This list of places to see in Lagos will help you plan your stay in this wonderful corner of Portugal's Algarve, making the most of your time.
Lagos is, along with Portimao and Faro, one of the most important cities to see in the Algarve and also one of the most interesting if you are planning a trip to the south of this European country. Not only does it have a charming historic centre with narrow streets of Portuguese calçada, but just a short walk away there are picturesque beaches and one of the most beautiful sights to see in Portugal: the Ponta da Piedade.
There is a lot to do in Lagos in a day, but our recommendation is to stay at least a couple of days or, if you have a week to explore the south of Portugal, base yourself here for 3 or 4 nights. The Portuguese city has an optimal geographical position to enjoy the surrounding beaches such as Praia da Luz, Burgau, Tres Irmãos or even those in the Sagres area.
As a coastal destination, the best time to visit Lagos is late spring, summer or early autumn. However, due to its mild climate, the Algarve can be enjoyed all year round. The landscapes of southern Portugal, its rich gastronomy and the charm of streets like those of Lagos ensure a trip you won't forget.
In addition to this list of what we think are the 12 places to visit in Lagos in Portugal, remember that this 7-day Algarve route and this list of tips for travelling to the Algarve will help you plan your adventure. Let's get started!
1. Ponta da Piedade, the best place to see in Lagos
If there is one thing that sets Lagos apart from other cities in Portugal, it is the nature that surrounds it. The best example of this is Ponta da Piedade, a place that will leave you speechless. It is a set of cliffs, caves and beaches bathed by an Atlantic Ocean of an intense turquoise colour.
Our recommendation is that you visit it in every possible way to admire its beauty from various angles. The first is simply to stroll, with great caution, along the different viewpoints and down the steep stairs that take you to the most photogenic area. However, it is very likely that what you will end up liking more is to see the cliffs and caves from the sea. For that, we recommend you hire this boat trip or, if you prefer to go at your own pace, this kayak tour of Ponta da Piedade.
Although the water looks more beautiful in daylight, the sunsets in this corner of the Algarve are also unforgettable. You can watch it from the cliffs or book a sunset boat trip.
Finally, if you have an adventurous soul, you should know that there are several hidden coves in Ponta da Piedade. Our favourite is Praia do Barranco do Martinho, but be warned that the path is not well signposted and the descent is not particularly easy. Wear good shoes and check the state of the tides, as at high tide there is hardly any sand left to lay your towel on.
Ponta da Piedade2. Praia do Camilo beach
Not far from Ponta da Piedade is what many consider to be the best beach in Lagos. Surrounded by golden cliffs, blond sand and bathed by clear waters, Praia do Camilo is a dream for any nature lover. You can contemplate it from its viewpoint and get one of the typical postcards of the Algarve or you can go down the stairs (we warn you that they are not few) and enjoy a few moments on the shore.
Praia do Camilo is one of the best places to visit in Lagos and, for this reason, also one of the most popular. For this reason, we advise you to visit early in the morning, when it is quieter. In addition, in the afternoon it doesn't get much sun and bathing is not as appealing.
Praia do Camilo3. Forte da Ponta da Bandeira Fort
Imagine for a moment a fortified town and a defensive fortress where soldiers scan the horizon for enemies. The Forte da Ponta da Bandeira or the Fortress of Our Lady of Penha de França was built at the end of the 17th century and is one of the last defensive buildings in Lagos.
Inside you can find a chapel dedicated to Santa Barbara and a collection of tiles from the end of the 18th century that is worth a visit. Today it is used for art exhibitions and for the celebration of one of the town's festivals: the 29th Bath, which is held every 29th August.
Visiting hours: 9:30am-12:30pm and 2-5pm. Closed on Mondays.
Ponta da Ponta da Bandeira Fort
4. Praia dos Estudantes
If Praia do Camilo is well known, Praia dos Estudantes is not far behind. Located almost in the historic centre, it is also one of the most frequented by locals. The most picturesque feature of this beach is the Roman bridge that connects the cliffs, providing an almost unique postcard.
