshine.

2. Lagos Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Our Tips

In this chapter of our travel guide, we introduce you to the key attractions in the old town of Lagos. We recommend setting aside at least half a day for your visit – a full day would be even better.

Old Town of Lagos

All the attractions we’re discussing in this chapter are within the old town of Lagos. However, we’d like to briefly introduce the old town separately and talk about what to expect here.

From the first moment, it’s clear: Lagos is spruced up and simply a jewel. The old town is a charming mix of white houses and narrow, almost perfectly paved alleys.

In our view, the most beautiful spot in the old town is the quaint, picturesque Praça Luís de Camões. The standout feature here is a curved house clad in green “Azulejos.” It’s not a classic tourist attraction but actually a children’s concept store.

Waterfront & Harbour of Lagos

You shouldn’t leave Lagos without taking a stroll along the waterfront, known as Avenida dos Descobrimentos.

The palm-lined promenade stretches along the river to the south until reaching Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, the somewhat unspectacular fortress of Lagos.

The harbour of Lagos is also located along the waterfront. If you cross the small drawbridge (which is accessible only to pedestrians), you’ll find yourself directly in the Marina of Lagos. This area is perfect for enjoying the scenic views and catching a glimpse of the maritime life that characterizes this charming town.

Praça Infante Dom Henrique

One of the most famous squares in the old town is Praça Infante Dom Henrique, which you will pass as you stroll along the waterfront towards the fort. It is named after Henry the Navigator, who is also commemorated here with a monument.

Another attraction on this square is the lovely Igreja de Santa Maria. The church was originally built in the 15th century, destroyed by an earthquake, and then rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century.

Historically, the square gained a sad notoriety: In 1444, it hosted the first slave market in Europe. A museum, known as Mercado de Escravos, commemorates this dark past.

Fish Market

One of the most famous attractions in Lagos is its legendary fish market. It takes place at the distinctive market hall right by the harbour, operating daily except Sundays from 8 AM to about 2 PM. The earlier you arrive, the more bustling the atmosphere.

The market stalls on the first floor (offering fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, etc.) are not as exciting. However, we highly recommend visiting the rooftop terrace of the market hall. From there, you have a beautiful view of the waterfront and the harbour of Lagos, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local vibes and scenic surroundings.

Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning, there’s a farmers’ market called Mercado Levante. Local farmers sell their products at small tables, offering a variety of goods such as fruits, vegetables, jams, honey, pastries, and much more.

Although tourists occasionally wander into this market, we found it to be surprisingly authentic. It’s quite lively – so if you want to dive into the local market life, this is the place to be. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture and sample some fresh, regional produce.

3. Beaches in and Around Lagos

The beaches around Lagos are an attraction in their own right: rugged, wild, rocky – simply spectacular to behold. In this chapter, we introduce you to the most beautiful beaches in and around Lagos.

We have arranged the beaches from north to south, starting with the beach closest to Lagos. Theoretically, you can reach all the places mentioned here on foot from Lagos.

Praia da Batata & Praia dos Estudantes

The first beach you encounter when you walk south from Lagos is Praia da Batata. This beach is located right next to the fortress, making it very central and consequently very popular and quickly crowded in the summer.

From Praia da Batata, you can walk along the water past the rock formations to reach Praia dos Estudantes and Praia do Pinhão. These two coves are also highly scenic and worth a visit.

Praia Dona Ana

Praia Dona Ana is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Lagos, known for its rugged, spectacular scenery set between steep cliffs—a true natural gem.

However, its beauty comes at a cost in the summer: during the day, the beach can get extremely crowded. Good news for early birds: since the beach faces east, you can experience stunning sunrises here—allowing you to enjoy the beach in peace. So, it’s a win-win situation.

Praia do Camilo

Hello, postcard view! Praia do Camilo is accessed via a long wooden staircase, making it one of the most popular photo spots around Lagos. The beach itself is smaller than expected but boasts a breathtaking backdrop.

Our tip: If you want the beach to yourself, there’s no avoiding an early morning visit. Like the previously mentioned Praia Dona Ana, this beach also faces east—perfect for capturing great photos.

Especially in the summer, you’ll have to share the beach with many other visitors during the day. Finding a parking spot can also be a challenge at these times. However, this is generally not a problem in the off-season. If you’re planning to walk from Lagos, plan about half an hour for the journey.

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is not a traditional beach but rather a rugged headland located about 3 kilometers south of Lagos. In our opinion, this spot is one of the most beautiful ones in the Algarve and thus a must-see when visiting Lagos.

Here, you’ll find spectacular rock formations, hidden coves, and a picturesque wooden walkway that winds along the cliffs. Our tip: We chose to visit at sunset – and it was the best decision!

There’s a large parking area where you can leave your car. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the lighthouse and thus to the coast. The views and the changing colors of the sky and sea at sunset are truly unforgettable.

