Lagos, Portugal

 
The Portuguese town of Lagos sits within the district of Faro. In the western area of the Algarve.

Like so many other places in the Algarve, it's an old fishing village and without doubt one of the jewels of the area.

Here the charm of Portuguese history and tradition blends with tastefully done tourist facilities and beautiful beaches.

What to see in Lagos

Lagos old town

Much of the wall that once protected the town is still standing, and within it you'll find cobbled streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, plus the Church of Santo António, with gorgeous baroque carvings and tiles to admire.

The historic centre of Lagos is almost entirely pedestrianised, which makes it a real pleasure to wander around.

At the Mercado Municipal de Lagos you'll find fresh fruit and fish, with a café and a restaurant on the upper floor.

You can also visit the Roman Archaeological Site of Lagos, a small set of ruins made up of two buildings put up in the 2nd century BC.

Down by the sea stands a 17th-century fort with lovely views over the beach and the town. Inside there's a small exhibition on the age of discovery, since Lagos was often the starting point for those voyages.

Lagos has a nightlife scene that's pretty lively, especially in summer.

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a natural monument in Lagos. Its rock formations and cliffs of up to 20 metres make it an incredible place that we recommend visiting. It's one of the prettiest places in the Algarve.

To get to Ponta da Piedade you have two options:

• On foot: you head for the lighthouse of the same name, the Farol da Ponta da Piedade, then take the steps built into the cliffside for some lovely views.
• By boat: the best way, as you get the full picture from the water. Boats leave from Marina de Lagos and, as well as taking you out to the cliffs and rock stacks, they'll show you the caves. Have a look at this one: Boat trip around Ponta da Piedade.

Marina de Lagos

The modern Marina de Lagos has room for almost 500 boats and its facilities have made it an important arrival point for anyone sailing in from far away.

Several trips set off from here to the neighbouring beaches and the beautiful rock formations along this stretch of coast.

Beaches in Lagos

But the best thing about Lagos is without doubt its beaches.

Some of them are among the finest in the Algarve. Like the famous Praia Dona Ana.

• Vale da Lama/ Ria de Alvor (estuary beach)
• Meia Praia (lifeguards – easy access – facilities)
• Praia da Batata (lifeguards – easy access – facilities)
• Praia da Dona Ana (lifeguards)
• Praia do Camilo (restaurant – parking)
• Praia do Porto de Mós (lifeguards – easy access – facilities)
• Praia da Luz (lifeguards – easy access – facilities)
• Praia do Pinhão (no lifeguards – difficult access on foot – no facilities)
• Praia dos Pinheiros (no lifeguards – difficult access on foot – no facilities)
• Praia Grande (no lifeguards – difficult access on foot – no facilities)
• Barranco do Martinho (no lifeguards – difficult access on foot – no facilities)
• Canavial (no lifeguards – difficult access on foot – no facilities)

See Hotels in Lagos.

Tours and activities in Lagos

Hotels in Lagos

One of the prettiest corners of the Algarve.

You can look for hotels in Lagos if you're after beautiful beaches, boat trips and a visit to the stunning Ponta da Piedade.

Lagos is an hour's drive from Faro Airport and three hours from the capital, Lisbon.

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Reasons to choose a hotel in Lagos

• Beautiful beaches
• It has its own marina
• Several boat trips leave from here
• Lovely old town
• Nightlife
• Visit the Roman archaeological site in Lagos
• Visit the Ponta da Piedade rock formations

Best area to stay in Lagos:

The old town is the most popular area, though you can spread out to the surrounding areas too, especially if you're travelling by car.

 

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See all the hotels in Lagos here.

Recommended hotels in Lagos

Topcity Hostel & Suites

Suites Inn Lagos

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Inn Seventies

Casa Mãe

Boutique Taghostel