Get prepared for loads of pleasure whenever you discover Lagos, Portugal. Lagos sits on the Algarve coast and is understood for its well-known seashores, full of life nightlife, and pure magnificence. Surrounded by a golden shoreline full of lovely rock formations, there are many sights to see and actions to do making it the right seashore vacation vacation spot.
Top Things to do in Lagos
Lagos sights are assorted and plentiful. You may hike the Seven Hanging Valleys, go to a museum, or take one of many dolphin-watching boat excursions. There are many issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, and this information will cowl the very best.
1. Ponta da Piedade
If you’ve seen footage of Lagos, the possibilities are that you simply’ve seen Ponta da Piedade. Ponta da Piedade is a headland of placing rock formations, with caves and grottos solely accessible by water. From land, you possibly can hike to the Ponta da Piedade scenic viewpoint, admiring the distinctive formations and snapping the postcard-perfect shot that has turn out to be so related to Lagos.
Visiting Ponta da Piedade is well one of many prime issues to do in Lagos. You’ll spot sea stacks and arches and catch glimpses of the caves when visiting Ponta da Piedade from the land. The burnt yellow rock makes Ponta da Piedade much more lovely, and the orange look is attribute of Portugal’s Algarve area. Even if you happen to go to Lagos for only a few days, prioritize visiting Ponta da Piedade.
2. Take a ship tour from Lagos Marina
So, you can take a ship tour from Lagos Marina to go to the ocean caves and spectacular rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. However, there are many completely different boat journeys you can take, so enterprise right down to the marina and choose whichever takes your fancy. A ship journey is among the finest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The sea breeze, attractive shoreline, and pleasant marine life are a profitable mixture and swimsuit each traveler and their itinerary.
The dolphin-watching boat excursions are extraordinarily in style however be sure you select correctly. We advocate this tour if you happen to’ve by no means seen wild dolphins because it retains a protected distance and doesn’t stress the animals.
Other in style day journeys embrace sundown catamaran cruises and longer, half-day cruises alongside the Algarve Coast. These longer cruises typically embrace breaks for swimming and snorkeling and enterprise to pure sights just like the Benagil Cave.
3. Praia de Dona Ana
Praia de Dona Ana is among the most lovely seashores within the Algarve. The seashore is situated on the Ponta da Piedade headland and is surrounded by limestone formations with golden strata. Easy to succeed in, filled with services like showers and bathrooms, and completely beautiful to take a look at, visiting Praia Dona Ana Beach is among the finest issues to do in Lagos.
You can attain Praia Dona Ana Beach in 20 minutes on foot from Lagos city middle after which climb down from the headland by way of a set of lengthy picket steps. The seashore has calm waters and is superb for much less assured swimmers and households. Praia Dona Ana Beach is your most suitable option out of the Lagos seashores for a calming seashore day. Just get there early to beat the crowds, because it is among the hottest seashores close to Lagos.
4. Praia da Luz
Fancy exploring additional afield? Praia da Luz is a coastal city simply 10 km west of Lagos, and you may simply take a day journey by leaping on the bus for a twenty-minute experience. Praia de Luz has a large seashore with watersports, lifeguards, and cafes – but it lacks the touristy ambiance of Lagos’ seashores.
Visiting Praia da Luz is a superb possibility if you wish to expertise attractive seashores outdoors of Lagos and revel in a unique, extra resort-like ambiance than the seashores in Lagos. It is easy to succeed in on public transport and isn’t a secluded seashore – excellent for a straightforward day journey.
5. Parque Aventura
Parque Aventura is Portuguese for ‘Adventure Park’, which ought to communicate for itself. Parque Aventura is the place to go for an adrenaline rush and enjoyable challenges in Lagos. The park has an in depth excessive ropes course that takes you thru the tree tops. While if you happen to desire to maintain your toes on the bottom, you possibly can check your ability with a paintball recreation on the park’s paintball subject.
