Lagos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Lagos showing a gorge or canyon and a beach as well as a large group of people

The Algarve’s golden-sand beaches and cobbled, old town streets are on show in this fun-filled resort that’s among the most popular holiday hotspots in Portugal.

Life’s all about fun in the sun when you visit Lagos. Explore sandy coves and the Algarve’s postcard-worthy sea stacks within walking distance of town. Encased in 16th-century walls, the historic centre of Lagos is an atmospheric maze of churches and museums. Don’t forget your hiking shoes for panoramic coastal walks high on the cliffs.

Blue skies and warm water temperatures in summer make for idyllic Lagos beach holidays. Soak up the winter sun or make the most of seasonal landscapes for hiking in spring or autumn. The Algarve hosts numerous exciting annual events, including the Ria Formosa Festival for seafood lovers.

Things to do in Lagos

Step back in time at fascinating historical sites in Lagos. The 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira features a moat and a museum, along with spectacular views from the ramparts. At Mercado de Escravos, delve into Portugal’s role in the slave market in one of Europe’s first slave market buildings. See Portuguese coins and Roman artifacts at the Museu Regional de Lagos. The highlight of Castelo dos Governadores is the castle’s Manueline window.

Gaze at limestone sea stacks from Ponta da Piedade after a hike along the coastal trail. The iconic landscape of caves and arches is best viewed at sunset. Alternatively, see it during a ride aboard the Lagos Tourist Train, a great option for families with kids. Hop on and off at various attractions, starting at Lagos Marina. For souvenirs, spend leisurely hours browsing the stores along Rua Candido dos Reis.

Outdoor activities in Lagos

Beach hop to your heart’s content in Lagos. At the centre of the action is Meia Praia, a vast stretch of golden sand where you can participate in thrilling water sports then have a hearty meal at one of the restaurants lining the back of the beach. Admire the towering limestone cliffs at Praia da Dona Ana as you swim in calm, sheltered water. Hire a kayak to paddle around Praia da Batata exploring caves and catch some waves at Praia de Porto do Mos.

Join boat trips from Lagos Marina to spot dolphins and visit secluded coves for snorkelling. Along with hiking the coastal trails, set aside a day to traverse the pine tree-lined trails of the National Forest of Barão de São João. You won’t have to travel far to tee off on golf courses with nature views, including at Boavista Golf and Spa.

Dining and nightlife in Lagos

Try traditional seafood stews and creamy bola de Berlim doughnuts at charming restaurants across Lagos. Stroll along the Bensafrim River on Avenida dos Descobrimentos promenade for ice creams, then choose a restaurant in the largely pedestrianised old town. If you’d rather whip up your own feast, buy local produce at the Mercado Municipal de Lagos.

Settle in for the night with water and yacht views at the elegant restaurants and bars of Lagos Marina. For romance, board a sunset dinner cruise. Check the schedule for music and dance concerts at the Centro Cultural de Lagos. If you’ve got your dancing shoes on, bar and pub hop along the buzzing Rua 25 de Abril.

Getting around Lagos

Fly into Faro International Airport and rent a car or take a bus or taxi ride for about 60 minutes to Lagos. Once there, beaches and attractions are within easy walking distance of fabulous hotels. Otherwise, use the tourist train, taxis and buses to get around. Take day trips by train from the Lagos Train Station, including to Albufeira and Silves.

Where to stay in Lagos

Santo Antonio Church showing a city and a sunset

Lagos City Center

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Lagos City Center is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like First European Slave Market and Santo Antonio Church.

Lagos City Center
Dona Ana Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Ameijeira

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ameijeira, Pinhao Beach and Dona Ana Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Ameijeira
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Porto de Mós

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Porto de Mós, Porto de Mos Beach and Praia do Canavial are top sights worth seeing.

Porto de Mós
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Funchal

5/5(1 area review)

Funchal might not have many top sights, but Boavista Golf and Lagos Marina are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Funchal
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Atalaia

4/5(1 area review)

When in Atalaia, you can plan a visit to Boavista Golf and Porto de Mos Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Atalaia
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Telheiro

4/5(4 area reviews)

Telheiro might not have many top sights, but Lagos Marina and Lagos Municipal Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Telheiro
Tivoli Lagos
Tivoli Lagos
4 out of 5
Rua Antonio Crisogono dos Santos, Lagos
The price is £79 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
£79
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (995 reviews)
"The Beth tub is too small and easy slippery on but"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2024

Tivoli Lagos
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 beach bars. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (948 reviews)
"Excellent location and great amenities"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Cascade Wellness Resort
Cascade Wellness Resort
5 out of 5
Rua das Ilhas, Lagos, Algarve
The price is £126 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
£126
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (751 reviews)
"I highly recommend this property. Amazing service. Great spa. AND wonderful trails to explore the cliffs that this property sits on. No need to gi anywhere for food unless u want to explore Lagos more. They have three restaurants on site and there’s a huge breakfast buffet with made to order omelettes. ..."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Cascade Wellness Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dom Pedro Lagos
Dom Pedro Lagos
3 out of 5
Meia Praia, Lagos
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (311 reviews)
"Really nice stay, perfect for our 3 nights & all clean and tidy - apartment is a little tired but that doesn’t spoil the experience, delightful views, polite staff - all good"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2024

Dom Pedro Lagos
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 beach bars. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (948 reviews)
"Excellent location and great amenities"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Marina Club Suite Hotel
Marina Club Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Marina de Lagos, Lote 20, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (424 reviews)
"The staff at the hotel were very friendly and went out of their way to make sure everything was ok."

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024

Marina Club Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lagos

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
69
" "5 - Excellent 62.16216216216216%
4 - Good
38
" "4 - Good 34.234234234234236%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 2.7027027027027026%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9009009009009009%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

In late Feb / early March, it’s out of season so much of the restaurant offer isn’t open yet. This also means very few tourists (excellent). Weather was mostly dry, intermittent sunshine, around 18 degrees.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Mar 2020

Lovely beach, nice town and great place to chill out for some winter sun

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
26 Feb 2020

I only stayed for one night, but I beleive Lagos would have enough to do for a week plus.

5/5 - Excellent

philip
16 Jan 2020

Our eighth trip to the Algarve, and Lagos is by far the best place we've stayed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Jan 2020

So much to see and do. Beaches, boat trips, walks, shopping,bars,restaurants, history and culture. Lagos to me has everything for all ages

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Lagos is a nice town with a lot of restaurants to enjoy, beautiful beaches, and easy access to numerous places in vicinity. Lux, leading to Praia da Luz, is a much smaller place and is by and large deserted at this time of the year (end of October).

Cities near Lagos