Lagos, situated in the stunning southern coastal region of the Algarve, is a must visit destination in Portugal. The Algarve is best known for its sunshine, beautiful beaches and dramatic coastline. But, you may be wondering where to visit in the Algarve to experience the unmissable scenes to the fullest. There is really no right or wrong answer to that, but I can say that Lagos, with its vibrancy, beaches, natural beauty and accessibility, is a top spot.
Whether you’re looking to hike the coastline, relax on the beach, take a boat trip or a kayak tour to name a few, Lagos has something for you.
I spent 6 nights in the Algarve – 3 nights in Lagos, 2 in Portimão and 1 in Tavira. This was actually my first ever trip to Portugal and as soon as I saw the scenes on offer here I really questioned how I had never been before. The nature impressed me more than I imagined it would – I did not expect a coastline that striking.
While I fitted a lot into a 6 night trip, there is still so much I need to explore in this region! I can’t wait to go back again one day. But for now, lets focus on Lagos by taking a look at some of what there is to do here and you’ll see why it is a must visit destination!
Plan Your Lagos Trip
🛏️ Accommodation: Find the best stays in Lagos on Booking.com or Hostelworld
🛥️ Activities: Book boat trips, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more on GetYourGuide
🗺️ Travel Insurance: Stay safe with SafetyWing – perfect for short trips or even digital nomads
📱 Stay Connected: Grab a local or global eSIM from Airalo or Yesim
⭐ Best Things to Book in Lagos
- 🚤 Best Boat Tour: Ponta da Piedade Cruise ➡️ Book here
- 🐬 Best Dolphin Tour: Marine Biologist-Led Dolphin Watching ➡️ Book here
- 🛶 Best Active Experience: Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour ➡️ Book here
- 🏄 Best for Riding the Waves: Group Surf Lessons For All Levels ➡️ Book here
Contents:
(This post contains affiliate links)
Getting to Lagos
The closest airport to Lagos is Faro International Airport. I always check Skyscanner for the best flight deals.
From Faro Airport, there are several ways to reach Lagos:
- 🚗 Hire a Car – See the Algarve at Your Own Pace
For the most freedom to explore the Algarve at your own pace, hire a car at Faro Airport. The drive to Lagos takes about 1 hour.
👉 Book your rental car - 🚐 Private Transfer – Stress-Free Direct Ride
Private transfers take you straight from Faro Airport to your accommodation in Lagos – ideal for families, friends, or anyone who wants a hassle-free arrival without waiting for buses or driving themselves.
👉 Reserve a private transfer - 🚌 Bus – Budget-Friendly & Central
Direct buses run frequently from Faro to Lagos (~2 hours). Companies include Vamus and Alsa, and the bus arrives into Terminal Rodoviário in Lagos, which is very central.
👉 Check schedules & book your bus tickets - 🚆 Train – Scenic & Comfortable
Trains run from Faro station to Lagos in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Perfect if you want a relaxed journey and a chance to see Faro first.
👉 View train times & book tickets
Already elsewhere in Portugal?
- From Lisbon, direct buses take ~3h 45m
- From Porto, buses take ~7–8 hours
Where to Stay in Lagos
Lagos is compact and walkable, so staying near the Marina or Old Town is ideal for easy access to restaurants, beaches and boat tours.
Here are my top picks depending on your budget:
💸 Best Hostel (Social & Central)
Olive Hostel Lagos – The highest-rated hostel in Lagos with a great vibe, excellent reviews and a central location – perfect for solo travellers and anyone on a budget.
👉 Check availability & prices
🏡 Best Budget Private Room
Indigo Guesthouse – Higher ratings than many budget options and located right in the centre, just minutes from the fort and Praia da Batata. Great value if you want privacy without hotel prices.
👉 See prices for your dates
I stayed at Sensations Guesthouse, a cosy spot 15 min walk from the marina, but if you want to be right in the centre, Indigo Guesthouse is an excellent choice.
🌊 Best Mid-Range Hotel (Marina Views)
Lagos Avenida Hotel – Marina location with an infinity pool overlooking the water.
👉 Compare prices here
Tip: If visiting in summer (June–September), book in advance – Lagos fills up fast.
