9 Fun things to do in Lagos Algarve Portugal

Last updated: March 2026

Ah, Lagos, the town that finally convinced me to visit Portugal. Maybe it was its rocky cliffs or impossibly clear water, but no matter what drew me to this Portuguese beach town, Lagos is a dream. Located in the in southern Portugal's Algarve region, the town boasts unique landscape and rich history. It attracts all kind of visitors from family to outdoor adventurers. But despite its popularity, Lagos still maintains its small-town charm.

I spent three days in Lagos, but I could have easily stayed an extra day or two. Wondering what to do in Lagos Portugal? Plenty! The town offers a wide range of activities; whether you love exploring cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, or go on reinvigorating hikes and then simmer under the sun, there's something to do for everybody.

I visited Lagos on my road-trip through Portugal, check out my 10-Day Portugal Road Trip Itinerary

Best Things To Do in Lagos Portugal

For such a small beach town, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Lagos has a wide range of things to do - although I wouldn't have minded lying by the beach all day long. But alas, let's enjoy everything this town has to offer!

Explore Lagos Old Town

In the heart of Lagos, you will find the old city. It is a wanderers' heaven with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant ambiance. As you wander through the Old Town, you'll discover a treasure trove of cultural and architectural delights. Admire the intricate Manueline style of the Church of Saint Anthony, or immerse yourself in history at the Lagos Municipal Museum. Lagos Old Town offers a mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences, from cozy cafes and traditional taverns to unique shops selling handmade crafts - I got a beautiful hand crafted ceramic jar here and I would have gotten more items if it wasn’t for my small luggage. Dedicate at least a few hours or half a day to explore it.

Lagos Old Town - Fun things to do in Lagos Algarve Portugal #Portugal #Europe

Go Kayaking

One of the best ways to sightsee the incredibly scenic coastline of Lagos is by kayaking! You get to explore the breathtaking caves as well as the secret beaches. You can rent a kayak or go on a guided tour – highly recommend this option if you are a newbie. Check out this 2-hour guided kayak tour that takes to Ponta da Piedade.

Kayaking in Lagos - Fun things to do in Lagos Algarve Portugal #Portugal #Europe

Enjoy freshly caught seafood

Seafood lover, rejoice! If you are in Lagos, savoring fresh seafood is a must. The catch of the day? More like the catch of the hour because it is that fresh. Check out these restaurants for a delicious seafood feast.

Tasca Do Kiko
Estr. de São Roque A, 8600-315 Lagos | More Info
Inventive seafood tapas or how Portuguese call it, petiscos.
A Barrigada
Estr. de São Roque A, 8600-315 Lagos | More Info
No-fuss fresh seafood.
O Mexilhao
R. Gil Eanes n5 A, 8600-752 Lagos | More Info
Traditional Portuguese seafood dishes and more.
Taberna do Comilao
R. Soeiro da Costa 26a, 8600-525 Lagos | More info
Traditional seafood petiscos.

For a list of delicious food you must try in Portugal, check out my Foodie’s Guide To Portugal.

GROTTO BOAT TOUR

If you want to see Lagos's coastline but kayaking is not your thing, don't worry, I got you covered! Another great way to check out Lagos' incredible caves and rock formation is by going on a boat tour. I took this 75-Minute Boat Tour, and they were great. The company uses small boats that can go in and out most caves – so we were up close and personal - unlike other tours.

Guide to Lagos Algarve Portugal. Itinerary to Lagos #Portugal #Europe

Enjoy Lagos Beaches

In Lagos, you will find some of the best beaches in the world! The golden sand, crystal clear water, and rocky formation make for dreamy beaches along Portugal's Algarve coast. Some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Lagos are Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana, and Praia Batata, Meia Praia. But there's also Praia Grande, Praia dos Estudantes, and Praia Batata.

Praia do Camilo

Praia do Camilo, with its glorious scenery and crystal clear water is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lagos – but honestly, all beaches in Lagos are beautiful. Enclosed by the rocky cliff, Praia do Camilo feels like a secluded beach.

Praia de Dona Ana

Praia Dona Ana is probably the most popular beach in Lagos. Even if you decide not to go to the beach, the scenery from the clifftop is beautiful. It can get very busy, so make sure to arrive early.

Praia do Pinhão

Praia do Pinhão, though not as popular as Camilo and Dona Ana, is a favorite among locals and those who seek smaller crowd. The beach is smaller than Dona Ana but wider than Camilo, nonetheless just as beautiful - nestled by towering cliffs and quiet coves.

