Get prepared for loads of pleasure whenever you discover Lagos, Portugal. Lagos sits on the Algarve coast and is thought for its well-known seashores, vigorous nightlife, and pure magnificence. Surrounded by a golden shoreline crammed with stunning rock formations, there are many sights to see and actions to do making it the proper seashore vacation vacation spot.
Top Things to do in Lagos
Lagos sights are different and plentiful. You might 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 photos of Lagos, the possibilities are that you simply’ve seen Ponta da Piedade. Ponta da Piedade is a headland of hanging 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 into so related to Lagos.
Visiting Ponta da Piedade is well one of many high 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 stunning, and the orange look is attribute of Portugal’s Algarve area. Even when you go to Lagos for only a few days, prioritize visiting Ponta da Piedade.
2. Take a ship tour from Lagos Marina
So, you could possibly 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 totally different boat journeys that you could take, so enterprise down to the marina and decide whichever takes your fancy. A ship journey is without doubt one of the greatest 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 common however be sure to select properly. We suggest this tour when you’ve by no means seen wild dolphins because it retains a secure distance and doesn’t stress the animals.
Other common 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 without doubt one of the most stunning 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 attain, filled with amenities like showers and bogs, and completely gorgeous to have a look at, visiting Praia Dona Ana Beach is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lagos.
You can attain Praia Dona Ana Beach in 20 minutes on foot from Lagos city heart 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 without doubt one of 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’ll 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 environment of Lagos’ seashores.
Visiting Praia da Luz is a superb possibility if you need to expertise attractive seashores exterior of Lagos and luxuriate in a unique, extra resort-like environment than the seashores in Lagos. It is easy to attain on public transport and isn’t a secluded seashore – excellent for a simple day journey.
5. Parque Aventura
Parque Aventura is Portuguese for ‘Adventure Park’, which ought to converse 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 when you choose to preserve your ft on the bottom, you possibly can take a look at your talent with a paintball sport on the park’s paintball area.
We recommend heading to Parque Aventura later within the afternoon when temperatures are now not sky excessive. The park stays open till 6 pm daily, 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 have to enterprise far in Lagos. Lagos Old Town is stuffed with cobbled streets and colourful buildings, and the historic heart is surrounded by outdated metropolis partitions.
Spending a morning in Lagos Old Town is the easiest way to steadiness time on its greatest seashores. There are retailers, bakeries, and small pubs to sit al fresco with a pint of Sagres. It can also be an atmospheric place to attempt 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 one among Lagos’ most stunning 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 means of participating exhibitions. If you have an interest in socio-political historical past or need to be taught extra about Portugal’s extra troubling historical past, Mercado de Escravos ought to be in your radar.
8. Praia dos Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes is one other of Lagos’ greatest seashores, and it is best to go to it even in case you are solely in Lagos for just a few days. The small seashore is famed for its distinctive bridges and tunnels, which guests use to entry totally different areas of the seashore. You can swap between the northern and southern sections of the seashore by strolling by means of a pure tunnel within the cliff face. While overhead, there’s an outdated Roman bridge connecting the cliffs.
The structure of Praia dos Estudantes simply makes it one of the vital fascinating seashores on the Algarve. This is the most effective seashore for you if you need a memorable seashore day. Plus, it’s inside strolling distance of Lagos city heart.
9. Go kayaking to the ocean caves
You can definitely 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 definitely 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 means of tiny sea caves and tunnels that bigger boats can not match by means of, supplying you with far more alternatives to discover. And, when you get fortunate, a pod of dolphins may pop up round you.
10. Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Praia do Vale de Centeanes is without doubt one of the high seashores to take a day journey from Lagos. It takes round forty minutes to drive to and is best to go to in case you have a rental automotive, somewhat than catching a number of buses. So, why make the journey?
Visiting Praia do Vale de Centeanes is the most effective 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 also be far more spacious than the small seashores round Lagos. For a heavenly seashore day, it’s nicely price a day journey.
11. Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos
Family holidays will be tough, particularly when it comes to preserving little youngsters entertained. The Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is solely tailor-made towards households – offering participating, child-friendly science displays and actions. So in case you are touring with youngsters and wish to preserve them entertained, Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is a enjoyable, dependable possibility.
The science museum is open from 10 am till 6 pm daily other than Mondays. It is a superb place to go to, escape the noon solar, or preserve busy if the climate is horrible. The museum additionally has indoor and out of doors displays, making the expertise gratifying and different.
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 approach to assure your self a sunbathing spot. Lagos will get so busy in summer season that Meia Praia turns into a little bit of an emergency possibility.
Meia Praia is conveniently situated simply exterior the Old Town and inside simple strolling distance of the city heart. Visiting Meia Praia is a superb thought if you need to squeeze a seashore day right into a busy day or simply be shut to many facilities.
13. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
If you want staying lively, strolling the Seven Hanging Valleys is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The coastal path is a 5.7km out-and-back path that arguably covers essentially 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 three hours to full.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail passes gorgeous vistas, together with many sea caves and spectacular formations. You might 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 totally different sections of the seashore. You can stroll by means of the pure tunnel and decide your favourite (or the least busy when you’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 in opposition to enemies attacking the Algarve from the ocean.
Heading over the drawbridge, you’ll have sufficient exhibitions to preserve you entertained for a minimum of an hour or two. Ponta da Bandeira is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, to get a historic perception into the realm.
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 ravishing seashore to go to close to Lagos. And, if topping up your tan underneath a Seventeenth-century fort sounds memorable, it’s price including to your itinerary. The sands are famously delicate 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 get pleasure from some afternoon solar.
17. Spend a day in Faro City
Lagos is stuffed with issues to do, however since you’ll in all probability journey to Faro for Faro Airport anyway, it’s price dedicating time to exploring Faro as nicely. You might even plan a day in Faro earlier than you fly house.
Faro is well essentially the most well-known metropolis on the Algarve. In truth, it’s thought of by many because the gateway to the area. However, its metropolis heart is a superb place to spend a few hours – which we extremely suggest doing. Walk the Old Town to admire the cobbled streets and neoclassical structure. Then go to the most important sights just like the Arco de Vila, Faro Cathedral, and the Municipal Museum.
If you haven’t rented a automotive and wish to discover Faro, this tour has you coated. You can 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 heart. Igreja de Santo is believed to be the birthing place of Saint Anthony of Lisbon – that means it holds nice non secular significance, particularly amongst the residents of Lagos.
The church inside is attractive, and you’ll stroll by means of, admiring the sculptures and no-expense-spared decorations. There’s additionally a small museum, which comprises displays and extra details about the church and Saint Anthony of Lisbon. Allow an hour or two to expertise Igreja de Santo completely.
Lagos FAQs
Now that we’ve coated the most effective issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, let’s have a look at some widespread FAQs.
How to get to Lagos
Lagos is situated in Southern Portugal on the Algarve shoreline. The simplest way 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 prepare to Lagos. Allow round three hours for each choices.
Since Lagos sits on the Atlantic Ocean, there are a number of ferry routes when you fancy an journey. You are greatest contemplating catching a ferry if you need to ferry hop down the Portuguese coast.
As it’s also situated in mainland Europe, you could possibly take a highway journey to Lagos from Spain, France, and even the UK in case you are feeling significantly adventurous. Driving throughout Europe is common, and also you’ll simply want to be snug adjusting to totally different driving kinds. Also, needless to say you’ll want a for much longer timeframe for this, and we’d suggest permitting a minimum of two weeks to highway journey to after which get pleasure from Lagos comfortably.
Getting round Lagos
Lagos is a city and has the whole lot accessible inside strolling distance. Some of essentially the most picturesque seashores within the area are only a quick stroll from Lagos city heart. Plus, there’s Lagos prepare station the place you possibly can catch a prepare to close by spots on day journeys. You can simply get round Lagos and its surrounding space with out driving a automotive. If you need to keep native and are solely visiting for just a few days, we recommend sticking to strolling and public transport.
Of course, you could possibly rent a rental automotive if you need 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, you might want to e book a rental automotive to decide up from Faro Airport to be able to drive to Lagos as an alternative of catching public transport.
Best time to go to Lagos
The greatest 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 profit from Lagos’ stunning seashores?
May and June are the most effective months to go to Lagos in spring, whereas September and early October are the most effective months in fall. Still, struggling to resolve? The environment tends to be barely higher in spring when native tourism is excitedly warming up for the height season in summer season. It can also be often a bit breezier in spring, which is nice for out of doors actions.
Where to keep in Lagos
Last however not least, the place must you 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 keep on the Old School Guest House for slightly 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 heart.
You’ll have a shared kitchen, free bikes, complimentary wi-fi, and even BBQ amenities. There’s additionally a paid airport shuttle to make your airport expertise extra enjoyable.
Mid-range lodge: Fazenda Viegas
Fazenda Viegas is a privately run resort somewhat than a big business lodging selection. The advantage of that is that there are considerate touches like on-site wine tasting periods, a welcome drink, and implausible sporting amenities like a soccer pitch and volleyball courts.
Guests can select to keep in an condo or villa, and whenever you aren’t swimming within the out of doors 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 amenities you could possibly need. Guests select between townhouses and villas, so neglect about cramped lodge rooms or small condo complexes. There can also be a shared rooftop terrace, infinite leisure actions, and an indoor heated pool. While for additional pampering, you possibly can head to the spa to get pleasure from a sauna, steam room, sizzling tub, and health club.
To Conclude
A visit to Lagos is without doubt one of the greatest seashore holidays you could possibly absorb Europe. Between the gorgeous 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 potential.
Once you’ve visited Lagos, it is best to discover the remainder of the Algarve area. There are many superb cities in Portugal, plus the Douro Valley and Obidos when you journey additional up north. Trust us, you’ll want a return journey.