Want more options? Browse all top-rated Lagos accommodation on Booking.com for the full range of hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. ➡️ Explore Lagos accommodation
What to Do in Lagos
Lagos Town Centre
Lagos is a walk-able town so exploring the centre is easy. Two main areas you will want to visit are the Marina de Lagos and the Old Town.
The Marina is picturesque and is the central point of the town. On one side is the Old Town, the other the train station and the popular beach area of Meia Praia, with its beach-side restaurants and bars.
The palm tree lined marina is perfect for a relaxing stroll (or a morning run if you’re like me!). It can be busy but also peaceful, people just enjoying the sunshine and watching the boats coming and going. There is a footbridge *around* half way down the marina, meaning you can easily cross over to the other side, or even just go on the bridge for some nice views! By the marina there are plenty of places you can stop for a something to eat or drink.
The Old Town also can’t be missed – you simply won’t and shouldn’t miss it! With its narrow, charming cobblestone streets full of shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, it’s lovely for an explore day or night.
- Whether you’re looking to buy souvenirs or shop for clothes, you’ll find a suitable store in the Old Town. What it is lacking, however is a ‘proper’ supermarket, but there are smaller stores where you can grab some water or snacks.
- The Old Town is definitely very popular especially for an evening meal. We ended up at a Tapas restaurant one night – Taninos, dining on the narrow street which was much bustling around us. It was lovely and there was just such a good vibe all around.
- A little lunch recommendation I have is, if you fancy a quick lunch to takeaway, Pom Pom Bagels is the go to – so good!
Talking of that bagel lunch, by having a takeaway lunch we found a great little picnic spot in Jardim da Constituição. This is a garden area just in front of some more sights such as Santa Maria Church, the castle (Castelo dos Governadores) and the historic town walls.
Lagos Fortress (Forte da Ponta da Bandeira) is another sight you won’t miss. It is located at the end of the marina, not far from the Old Town, overlooking the water. Just next to the fortress, as well as just across the water on the other side of the marina, lie the beaches of Lagos!
Explore the Coastline From the Water
Seeing the coastline from the water is a completely different experience – the cliffs, caves, and rock formations are well worth seeing from sea level. There are lots of ways to experience this, whether by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. You could even opt to do a mix of these activities for different experiences!
🌊 See Lagos from the Water
Boat tours, kayaking, SUP, and more – find and book all your water adventures here.
👉 Search activities on GetYourGuide
– Boat Tours
One of the most popular activities in Lagos is to go on a boat tour. Whether you wish to spot dolphins or simply cruise along the Ponta de Piedade coastline, there’s a tour for you! Prices can be very reasonable, with some tours under €20 – so even budget travellers can join in (as a budget gal, I approve!).
Some of the most popular Lagos boat trips include:
That’s just a small example of some of the top tours on offer. ➡️ Check out the full range of tours here and pick one that suits your vibe.
– Kayaking
For more of an active, but still relaxing, water experience, kayaking is perfect.
The 2.5 hour guided kayak tour from Praia da Batata includes a support boat, so even beginners are safe while exploring rock formations and hidden caves along the coast. A little stop off at a beach is added in too, so you can have the chance to relax and even go for a quick dip. ➡️ Check tour availability here
Already experienced? You can rent a kayak in town from shops like Paddle & Kayak Fun and explore independently.
– Stand-Up Paddleboarding
SUP is another excellent water activity to enjoy the Algarve coast. You can hire a board and head out independently, or join a guided tour. For beginners, or those looking for some social fun on the water, the Guided SUP Tour to Ponta da Piedade Caves is a great choice! ➡️ Book your spot on the tour here
Surfing in Lagos
Portugal is a popular surfing destination, with the Algarve being an excellent area for such. There are various surf beaches in and around Lagos and beyond along the coast. Meia Praia is the most central Lagos beach for surfing.
Even if you have never surfed before, surfing in Lagos welcomes you! This 4.5 hour surf lesson with Salty Waves surf school, open to beginners, is a great place to start. They will pick you up from your accommodation in Lagos, and take you to the best spot to surf that day, depending on the conditions on the water. With an introduction to technique and time out on the waves, this can be an extra, fun addition to your Lagos trip!
Lagos Beaches
The Algarve is known for its stunning beaches, and Lagos has an excellent choice of them.