Note: Praia do Pinhão closed in 2024 following a cliff collapse. For the latest beach conditions, check locally on arrival.

Visiting Lagos Beaches Tips:

You can find free parking by the beaches, but make sure to arrive early, as it gets filled up fast.
Bring some cover! Or you will roast faster than bacalhau on St. Anthony's day – Portuguese reference, ha! Some of the beaches have umbrella plus chair for you to rent.
Bring water and snacks – There aren't any vendors at the beach so you will have to make your way back to the top if you want anything.
Bring sunscreen! The sun is strong here.

Best beaches in Lagos Algarve Portugal #Portugal #Europe

Check out Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is without a doubt the main attraction in Lagos – at least in my opinion. The beautiful golden rock formation amid impossibly blue water is simply jaw-dropping. There are two ways to see Ponta da Piedade: by sea and by land. By water, you can go on a boat or kayaking tour, either way, you get up close. By land, you can walk the clifftop boardwalk and make your way to the long set of stairs that takes you to one of the coves. Walking will give you the best view of Ponta da Piedade. I highly recommend checking it out both by water and land.

How to get to Ponta da Piedade?

There's no public transportation to Ponta da Piedade, so your options are walking, driving, or taxi. There is, however, if you visit in the summer, the Lagos Tourist Train. It's a small tourist train that stops in convenient tourist location including Ponta da Piedade. For more information, check out their website. If you are driving, at the beginning of the boardwalk, there's a parking lot next to the lighthouse by Praia Grande.

Ponta da Piedade Lagos Portugal - 3 Day itinerary in Lagos including complete guide to Lagos Algarve #Portugal #Europe

Dolphin Watching

Want to do something different in Lagos? Go marvel at dolphins in their natural habitat - the right way to enjoy Mother Nature's wonders. You can go on a boat tour to spot dolphins. Tour companies don't guarantee dolphin sighting - if they did, I wouldn't trust them – but there's a high chance of seeing dolphins. Check out this tour operated by the same company I used.

Go Hiking in Lagos

Want to enjoy the best views in Lagos? Go hiking! It's the best way to admire the golden coastline in the Algarve region. And because of its rocky cliffs, there are plenty of hiking trails along the coast. My favorite hiking trail was the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

The Percurso do Sete Vales Suspenso or Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is technically located outside of Lagos - a 40-minute drive by car. But it is one of the most scenic hikes that you simply cannot miss. The trail is 3.7 miles (7.4 miles round-trip) and goes from Praia do Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes. I didn't have time to complete the hike, but you will get jaw-dropping vista from the get-go. So don't feel like you are missing out if you do not complete the trail, but you will be rewarded with the view from above of the Benagil Cave if you do.

Since the trail is 40 minutes away, you can make it a day - or half-day - trip and include the Benagil Cave tour to your itinerary. There are also a few beautiful beaches in the area like Praia Marinha and Praia da Mesquita that you will want to check out.

Parking: There's a free parking lot at Marinha Beach. It gets filled fast, so make sure to arrive early – before 10 am.

Hiking in Lagos Tip:

Bring a light jacket or windbreaker – even if it's warm, it can get very windy.
Wear appropriate shoes, preferably hiking shoes, as part of the trail is very rocky.
Bring snacks and water.

For a complete guide on hiking outfit, check out my Guide to Hiking Outfit for Women.

Beach view - Seven Hanging Valleys Trail West Algarve Portugal - 30 minutes away from Lagos #Portugal

See The Iconic Benagil Cave

If you research the Algarve region of Portugal, you will see pictures of the Benagil Cave pop-up everywhere. It is one of the most iconic attractions in the area. If you plan to check it out, I recommend doing so by boat tour or kayak tour. You could also go on your own by renting a kayak and make your way there, but I do not recommend swimming there. If you do the Seven Hanging Valleys hike, you get to see the cave from above!

Tours in Lagos

3 Days in Lagos Portugal: The Perfect Itinerary

Not sure how to structure your time? Here's exactly how I'd spend 3 days in Lagos.

Day 1 — Old Town, Beaches & Sunset at Ponta da Piedade

Start your morning exploring Lagos Old Town. Wander the cobblestone streets, pop into the Church of Saint Anthony, and grab a coffee at one of the local cafés. Give yourself at least 2 hours here. It's the kind of place where you lose track of time in the best way. After the old town, head to Praia do Camilo for the morning. Arrive before 10am to get a spot, it fills up fast in summer.