4. Lagos Travel Guide: Tips for Excursion Destinations Around Lagos

Cabo de São Vicente

One of the most famous attractions not only around Lagos but throughout the Algarve is the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente. This cape is considered the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. From Lagos, it takes about 40 minutes to reach by car.

Driving along the road through the barren landscape towards the lighthouse, you really feel as though you’ve reached the end of the world. The nature here is very rugged, wild, and untouched.

We were amazed by the power with which the waves crash against the cliffs – a fascinating natural spectacle. You can hike along the cliff top here and enjoy wonderful views. Caution is advised as there are no fences, so if you’re with children, please be extra careful.

Not far from here is another well-known attraction, the Sagres Fortress. From this extensive fortress complex, you also have fantastic views. The area’s historical significance and its dramatic ocean vistas make it a worthwhile addition to any visit to the Algarve.

Praia de Monte Clérigo & Aljezur

The wild West coast of the Algarve, known as Costa Vicentina, is definitely worth a trip. If you’re not staying there for a few days, we at least recommend a day trip. From Lagos, the stunning Praia de Monte Clérigo can be reached in just under 40 minutes.

Praia de Monte Clérigo is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. You can easily access the beach via a paved road. The atmosphere here is raw and wild. On the day we visited, it was extremely windy, which perfectly suited the untouched character of this beach.

Little Tip: Sunset is particularly beautiful here. Especially in the off-season, you’ll have the beach almost to yourself—apart from a few locals with their dogs. Absolutely magnificent.

Praia de Monte Clérigo is not the only noteworthy place in the area. Another breathtaking spot is Ponta da Atalaia, a stunning cliff south of Praia de Monte Clérigo.

Close to Praia de Monte Clérigo, you can also visit the small town of Aljezur. Thanks to the many expats in the area, there are some trendy spots here, such as the vegan restaurant Roots.

More Excursion Destinations Around Lagos

Of course, that’s not all. The Algarve has much more to explore. Other places that you can easily reach from Lagos include the former fishing village of Ferragudo and the Carvoeiro Boardwalk. You can find more inspiration and useful tips in our comprehensive travel guide about the Algarve.

Here’s our detailed travel guide: Algarve Road Trip

5. Food and Drinks: Culinary Travel Guide for Lagos

Since Lagos is well-developed in terms of tourism, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants here. Many are quite trendy – think avocado toast and flat whites with oat milk. In this chapter, we share our tips for great dining spots in Lagos.

Black and White Coffee Shop: One of the trendiest cafés in town. Here you’ll find excellent breakfast options – from avocado toast to cruffins, everything is on offer. The coffee here is especially noteworthy; we haven’t found better coffee anywhere else in Portugal. The inside of the café isn’t very cosy due to the echo, but it’s very nice to sit outside. Next door, they also offer drinks and snacks to take away.

Orta by Casa Mãe: This restaurant in the chic boutique hotel Casa Mãe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner to external guests as well. The boho ambiance around the open kitchen is very inviting. The prices are on the higher side. Or, as we would put it, the price-satisfaction-ratio could be better.

Padaria Central: Looking for really good Pastéis de Nata? Then we highly recommend this bakery (“Padaria” = bakery). Here you’ll find all sorts of sweet Portuguese specialties, as well as bread and pastries. This is a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste authentic local flavours.

6. Our Hotel Recommendations for Lagos

Option 1: Casa Margô

If you’re looking for boutique apartments with excellent value for money, we highly recommend Casa Margô. This accommodation is located in a lovingly restored 17th-century building in the heart of the old town of Lagos, specifically on the beautiful Praça Luís de Camões.

The apartments might appear quite simple and minimalist at first glance, but they offer everything you need and much more. Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen (everything from pots to a juicer is available). The beds are very comfortable, and the staff are exceptionally friendly.

The central location is perfect for exploring Lagos on foot. Parking can be a bit challenging. However, there is a free public parking lot about 5 minutes away from the hotel.

Option 2: Casa Mãe

If you want to check into one of the hippest boutique hotels in town, then Casa Mãe is the right choice. This hotel is one of the trendiest in Lagos. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that a real oasis of comfort has been created here.

The rooms come in various styles (Boho, minimalist, vintage) and are spread across several buildings. Each one is tastefully decorated. Casa Mãe is located in a quiet corner of the old town of Lagos, yet everything is within walking distance.

The only significant downside is that the prices are on the higher side. Otherwise, it’s highly recommended for those looking for a special place to stay.

7. Map: All Attractions & Tips of our Lagos Travel Guide at a Glance

For better orientation, this map provides a comprehensive overview of all key attractions and highlights of our Lagos Travel Guide. Our tip: If you click on the rectangle in the top right corner, you can open the map in the Google Maps app on your smartphone. This way, you can conveniently navigate from point A to point B while you’re in Lagos.

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Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A massive thank you from us both!

Have you ever been to Lagos in Portugal? How did you like it? What attractions, excursion destinations, or beaches would you like to add? We’d love to hear your tips and experiences below this travel guide!