The beaches nearest the centre of Lagos, just a stone’s throw from the Old Town, include Praia da Batata and Praia dos Estudantes. Just over the other side of the marina lies Meia Praia. Those are simply the more ‘central’ beaches. Keep going along the coast and you have beaches and bays for days!
Lets take a closer look at some of the popular beach spots….
– Praia da Batata
- Closest beach to the Old Town, located just by the fort – very easily accessed
- Reasonable size and not as busy as some of the smaller, more secluded beaches
- Cliffs surrounding the beach
- Tunnel which connects it to the next beach
Do be sure to take a walk along Praia da Batata, through the tunnel to the next beach: Praia dos Estudantes
– Praia dos Estudantes
- Two sides to this beach, which are connected by a tunnel.
- Both sides are smaller and more secluded than the likes of Praia da Batata.
- The most scenic of beaches nearest the centre of town. The interesting rock formations, surrounding cliffs and in particular the roman style bridge on the beach make it super picturesque. It is definitely a photo spot!
- Gets very busy!
There is also a cave on the right of the beach, which you can walk through and continue on to the next beach, Praia do Pinhao.
Now those are the closest beaches to the Old Town, but there is another beach gem just over the other side of the Marina: Meia Praia.
– Meia Praia
- Easily reached from the Old Town area by taking the footbridge over the marina, heading to the train station and then back down to the ocean. It is around a 12 minute walk from the footbridge to the beach.
- The longest beach in Lagos – it’s an *around* 4.5km stretch of beautiful white sand.
- Not overly crowded thanks to its size. Even if it is busy, there is so much space for everyone!
- Instead of being surrounded by cliffs, this beach is backed by low sand dunes, giving it another stand out characteristic from the beaches on the other side of the marina.
- Beachside bars and restaurants (at the western end of the beach – nearest the marina).
Those are the beaches nearest the centre of Lagos, but the whole coastline is full of beaches! If you head further along the coast (back on the Old Town side of the marina) you can find the likes of…..
– Praia Dona Ana
- Super stunning beach which can be accessed from the cliffs – just head down the stairs!
- Totally surrounded by cliffs, and looking out to rock formations in the water, it’s hard to beat the scenes here.
- A very popular beach – can get overcrowded depending on the month you visit.
There are also some beach gems that you can’t reach quite so easily… For example:
– Praia do Barranco do Martinho
- A beautiful, secluded gem, nestled between the cliffs.
- A super tranquil spot.
- Most easily reached by boat or kayak. Can be reached on foot but only if you’re willing to tackle the climb down and up!
Hike the Ponta da Piedade Coastline
Ponta da Piedade is the headland along the coast from Lagos, with its stunning cliffs and home to some of the beaches mentioned above. Hiking from Lagos, along the Ponta de Piedade coastal trail, provides the most scenic views of this epic coastline.
Beginning this walk is best done by heading to Praia Dona Ana (by walking on the roads from town). You don’t need to go down to the beach, just head to the viewpoint or at least where you have an amazing view, which you will! From this cliff-top spot, you can easily continue directly along the cliffs. Essentially, just continue to follow the coastline!
I don’t want to spoil it for you *too* much, so I’ll just leave you with some beautiful scenes below to give you a taste of what’s on offer! The hike is SO worth it. It’s not too long in distance either (time-wise, however, it can be long if you stop to admire the scenes as much as we did!).
There are proper walkways on this trail, beginning from near Praia Dona Ana, or you can be a little ‘wild’, go ‘off’ the trail and instead explore along the cliff-edge (not TOO near the cliff-edge though – be careful!). This is definitely the best way to explore. It makes it more of an adventurous walk and the views on offer are even better than from the official walkway.
Just look at the landscape below which I am going through, in comparison to the boardwalk itself. At some points the boardwalk may be best though!
Ponta de Piedade lighthouse can be used as your end point, OR you can continue even further. There are more boardwalks past the lighthouse and again the stunning scenes keep going! Go as far as you desire, you won’t be disappointed with whatever length of walk you manage. Just DO go out and explore along here!
The images below are form past the lighthouse. The second was taken at Miradouro da Praia do Canavial, which isn’t far from the end of the boardwalk. Of course I had to go off the official route for scenes this good!
