I spent 3 nights staying in Lagos during my Algarve trip, before moving on to Portimão for two nights then ending with a night in Tavira. This itinerary provided what felt like a pretty perfect Algarve mix, with each town offering a totally different vibe.
While I wasn’t based in Lagos for the whole trip, I’m glad this is where we (I travelled with a friend) ended up spending the most nights. Honestly, we easily could’ve spent the whole trip staying in Lagos – it’s definitely one of the best bases in the Algarve, especially for first-time visitors who want beautiful beaches, a charming town, and plenty to do without needing a car.
Where is Lagos and Why Is It a Good Base in the Algarve?
Lagos is located on the western side of Portugal’s Algarve coastline, around 90km from Faro, the region’s main city and home to the Algarve’s international airport.
Being one of the Algarve’s westernmost towns was actually what drew us to Lagos first. We decided to start our Algarve trip here before working our way back along the coastline through Portimão and further east to Tavira. It felt like a really logical way to explore the region, especially as we were flying home from Faro Airport.
✈️ I always use Skyscanner to search for cheap flights, choosing ‘flexible dates’ to find the cheapest options around when I’m free to travel.
How to Get to Lagos from Faro Airport
From Faro Airport, getting to Lagos is relatively straightforward thanks to public transport connections, although it’s worth checking timetables in advance as services aren’t always frequent and may not run late into the evening.
- 🚌 Bus: Direct buses connect Faro Airport with Lagos, making it possible to reach the town without first travelling into Faro city.
- 🚆 Train: There is no direct train from the airport, but you can take a short bus journey into Faro city and catch a train from Faro station to Lagos. Buses into Faro are frequent, and this is the route I personally took when visiting Lagos.
If you’d prefer a quicker or more flexible journey, there are also private transfers and car hire available from the airport.
- 🚖 Private transfer: If you’re arriving late, travelling with lots of luggage, or simply want the easiest option, a private transfer from Faro Airport to Lagos offers a hassle-free journey straight to your accommodation.
- 🚗 Car hire: Planning to explore more of the Algarve? Hiring a car from Faro Airport gives you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints and charming towns at your own pace.
Why Lagos Is a Great Base in the Algarve
Being able to easily get to Lagos is just one part of what makes it such a popular place to stay in the Algarve. Once you arrive, you’ll quickly see why it stands out as one of the best places to stay in the region.
Lagos is a lively, walkable town with a lovely historic town centre full of restaurants, cafés and bars. Wherever you stay in or around the town centre, you’re never far from the beach, with some of the Algarve’s best beaches located in and around Lagos. From the long sandy stretch of Praia de São Roque to the picturesque Praia da Batata and Praia Dona Ana, there are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy without needing to travel far.
Lagos is also one of the Algarve’s main starting points for tours and activities. Many of the region’s most popular experiences, including boat trips, kayaking tours and dolphin watching excursions, depart from Lagos Marina. This makes it easy to explore the coastline without needing to travel elsewhere.
Lagos is also well connected to the rest of the Algarve, making it easy to explore nearby towns, beaches and attractions by car, bus, train or organised tours. This makes it a great choice if you want to see more of the region while still having a lively town to return to each evening.
Plus, a real highlight is that Ponta de Piedade, an impressive natural landmark made up of limestone cliffs, sea caves and dramatic rock formations, can be accessed directly on foot from Lagos. Having one of the Algarve’s, and in fact Portugal’s, most iconic sights right on your doorstep is pretty special, and it’s another reason Lagos is such a good place to base yourself.
Where to Stay in Lagos: Best Areas & My Experience
During my visit to Lagos, I stayed at Sensations Guesthouse in Ameijeira, a quieter residential area just outside the Old Town and around 1km from Lagos Marina. I actually really enjoyed staying in this part of Lagos because it gave us the chance to experience a more local side of town, away from the main tourist areas.
After spending the day exploring beaches and hiking along the coastline, it was lovely to return to somewhere peaceful and relaxed, without feeling disconnected from the rest of Lagos or needing to rely on taxis or other transport. There are also plenty of restaurants and takeaway options nearby, which worked out especially well one evening when a big storm hit and we decided to stay closer to our accommodation.