The beach itself is not very large, but it is connected to the more spacious Praia da Batata. Try to visit them in the morning, which is when they get the most sun.
By the way, we recommend walking to these beaches to visit in Lagos from the centre, especially if you come in summer. Parking at these beaches in the Algarve is minuscule and is charged for.
Praia dos Estudantes5. Igreja de Santo Antonio, one of the most interesting places to see in Lagos in Portugal.
As we enter the historic centre we come across one of the most beautiful places to see in Lagos, the Igreja de Santo Antonio. Built in 1707 and rebuilt in 1769 after the earthquake of 1755, it is considered one of the most important and beautiful churches in Portugal. Although it is already attractive from the outside, the best part is the interior. You will be amazed by the white tiled panels and the wooden vault. On the altar there is an image of Saint Anthony with the baby Jesus in his arms.
If you're up for a visit to this baroque jewel, you should know that you can visit it through the Dr. José Formosinho Museum. The entrance fee is €3.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm.
Church of Santo Antonio6. Núcleo Museológico do Mercado de Escravos (slave market museum)
During the mid-15th century, Lagos was the maritime capital of the world. The Infante Dom Henrique the Navigator settled here to lead African expeditions, which unfortunately saw the beginning of the slave trade. The porticoed palace that today houses the Núcleo Museológico do Mercado de Escravos and the esplanade that today forms a beautiful square were the only place in Europe where slaves were legally traded between the 15th and 16th centuries.
To learn more about this dark period in Portugal's history, the museum is well worth a visit. In addition, the building in which it is housed served as the city's customs house until 1820. Admission costs €3.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Núcleo Museológico do Mercado de Escravos7. Castelo dos Governadores and Porta de São Gonçalo
Opposite the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is this example of military architecture built in the 14th century. What you can see today is a reconstruction carried out three centuries later with the aim of becoming the seat of the governors of the Algarve. The most impressive part of it is the Porta de São Gonçalo, a gate flanked by two albarran towers that is part of the whole defensive structure of Lagos. Be sure to include this place on your list of things to do in Lagos.
Porta de São Gonçalo8. Avenida dos Descobrimentos and Municipal Market
Due to its location and economic importance, Lagos was the epicentre of the so-called Portuguese Discoveries. During this period between 1418 and 1543 a series of expeditions took place that resulted in the expansion of Portugal, the opening of new trade routes and the delineation of the new map of the world. Lagos became the capital of the kingdom of the Algarve and its shipyards were used to build the caravels that were used on these voyages.
For this reason, one of the main avenues of the city is called Avenida dos Descobrimientos. Located next to the Bensafrim River, it is a pleasant place to stroll along at sunset and stop to gossip at the stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs and food.
It is also home to one of the places to see in Lagos that we recommend: the Municipal Market. Although the building dates from the beginning of the 20th century and does not stand out much, the most interesting thing is inside. It is a market square with a very strong local character and it is a good place to visit in the morning, when there is a lot more atmosphere, especially on Saturdays.
Avenida dos Descobrimentos9. Lagos Marina
Although not as luxurious as Vilamoura, another of the things to see in Lagos is its Marina. It's located just off Avenida dos Descobrimentos and it's rare that you won't have to set foot in it at some point, as the excursions to the surrounding area almost all leave from here.
As well as bars and restaurants, the Museu de Cera dos Descubrimientos (Wax Museum of the Discoveries) is located here. Here you can learn more about this period in Portugal in a very educational way, making it a good place to visit in Lagos with children.
Marina of Lagos10. Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos
Another religious building to visit in Lagos is the Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos, which stands on the spacious Praça Infante Dom Henrique. It was built in the 15th century and is considered the Mother Church of Lagos, replacing Santa Maria de Graça, which was destroyed during the earthquake.
Admission is free and it is well worth a visit to see the altar, painted with biblical scenes.
Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos11. Praça Luís de Camões and Praça Gil Eannes
We've already told you about the main places to see in the historic centre of Lagos, so a walk through them will give you a good idea of the charm of its narrow cobbled streets, tiled houses and terraces to enjoy the good weather. Let yourself wander aimlessly and discover the city at your leisure, but mark Luís de Camões and Gil Eannes squares on the map. Both are particularly picturesque and the latter is home to a curious statue of King Sebastião.
In our post on travel tips for Portugal we talked about some of the dishes and desserts you should try during your trip. While you're in the area, take the opportunity to enjoy the rice bowls and morgadinhos at Padaria Central, founded in 1926, and, if you're up for it, the cataplana at Casinha do Petisco.
Praça Gil Eannes12. Other beaches to visit in Lagos
The do Camilo and dos Estudantes beaches are the two must-see beaches in Lagos, but there are many more we recommend you visit if you have a few days in the Algarve. Our favourites in the town itself are Praia de Dona Ana (it's advisable to go early as the car park fills up quickly) and Praia do Canavial (the descent can be a little tricky). From the latter, when the tide is low, you can access Porto de Mós, which has many services.
If you have a car, from Lagos you have other nearby beaches such as Praia da Luz, Burgau, Praia de São Roque, Praia de Alvor, Praia João de Arens or Praia Tres Irmãos.
Praia do Porto de MósExcursions to do from Lagos
As you can see, there are many places to visit in Lagos without even leaving the city, but it is also a great base to discover other nearby places in the Algarve. Therefore, our recommendation is that you take the opportunity to stay longer and do one or more of the following excursions from Lagos:
Catamaran trip along the Algarve coastline
4×4 sunset tour along the Sagres coastline
Seven Hanging Valleys + Benagil boat ride
Catamaran ride to Praia da Luz
Trihlo dos Pescadores to Praia da Luz
What to see in Lagos in 1 day
Many travellers only have 1 day in Lagos and wonder how they can organise their visit to make the most of everything the city has to offer. Although our recommendation is that, whenever you can, you stay overnight and spend more time there, the truth is that Lagos is not that big and, if you are not a beach person, the main places can be visited in one day. Here's a good list of places to see in Lagos in 1 day:
Walk around the city centre
Walk along the promenade to the Castelo de Lagos and Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
Praia da Batata and Praia dos Estudantes
Boat trip along the Ponta da Piedade
Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana
As you can see, you won't have much time to enjoy the beaches, but you will have time to visit them or contemplate them from the viewpoints. We like to do the boat trip around the Ponta da Piedade when the sun is high so that the light is more beautiful, but this part of Lagos is also very impressive if you take the boat trip at sunset.
If you're staying overnight in Lagos or the surrounding area, don't hesitate to go out for dinner or drinks in the centre. It is one of the liveliest towns in the Algarve, with a very youthful atmosphere.
Praça Luís de CamõesWhere to stay in Lagos
Our recommended accommodation in Lagos is the Lagos Atlantic Hotel. It is located very close to the Ponta da Piedade and just a few minutes walk from the fantastic beaches of Canavial and Porto de Mós. It has modern and spacious rooms, some of them with sea views. And if you're more of a freshwater type, you can also take a dip in the wonderful swimming pool. This is a highly recommended hotel if you're touring the Algarve by car, as it has a car park and the centre of Lagos is a maddening place to park.
If you're on a tighter budget, great value for money options are Happy Silva Guesthouse and Henri's Apartments. Book quickly, especially if you're travelling in the summer, as Lagos accommodation at good prices sells out fast.
Getting to Lagos
The best way to get to Lagos is by car, as you're likely to combine your visit with other parts of the Algarve. If you need one, you can hire a car either in the town itself or at the nearest airport in Faro.
If you want to get there by public transport, the most convenient way is to fly to Faro and from there hire a transfer to Lagos or take one of the Vamus buses to Lagos station. They leave from the airport 5 or 6 times a day and the journey takes 2 hours.