For lunch, grab a seat at one of the clifftop restaurants overlooking the water.In the afternoon, make your way to Ponta da Piedade. Walk the clifftop boardwalk first for the panoramic view, then take the stone stairs down to the coves.

If you have time, book a late afternoon kayak tour, the golden light on the rock formations at that hour is something else.

Day 2 — Boat Tour, Praia de Dona Ana & Fresh Seafood

Start day two with a morning grotto boat tour. The small boats go in and out of the sea caves up close, book in advance as these sell out fast in summer. After the tour, head to Praia de Dona Ana for the afternoon. It's the most popular beach in Lagos for a reason, the scenery from the clifftop alone is worth the trip even if you don't go down to the sand.

End your day with a proper seafood dinner. Head to Tasca Do Kiko for inventive petiscos, or A Barrigada for no-fuss fresh catch. Make a reservation, both get busy.

Day 3 — Dolphin Watching & Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

On your last day, start early with a dolphin watching tour from the marina. Tours run in the morning when the sea is calmest and dolphin sightings are most likely. In the afternoon, drive 40 minutes east to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You don't need to complete the full 7.4-mile route to make it worthwhile, even the first 30 minutes of the trail delivers jaw-dropping views of the Algarve coastline. If you have the energy, keep going and you'll be rewarded with a bird's-eye view of the Benagil Cave.

Tip: If you want to visit the Benagil Cave itself, add a kayak or boat tour from Praia de Benagil before the hike. It makes for a full but unforgettable day.

Hiking in Lagos Portugal - Your complete guide to Lagos Algarve Portugal. Everything you need to know including where to eat, where to stay, and what to do. #Portugal #Europe

Day Trips from Lagos Portugal

One of the best things about basing yourself in Lagos is how much of the Algarve you can explore from here. Most of these day trips are under an hour by car — making Lagos the perfect home base for the region.

Sagres & Cape St. Vincent

Distance from Lagos: 30 minutes by car

Sagres feels like the edge of the world, because historically, it was. Cape St. Vincent is the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, where the Atlantic stretches endlessly in every direction. The dramatic clifftop fortress and the working lighthouse make for one of the most atmospheric stops in all of Portugal. Come at sunset if you can, it's one of those views that stays with you. Sagres town itself is small and low-key, with great surf beaches and a handful of excellent seafood restaurants. Worth combining into a half-day or full day.

Benagil Cave & Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Distance from Lagos: 40 minutes by car

If you didn't get to these on your main Lagos days, they absolutely deserve a dedicated day trip. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail runs 7.4 miles along some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe, golden cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise water at every turn. The trail ends near Praia de Benagil, where you can jump on a kayak or boat tour to see the famous Benagil Cave from the water. Note: since 2024, new regulations mean you can no longer land inside the cave or swim to it, book a guided kayak or boat tour to visit it legally and safely.

Silves — The Algarve's Medieval Gem

Distance from Lagos: 35 minutes by car

Silves is one of the most underrated towns in Portugal. Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, it's home to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country, the red sandstone walls of Castelo de Silves rise above the rooftops in a way that makes the whole town look like a painting. Far fewer tourists than Lagos, genuinely local feel, and excellent for a slow afternoon of wandering.

Portimão & Praia da Rocha

Distance from Lagos: 20 minutes by car

If you want a beach day with a different vibe, Praia da Rocha in Portimão is one of the longest and widest beaches in the Algarve. The dramatic orange cliffs at one end make it one of the most photogenic stretches of coast in Portugal. Portimão town is also worth a quick wander, it has a good market and some excellent local seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

How to get to Lagos

Depending on where you arrive in Portugal, there are several ways to get to Lagos.

By Plane

Lagos doesn't have an airport, so you will have to fly to the nearest one in Faro, Faro International Airport (FAO) and then make your way to Lagos either by car or bus. Right outside Faro Airport – walking distance – you will find the car rental companies. Pick up your car there, and make your way to Lagos. If you opt for taking the bus, you will have to get to the city first as the buses depart from Faro city center.

By Car

Whether you pick up your car at Faro Airport, in Lisbon, or any other city, driving in Portugal is very easy and convenient. The roads are in great shape and drivers tend to be relaxed. Oh, and despite how far Lisbon may seem from Lagos, it’s only a 3-hour drive away. What about driving in Lagos? It was straightforward, and there are several parking lots in the city center and by the beaches. Just make sure to rent the Via Verde transponder to pay for tolls electronically.