We recommend heading to Parque Aventura later within the afternoon when temperatures are not sky excessive. The park stays open till 6 pm day by day, so visiting out of noon warmth shouldn’t be difficult.
6. Spend a morning in Lagos Old Town
For that cobblestone streets expertise, you don’t should enterprise far in Lagos. Lagos Old Town is filled with cobbled streets and colourful buildings, and the historic middle is surrounded by previous metropolis partitions.
Spending a morning in Lagos Old Town is one of the simplest ways to stability time on its finest seashores. There are retailers, bakeries, and small pubs to sit down al fresco with a pint of Sagres. It can be an atmospheric place to strive some conventional Portuguese delicacies too. If you’re going to splash out on a meal, selecting a restaurant or cafe within the Old Town is a good suggestion. And, in case you are caught for selection, the recent seafood is scrumptious.
7. Visit Mercado de Escravos
Mercado de Escravos is certainly one of Lagos’ most lovely buildings, but it additionally holds a few of Portugal’s darkest historical past. Mercado de Escravos was Europe’s first slave market, and the earliest dated slave market held there dates again to 1444.
The museum now educates guests on the slavery tragedy. It reveals the harrowing particulars of the market’s occasions by partaking exhibitions. If you have an interest in socio-political historical past or wish to be taught extra about Portugal’s extra troubling historical past, Mercado de Escravos must be in your radar.
8. Praia dos Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes is one other of Lagos’ finest seashores, and you need to go to it even in case you are solely in Lagos for a couple of days. The small seashore is famed for its distinctive bridges and tunnels, which guests use to entry completely different areas of the seashore. You can swap between the northern and southern sections of the seashore by strolling by a pure tunnel within the cliff face. While overhead, there may be an previous Roman bridge connecting the cliffs.
The format of Praia dos Estudantes simply makes it one of the fascinating seashores on the Algarve. This is the very best seashore for you if you would like a memorable seashore day. Plus, it’s inside strolling distance of Lagos city middle.
9. Go kayaking to the ocean caves
You can actually take a ship journey to see these magnificent caves, however the extra adventurous could be tempted by a kayaking journey. Exploring the ocean caves by kayak is a unique expertise and positively not for the fainthearted or unfit.
You can hire a kayak and head out independently or go on a guided kayak tour – all of it depends upon your confidence. Either approach, you’ll have the ability to rise up shut with the gorgeous formations alongside the coast and see marine life of their pure habitat. You can squeeze by tiny sea caves and tunnels that bigger boats can not match by, providing you with way more alternatives to discover. And, if you happen to get fortunate, a pod of dolphins may pop up round you.
10. Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Praia do Vale de Centeanes is among the prime seashores to take a day journey from Lagos. It takes round forty minutes to drive to and is best to go to when you have a rental automobile, moderately than catching a number of buses. So, why make the journey?
Visiting Praia do Vale de Centeanes is the very best on a windy day as a result of it’s backed by towering limestone cliffs. It is a dramatic introduction to the Algarve’s attribute cliff-backed seashores. It can be way more spacious than the small seashores round Lagos. For a heavenly seashore day, it’s nicely value a day journey.
11. Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos
Family holidays will be tough, particularly on the subject of preserving little youngsters entertained. The Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is solely tailor-made towards households – offering partaking, child-friendly science displays and actions. So in case you are touring with youngsters and wish to maintain them entertained, Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is a enjoyable, dependable possibility.
The science museum is open from 10 am till 6 pm day by day other than Mondays. It is a superb place to go to, escape the noon solar, or maintain busy if the climate is horrible. The museum additionally has indoor and outside displays, making the expertise pleasurable and assorted.
12. Meia Praia
Meia Praia is the most important seashore round Lagos and stretches over 4 km in size. On a busy day, visiting Meia Praia is a technique to assure your self a sunbathing spot. Lagos will get so busy in summer time that Meia Praia turns into a little bit of an emergency possibility.