The guesthouse itself was great value for money. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the overall atmosphere was calm and welcoming. We opted to include breakfast during our stay, which made mornings easy and meant we could head straight out to explore more of the Algarve without having to worry about finding somewhere to eat first.
✨ Interested in staying at Sensations Guesthouse? Check current prices and availability here.
While Ameijeira worked really well for us, it won’t be the perfect fit for everyone. Some travellers may prefer to stay closer to the historic centre, be within walking distance of more restaurants and nightlife, or have the marina right on their doorstep for joining tours. So, let’s take a look at the other best areas to stay in Lagos.
1. Lagos Old Town – Best for Atmosphere & Central Location
If you want to step out of your accommodation and be right in the heart of the action, Lagos Old Town is one of the best places to stay. It’s a particularly good choice for first-time visitors, or anyone on a short trip looking to soak up the atmosphere while having the town’s main restaurants, bars, shops and sights on your doorstep.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the ability to explore Lagos entirely on foot. The train station, marina, nearby beaches and many of the town’s highlights are all within walking distance.
It’s also one of the best areas for evenings, as this is where you’ll naturally find yourself gravitating to after a day of exploring. You can easily wander the streets, enjoy dinner and drinks, and not have to worry about travelling far to get back to your accommodation.
Compared with staying near the marina or closer to Praia Dona Ana, the Old Town offers a more atmospheric and central experience, especially if the evening scene is important to your trip.
While there’s no doubt the Old Town is an amazing place to stay, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Being one of the busiest areas in Lagos, especially at night and during peak season, it can be noisier than other accommodation areas. The cobbled streets can also be less convenient if you’re arriving with heavy suitcases. Even if you arrive by taxi, you may still need to walk a short distance to reach your accommodation, as many of the narrow streets aren’t accessible by car.
Where to Stay in Lagos Old Town
Lagos Old Town has a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels and apartments, making it a great choice for all types of travellers. Some top accommodation options in Lagos Old Town include:
The MN56 Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Lagos Old Town, with a rooftop pool, beautiful design and a fantastic location for exploring the town on foot.
The Salty Lodge – Stylish apartment-style accommodation in the heart of Lagos Old Town, with a rooftop terrace, sea views and beaches just a 5-minute walk away.
Lagosmar Hotel – A popular, great-value hotel in the heart of Lagos Old Town, with a rooftop terrace and a fantastic location for exploring the town on foot.
For budget travellers and solo backpackers, there are also some great hostel options in Lagos Old Town. I’d recommend checking out Olive Hostel if you’re looking for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. If you want something more lively, The Island Party Hostel is a better choice for a social hostel experience close to Lagos’ nightlife.
2. Marina de Lagos – Best for Tours & Convenience
If you fancy staying by the water while still being within easy walking distance of the historic centre, Lagos Marina is an excellent place to base yourself. Located just across the waterway from the Old Town and connected by a pedestrian footbridge, it offers a slightly quieter atmosphere while still putting everything within easy reach.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the convenience. If you plan to use Lagos as a base to explore more of the Algarve using public transport, both the train station and Lagos Central Bus Station are right by the marina – the bus station sits on the Old Town side of the footbridge, while the train station is just behind the marina itself. This makes it an ideal location for day trips to places like Portimão, Albufeira and Faro. It’s also really handy if you’re arriving in Lagos by bus or train, or heading back to Faro Airport afterwards, as you won’t have to walk far with your luggage.
The marina is also where many of Lagos’ boat trips, dolphin watching tours and kayaking excursions depart from, so staying nearby means you can easily walk to your chosen activity.
The waterfront is lovely in the evenings too, with restaurants and bars overlooking the boats and harbour. And if you’re a runner like me, it’s also a great place to start the day with a morning run along the palm tree-lined promenade!
Where to Stay Near Lagos Marina
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable hotel, an apartment-style stay or a budget-friendly hostel, there are plenty of accommodation options around Lagos Marina. Some top options include:
Hotel Marina Rio – A fantastic 4-star option for travellers wanting to stay near the marina, with a rooftop pool, harbour views and easy access to tours and public transport.
Marina Club Lagos Resort – Spacious studios and apartments with a swimming pool and spa, making it a great choice for longer stays or families.
Lagos Avenida Hotel – A stylish hotel just a short walk from the marina, with modern rooms, a rooftop pool and beautiful views over the harbour.
