A charming and vibrant resort town and one of the most popular on the western part of the Agarve Region. The town offers relaxed vibes, while presenting a perfect blend between the old historic town, the modern marina complex, beautiful beaches, and excellent tourists infrastructure and services.
The old town, west of the Riberia de Bensafrim estuary, has a tradional Portuguese charm with cobbled streets of whitewashed buildings, and beautiful monuments some from the 15th-16th centuries Portuguese’ Age of Discoveries.
Lagos has three areas of magnificent sandy beaches, some of Algarve Region finest, with stunning coastline, massive sandstone cliffs, clear waters, some sheltered with calm waters best for families with children.
- On the southeastern side within walking distance of the town there are magnificent smaller beaches, some secluded surrounded by golden cliffs.
- Praia da Batata
- Praia da Pinhao
- Dona Ana Beach considered the finest in the Algarve
- Camilo Beach.
- All the way south in Ponta da Piedade, the highlight of the region you will find sheltered beaches and magnificent rock formations.
- South and southwest of the city there are also beautiful beaches including sheltered sandy coves, and Porto de Mos considered a popular surfing beach part of a beach resort including hotels and vacation homes.
- Meia Praia is a beautiful 4 km long sandy beach is northeast of town.
Lagos Old Town
Dona Ana Beach
Ponta da Piedade
While in town TheTjoy.com recommends some great attractions.
- The magnificent Baroque churches such as the Igreja de Santo Antonio 18th century church, with its baroque gilded woodwork decorations and the tiles panels covered walls, and the beautiful to visit 17th century Castelo dos Governadores.
- The 17th century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira with its restored tile panels art exhibitions, and magnificent views of the town and coastline.
- While strolling the small old town admire the restored ancient city walls, turrets, gates, and the Tower of Trem, offering beautiful scenery of the city.
- Enjoy numerous restaurants, cafes, trendy bars and small local shops, while at night party in one of the modern nightclubs.
- Visit the Marina Complex with its restaurants and bars, and from there stroll along Avenida dos Descobrimentos and the waterway to the beautiful southeast beaches including Dona Ana beach at the base of golden cliffs, considered one of the best in the Algarve.
- Walk 3 km south along the southeastern beaches to the magnificent and picturesque Ponta da Piedade headland to admire the series of colourful limestone cliffs, the rock structures, hidden grottos and sea caves, all the result of the cliffs erosion by the ocean waves. To fully experience the sights hike the clifftop trails or take a boat cruise sailing between the various formations and beaches.
Lagos Zoo
Aquashow Park
Zoomarine Park
Families with children will enjoy numerous attractions in Lagos and its surroundings.
- The Lagos Zoo for few hours of joy with more than 150 animal species including Birds, Mammals, Reptiles and Marine life.
- In Salema Beach, 18 km west of Lagos, observe the footsteps of the biped carnivorous dinosaurs that roamed this region 140 million years ago.
- On the eastern part of Lagos near Meia Praia (Beach) children will enjoy the Parque Aventura ropes courses.
- Children will also enjoy attraction parks.
- Including Slide and Splash water park 38 km east of town.
- Aqualand Algarve, 44 km east of town.
- Zoomarine, the marine life center and water park including dolphin shows and exotic bird displays, 48 km east of town.
- Aquashow water park, 80 km east of town in Vilamoura.
Also recommended by TheTjoy are various day trips from Lagos.
- Take a boat cruise including to the nearby Ponta da Piedade observing the magnificent rock formations from the sea, to the famous Algarve caves and sea rock formations including the Benagil Cave, Dolphin watching trips, and fishing or deep-sea fishing cruises.
- Take a day trip to the nearby tranquil Praia da Luz Resort and its magnificent beach 7 km west of Lagos, and to the surfing heaven Segres and Cabo de Sao Vicente, 32km west of town.
- Visit the traditional and historic Silves, 40 km northeast of town, the vibrant resort town of Praia da Rocha and the nearby city of Portimao 25 km east of Lagos.
Lagos is well connected with public transportation to the other parts of Algarve, including to the Faro international Airport 90 km east of town.