Meia Praia is conveniently situated simply outdoors the Old Town and inside straightforward strolling distance of the city middle. Visiting Meia Praia is a good concept if you wish to squeeze a seashore day right into a busy day or simply be near many facilities.
13. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
If you want staying energetic, strolling the Seven Hanging Valleys is among the finest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The coastal path is a 5.7km out-and-back path that arguably covers probably the most scenic part of the Algarve shoreline. The route begins at Praia da Marinha and ends at Praia de Vale Centeanes, taking round two to a few hours to finish.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail passes beautiful vistas, together with many sea caves and spectacular formations. You may hike it a method, which might take about 2-3 hours, or stroll the trail as an out-and-back path in round six hours. The selection is yours.
14. Praia do Camilo
Looking for a secluded seashore? Praia do Camilo is the one for you. The small seashore is accessed by a picket staircase of over 200 steps – so put together your self for a exercise. Praia do Camilo is completely definitely worth the effort, although. The seashore has crystal-clear blue-green water and the Algarve’s attribute orange glow in its golden sand and cliffs.
Praia do Camilo additionally has a tunnel connecting two completely different sections of the seashore. You can stroll by the pure tunnel and choose your favourite (or the least busy if you happen to’re visiting in peak season). Praia do Camilo is a enjoyable, fairly place to go to close to Lagos.
15. Visit Ponta da Bandeira Fort
History lovers, this attraction is for you. Ponta da Bandeira is a Seventeenth-century fortress complicated that now runs as a museum and artwork exhibition venue. Ponta da Bandeira overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Praia de Batata Beach and was as soon as a stronghold towards enemies attacking the Algarve from the ocean.
Heading over the drawbridge, you’ll have sufficient exhibitions to maintain you entertained for at the least an hour or two. Ponta da Bandeira is among the finest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, to get a historic perception into the world.
16. Praia da Batata
So, you’ve visited Ponta da Bandeira. As we talked about above, the fort overlooks Praia da Batata, which is a gorgeous seashore to go to close to Lagos. And, if topping up your tan beneath a Seventeenth-century fort sounds memorable, it’s value including to your itinerary. The sands are famously comfortable and golden, and the waters are calm and excellent for swimming.
Visiting Ponta da Bandeira and Praia de Batata is a superb mixture. Start your morning on the fort, after which head to the seashore to take pleasure in some afternoon solar.
17. Spend a day in Faro City
Lagos is filled with issues to do, however since you’ll in all probability journey to Faro for Faro Airport anyway, it’s value dedicating time to exploring Faro as nicely. You may even plan a day in Faro earlier than you fly house.
Faro is well probably the most well-known metropolis on the Algarve. In reality, it’s thought-about by many because the gateway to the area. However, its metropolis middle is a good place to spend a few hours – which we extremely advocate doing. Walk the Old Town to admire the cobbled streets and neoclassical structure. Then go to the main sights just like the Arco de Vila, Faro Cathedral, and the Municipal Museum.
If you haven’t rented a automobile and wish to discover Faro, this tour has you lined. You may even see different cool cities within the Algarve like Olhão, Tavira, and Cacela Velha.
18. Tour inside Igreja de Santo Antonio
Igreja de Santo is an ornate Catholic Church with Baroque structure and plenty of historical past behind it. The church is situated contained in the Old Town and is well added to a morning within the city middle. Igreja de Santo is believed to be the birthing place of Saint Anthony of Lisbon – which means it holds nice non secular significance, particularly amongst the residents of Lagos.
The church inside is attractive, and you may stroll by, admiring the sculptures and no-expense-spared decorations. There’s additionally a small museum, which incorporates displays and extra details about the church and Saint Anthony of Lisbon. Allow an hour or two to expertise Igreja de Santo totally.
Lagos FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the very best issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, let’s take a look at some frequent FAQs.