Boutique Taghostel – An excellent budget choice for solo travellers and backpackers, located right by the main avenue at the edge of the Old Town, with views towards the waterfront.
3. Near Praia Dona Ana / Ponta da Piedade – Best for Beaches & Coastal Views
Staying near Praia Dona Ana puts you right by one of the Algarve’s most renowned stretches of coastline, offering some of the region’s best beaches and coastal views. Praia Dona Ana is known for being one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, while the clifftop boardwalk to Ponta da Piedade begins nearby.
One of the biggest advantages of using Lagos as your base, especially if you stay in this area, is having the famous Ponta da Piedade boardwalk right on your doorstep. It’s one of the Algarve’s must-do experiences, and being able to walk there straight from your accommodation is pretty special.
This area is a little further from Lagos’ main centre, with the Old Town around a 20–30-minute walk away. You’re still close enough to restaurants, bars and boat tours, but far enough away to enjoy a more peaceful coastal atmosphere. Local buses also connect the area with the town centre if you don’t fancy walking.
A stay around here is more similar to my experience staying in Ameijeira (with the bonus of direct beach access!), with a quieter, more residential feel than the Old Town or Marina. While the immediate beach area gets busy during the day, the surrounding streets are more peaceful in the evenings, making this a great choice if you prefer somewhere calm to return to after a day of exploring.
Where to Stay Near Praia Dona Ana / Ponta da Piedade
Carvi Beach Hotel – A great choice if you want to be as close to the beach as possible, located right above Praia Dona Ana with sea views, a rooftop pool and easy access to the coastal trails towards Ponta da Piedade.
Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village – A charming option with a more relaxed feel, offering comfortable rooms, multiple pools and a peaceful location within walking distance of Praia Dona Ana and the surrounding coastline.
Villa Doris Suites – A fantastic apartment-style option just a short walk from Praia Dona Ana, with spacious suites, a pool and the flexibility of having more space during your stay.
Who Is Lagos the Best Base For?
✔ First-time Algarve visitors
✔ Couples
✔ Solo travellers
✔ Anyone not hiring a car
✔ Beach lovers
✔ Active travellers (kayaking, hiking, boat trips)
✔ People wanting a lively atmosphere without a full-on resort feel
What Is Lagos Actually Like?
Lagos is neither too big nor too small, and has a really nice, lively atmosphere. There’s always something going on, but it never feels hectic or overwhelming. Visiting in September, just outside of peak season, Lagos had a relaxed holiday feel while still having plenty of life from day to night. It felt like a great balance – warm, lively and enjoyable without feeling overcrowded. Of course, summer will be busier, but even then, there is plenty of beach space and the town is big enough for everyone to comfortably enjoy it.
One of the things I loved about Lagos is how it blends a historic town atmosphere with an incredible coastline. The Old Town is the heart of Lagos, where cobblestoned streets meet city walls and charming squares.
I loved wandering through here around lunchtime, grabbing a bite to eat and simply soaking up the atmosphere. One of my favourite little moments was picking up a bagel from Pom Pom Bagels and eating it in one of the squares before heading down to the beach for the afternoon. Later in the evening, I found myself returning to the narrow streets of the Old Town for dinner, when the area had a completely different, more vibrant atmosphere.
And then there are the beaches, which for me were one of the highlights of staying in Lagos. As someone who loves being by the sea, having so many beautiful beaches within easy reach definitely gives Lagos bonus points.
The beaches aren’t just for relaxing either – the coastline around Lagos is popular with surfers and watersports lovers, making it a great destinations if you like a bit of adventure alongside your beach time.
Speaking of being active, Lagos is also a fantastic base for coastal walks and hikes. Walking along the cliffs was definitely a highlight of my stay, with amazing views over the coastline.
In Lagos, you really get the best of both worlds: somewhere you can relax, but also somewhere that encourages you to get outside and explore.
✨ If you want more inspiration for planning your trip, I’ve put together a guide covering the best things to do in Lagos, including beaches, walks, viewpoints and day trips.
After visiting Portimão and Tavira later in our trip, Lagos still felt like the place that struck the best balance. It had more atmosphere than Portimão, while feeling livelier than Tavira, yet never so busy that it became overwhelming. Looking back, I think it offers one of the best all-round experiences for first-time visitors to the Algarve.
