The weather is getting warmer and you find yourself daydreaming about paradisiac beaches? Let’s give you some ideas and make your dreams come true with the city of Lagos. Located in the beautiful western region of the Algarve, Lagos has a rich maritime heritage and a coastline with breathtaking landscapes. Book your flight tickets to Portuguese paradise!
Discover with us:
What not to miss?
Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade literally translates as "Point of Piety", and runs along the coast of the Algarve. Geologically, it is a set of very detailed rock formations. It took millions of years of erosion to sculpt these limestone walls in a unique way. You can access it by walking, paddle, boat, or kayak. Take your time exploring the caves, especially la gruta dos Amores.
The old town
Between beach days, it's always nice to take a day to visit the old town. This particular one is full of architecture. We advise you to take the Infante Dom Henrique square as your starting point. As you continue along the cobbled streets, you will come across beautiful traditional houses. They lead you to the medieval ramparts and the Governors' castle.
The beaches (Praia do Camilo, Praia da batata, Meia Praia, Praia Dona Ana)
Finally what you came for! A few minutes away from the historical center, you can find the paradisiac beaches of Lagos.
Meia Praia offers powerful surfing waves and a beautiful natural setting. Sheltered by the wind, this beach of soft sand and turquoise waters is ideal for families.
Praia Dona Ana is a picturesque beach, surrounded by golden cliffs. It’s the perfect place for scuba diving and taking amazing pictures.
Nestled between cliffs, Praia do Camilo is a little more isolated so it guarantees a peaceful afternoon with all the calm you need. You can’t access this beach by public transport, so it’s 40min by walk.
Praia do Batata is the closest one to the center. It’s ideal for those who don’t like to feel isolated since there is good infrastructure. During summer, you can enjoy the volleyball and handball championships on the beach.
What else to visit?
Ponta da Bandeira
Built in the 17th century, this fort was used to guarantee the defense of the old port. Inside, you will find a small chapel with tiles from the eighteenth century. It’s a privileged point of view to see Lagos.
The market
From Monday to Saturday, the market of Lagos is open and ready to make you discover new Portuguese flavors. They have fruits and vegetables, but also cheese and local products. Thus, you can do your souvenir shopping by bringing back Portuguese wines, jams, and honey. The place people always miss? There is a nice restaurant on the top floor where you can admire a beautiful view of the city.
The Lagos zoo
If you want to see exotic birds, monkeys, reptiles, and more while learning about the zoo's conservation, education, and protection, you’re at the right place!
How to travel there?
The best way to get to Lagos is by plane. When you land at the Faro airport, you have different kinds of transportation to get to Lagos, located 90 km to the west.
By car is the fastest way to get to Lagos. Rent a car from one of the agencies at Faro airport and reach your destination in 1 hour. Just take the E01 road and then the A22 highway, with tolls.
By train or bus, you must first board a cab, an Algarve Transfers Direct shuttle, or buses #14 and #16. They will drop you off at the bus or train station, depending on the option you choose. Buses and trains leave several times a day for Lagos. It takes about 2 hours to get there.
When to travel there?
We would advise you to come from late April to early May or from mid-September to late October. It’s really the best time to enjoy the charms of the Algarve while avoiding the crowds. Indeed, late spring and early fall offer temperatures around 25°C, which is ideal for swimming on the beaches of Lagos.
Average costs
Based on the experience of other visitors, you should spend around 100€ per day per person. For three meals a day, it’s around 27€ per person. To give a global vision, we would say one person spends 660€ in a week, so a couple 1300€.
Where to eat?
The main goal of your vacation? Avoid the touristy restaurants! For a cool vibe and some delicious food, follow our recommendation.
Casa do Prego offers traditional Portuguese cuisine with steaks and a variety of tapas. The service is also excellent and it’s better to arrive early to take full advantage of the rooftop terrace, which has an amazing view of Lagos. We recommend the Lisboa steak, cooked with garlic butter and one egg.
After a long hot day by the beach, what’s better than enjoying fresh tapas and cocktails? Pass by Meu Limao for large portions and low prices. They also have seafood, salads, bites to share, and homemade sangria and lemonade.
Looking for a festive atmosphere? We found The Green Room: a Mexican café with burrito bowls, tortillas, and quesadillas. Everything is super yummy and you can order a strong margarita or mojito for your meal and be set for a great night!
We hope you enjoyed the article, please feel free to like and share it! Check out our article on what to eat in Portugal, but also discover the Portuguese Art and Culture and the curiosities in Portugal that nobody tells you, and follow us on Instagram @thewalkingparrot for more adventures!