How to get to Lagos
Lagos is situated in Southern Portugal on the Algarve shoreline. The best technique to attain Lagos is to fly into Faro Airport after which catch public transport to Lagos. You can take a shuttle bus straight from the airport or journey into Faro to catch the practice to Lagos. Allow round three hours for each choices.
Since Lagos sits on the Atlantic Ocean, there are a number of ferry routes if you happen to fancy an journey. You are finest contemplating catching a ferry if you wish to ferry hop down the Portuguese coast.
As additionally it is situated in mainland Europe, you can take a street journey to Lagos from Spain, France, and even the UK in case you are feeling significantly adventurous. Driving throughout Europe is in style, and also you’ll simply have to be snug adjusting to completely different driving types. Also, understand that you’ll want a for much longer time-frame for this, and we’d advocate permitting at the least two weeks to street journey to after which take pleasure in Lagos comfortably.
Getting round Lagos
Lagos is a city and has every part obtainable inside strolling distance. Some of probably the most picturesque seashores within the area are only a quick stroll from Lagos city middle. Plus, there may be Lagos practice station the place you possibly can catch a practice to close by spots on day journeys. You can simply get round Lagos and its surrounding space with out driving a automobile. If you wish to keep native and are solely visiting for a couple of days, we recommend sticking to strolling and public transport.
Of course, you can rent a rental automobile if you would like the liberty to discover additional afield. You’ll have the ability to head up the shoreline and even out to the Valley of Guadiana Natural Park. If that is the case, it’s possible you’ll want to e book a rental automobile to choose up from Faro Airport so to drive to Lagos as a substitute of catching public transport.
Best time to go to Lagos
The finest time to go to Lagos is in its shoulder seasons – early fall or late spring. The trick is to keep away from the crowds however nonetheless get good climate. After all, why not benefit from Lagos’ lovely seashores?
May and June are the very best months to go to Lagos in spring, whereas September and early October are the very best months in fall. Still, struggling to determine? The ambiance tends to be barely higher in spring when native tourism is excitedly warming up for the height season in summer time. It can be normally a bit breezier in spring, which is sweet for outside actions.
Where to remain in Lagos
Last however not least, the place do you have to keep in Lagos? There are a great deal of high-quality choices to swimsuit all budgets, however these are our absolute favorites.
Budget lodge: Old School Guest House
Lagos has hostels, however it’s higher to remain on the Old School Guest House for just a little additional. It is the highest-rated budget-friendly possibility in Lagos, and every visitor will get a double or twin room. It additionally has a central location in Lagos city middle.
You’ll have a shared kitchen, free bikes, complimentary wi-fi, and even BBQ services. There’s additionally a paid airport shuttle to make your airport expertise extra stress-free.
Mid-range lodge: Fazenda Viegas
Fazenda Viegas is a privately run resort moderately than a big business lodging selection. The advantage of that is that there are considerate touches like on-site wine tasting classes, a welcome drink, and implausible sporting services like a soccer pitch and volleyball courts.
Guests can select to remain in an condo or villa, and whenever you aren’t swimming within the outside pool, you possibly can head to the closest seashore – about 2km away.
Luxury lodge: Boavista Golf & Spa
If you need luxurious, say no extra. Boavista Golf & Spa is a five-star property with all of the indulgent services you can need. Guests select between townhouses and villas, so neglect about cramped lodge rooms or small condo complexes. There can be a shared rooftop terrace, limitless leisure actions, and an indoor heated pool. While for additional pampering, you possibly can head to the spa to take pleasure in a sauna, steam room, scorching tub, and health club.
To Conclude
A visit to Lagos is among the finest seashore holidays you can soak up Europe. Between the beautiful landscapes and vibrant Portuguese tradition, there are such a lot of issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. We hope you get the possibility to expertise as lots of this stuff as doable.
Once you’ve visited Lagos, you need to discover the remainder of the Algarve area. There are many wonderful cities in Portugal, plus the Douro Valley and Obidos if you happen to journey additional up north. Trust us, you’ll want a return journey.