From Lisbon to Lagos By Train

You can travel to Lagos from Lisbon – or any other city in Portugal - by train. It takes about 4 hours, and tickets cost 19€ - 40€. The only downside of traveling by train to Lagos from Lisbon is that you will have to switch train in Tunes. You can buy the ticket online and depart from either Lisboa Oriente or Entrecampos.

From Lisbon to Lagos By Bus

The most convenient way to travel from Lisbon to Lagos - if you are not renting a car - is probably by bus. It's a 4-hour ride and cost about 19€ -30€. You can buy the ticket online departing from Lisboa Oriente or Lisboa Sete Rios.

How I traveled to Lagos

Since Lagos was the starting point of my road trip through Portugal, I made my way to Faro airport from Seville, picked up my rental car there, and drove to Lagos. Let the adventure begin!

Guide to Lagos Algarve Portugal #Portugal #Europe

Where to stay in Lagos

There are many accommodations within the town and right outside. If you are looking for a boho-chic hotel, with a promising restaurant, and convenient location, check out Casa Mãe. I initially wanted to stay here but waited too long to book it, and they were sold out. Don't make the same mistake!

Another great option if you have a car is Aldeia Azul, located 10 minutes away from the town's center. It's a beach resort type villa that comes with a full kitchen and laundry machine. It also has a great restaurant and parking lot. I ended up staying here and really enjoyed it.

If you want to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway, check out Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel. The modern and minimalistic design amid the blue scenery of Meia Praia and Lagos Bay is the perfect oasis you didn't know you deserved.

Best time to visit Lagos

The best time to visit Lagos is June through September for the best weather – the warmest months of the year. In the winter, Lagos can get very cold, windy, and rainy. Which will cut in half the activities you can do in town. But with that in mind, it’s also the busiest time of the year. I recommend visiting in early June or late September. Avoid visiting Lagos peak tourist season in July and August.

Also Visiting Lisbon?

Frequently Asked Questions About Lagos Portugal

Is Lagos Portugal worth visiting?

Absolutely. Lagos is consistently rated one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, and for good reason. The combination of dramatic golden cliffs, world-class beaches, a charming old town, and fresh seafood makes it one of those rare places that exceeds expectations. If you're visiting Portugal, Lagos is non-negotiable.

How many days do you need in Lagos Portugal?

Three days is the sweet spot. Day one for the old town and beaches, day two for Ponta da Piedade and a boat or kayak tour, day three for hiking or a day trip to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and Benagil Cave. If you can stay longer, you won't regret it.

What is Lagos Portugal known for?

Lagos is best known for its jaw-dropping coastline, particularly Ponta da Piedade, a golden rock formation with sea caves and natural arches that looks almost unreal. It's also known for some of the best beaches in Europe, a well-preserved medieval old town, and being one of the top surf destinations in Portugal.

When is the best time to visit Lagos Portugal?

Late May, June, and September are ideal, warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. Winter is mild but windy and rainy, which limits beach and outdoor activities significantly.

Is Lagos Portugal expensive?

Lagos is more affordable than most Western European destinations. Budget travellers can get by on €60–100 per day (hostel, market meals, free beaches). Mid-range expect €120–180 per day (hotel, sit-down restaurants, one paid activity). Boat and kayak tours typically cost €30–50 per person.

How do you get to Lagos Portugal?

The easiest way is to fly into Faro Airport (FAO) and either rent a car - highly recommended for exploring the Algarve - or take a bus to Lagos city center. From Lisbon, you can reach Lagos by train in about 4 hours (€19–40) or by bus in a similar time for slightly less. Driving from Lisbon takes about 3 hours.

Is Lagos better than Albufeira?

They attract different types of travellers. Lagos has a more authentic feel, better preserved old town, more dramatic coastline, and a slightly quieter vibe outside peak season. Albufeira is larger and more resort-oriented with a bigger nightlife scene. For scenery, beaches, and character, Lagos wins for most travellers.

Do you need a car in Lagos Portugal?

For the town itself, no. Lagos is walkable and most beaches are reachable on foot or by taxi. But if you want to explore the wider Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Benagil Cave, Sagres, or Cape St. Vincent, a car makes a significant difference. Renting one at Faro Airport is easy and relatively affordable.