Lagos vs Other Algarve Bases: Which Is Right for You?
Lagos vs Portimão
I honestly absolutely loved Portimão, and I’m really glad we decided to spend a couple of nights there. Praia da Rocha is such a beautiful beach, and we stayed in an Airbnb just nearby, which was a great base for enjoying the coastline.
One of the highlights was the scenic clifftop coastal walk along this stretch of Algarve coastline. It felt like a quieter alternative to the famous Ponta de Piedade walk near Lagos, with incredible views but far fewer people.
While Praia da Rocha has a lovely beachfront area with plenty of bars and restaurants, it definitely felt less lively in the evenings compared with Lagos. One thing I noticed compared with Lagos is that Portimão feels much more spread out, with the beach area and town centre feeling more separate. Lagos felt easier to explore on foot, with its beaches, Old Town, marina and restaurants all feeling more connected.
For a short beach-focused stay, I think Portimão is a fantastic choice, especially if you want to spend your days relaxing at Praia da Rocha and enjoying the coastline. However, for a longer Algarve trip, I would probably choose Lagos as a base. It offers a better mix of beaches, restaurants, coastal walks, boat trips and activities, while also making it easy to explore more of the region with day trips and organised tours.
Lagos vs Albufeira
I didn’t actually visit Albufeira myself (I’m hoping to at some point!), but it’s another well-known option for travellers visiting the Algarve so it’s worth mentioning.
One advantage Albufeira has over Lagos is its location. While it’s still west of Faro Airport, it’s significantly closer, making it a quicker and easier transfer option if you’re arriving late or only have a short time in the Algarve.
Compared with Lagos, Albufeira has more of a resort-style atmosphere, particularly around its busier tourist areas.
It has some beautiful beaches nearby and a wide range of accommodation options, from budget stays to larger resorts. The Old Town sits right next to the waterfront, giving the town a nice walkable feel. Albufeira also has a marina, which is a popular departure point for boat trips, although it feels more separate from the Old Town compared with Lagos Marina, which is much more connected to the town centre.
Albufeira is also known for having a more party-focused nightlife scene than Lagos, with the famous Albufeira Strip home to plenty of bars and clubs, creating a much more energetic atmosphere. So, if a livelier nightlife scene is important to your trip, Albufeira may be the better fit. Lagos still has plenty of bars and a great evening atmosphere, but it has a much more relaxed feel.
Lagos vs Tavira
Tavira is an Algarve destination that has a very different feel from places such as Lagos, Portimão and Albufeira.
Located a short distance east of Faro Airport, Tavira offers a much slower-paced experience compared with the livelier western Algarve towns. Instead of the dramatic limestone cliffs and rugged coastline found around Lagos, Tavira welcomes you with a relaxed historic centre, traditional Portuguese charm and landmarks such as its castle. The Gilão River runs through the town, and down towards Ilha de Tavira. Taking a boat trip along the river and spending some time there was a highlight of my visit!
For me, one night in Tavira was enough to get a good feel for the town and visit the main spots. So, while I probably wouldn’t choose Tavira as my only base for a first trip to the Algarve – it feels more removed from many of the popular western Algarve landmarks – it is definitely a place worth visiting whether as a day trip or for a short stay like mine if you want to experience a different side of the region.
Accommodation in Tavira can also be more affordable than in places like Lagos or Albufeira, making it a great option if you’re looking for a quieter Algarve stay without the higher prices of some of the more popular bases. A great budget-friendly hotel choice right by the river is Princesa do Gilão.
Final Verdict: Is Lagos a Good Base in the Algarve?
Overall, I think Lagos offers one of the best all-round bases in the Algarve. After staying in Lagos, Portimão and Tavira, I can see why it’s such a popular choice. It combines beautiful beaches, a charming Old Town, great restaurants, relaxed nightlife, easy access to activities, and plenty of options to explore more of the Algarve on day trips.
While places like Portimão and Tavira are absolutely worth visiting, and I really enjoyed staying in both, Lagos is the place I’d be most likely to return to for a longer Algarve trip. It strikes the best balance of atmosphere, convenience and location, while making it easy to discover more of the region.
Especially for first-time visitors, solo travellers and anyone planning to explore the Algarve without a car, it’s hard to beat!
