12 Fun Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal (My Favorite Algarve Town)

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The moment I walked through Lagos’ old town gates and saw those golden cliffs plunging into turquoise water, I knew I’d found my spot in Portugal. I’ve been lucky enough to explore much of the Algarve, but Lagos is the place I keep coming back to. It’s become my go-to home base on every trip down south.

There’s just something about this town. One minute you’re kayaking through sea caves at Ponta da Piedade, the next you’re sipping wine by whitewashed churches or watching sunset from a beach that looks Photoshopped. I’ve spent weeks here over the years…chasing hidden grottoes by boat, diving into cliff-ringed coves, and ending the day with fresh sardines at the marina while local musicians keep the vibe alive. And now, one of my best friends actually lives here, so I have a reason to go back!

Lagos blends adventure and charm better than almost anywhere in Europe. And if you’re craving dramatic coastlines, chilled-out beach days, and lively nights that don’t quit, this is your sign to go. Let me show you my favorite things to do in this EPIC corner of the Algarve.

Coolest Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal

Looking for the coolest things to do in Lagos, Portugal? Explore the stunning Ponta da Piedade, relax on the golden sands of Meia Praia, and visit the historic Mercado de Escravos. Wander through the charming Old Town and take in breathtaking coastal views along the Praia do Porto de Mós to Ponta da Piedade trail. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or seaside adventures, these are the top attractions to visit in Lagos, Portugal.

1. Explore the Ponta da Piedade

I still remember the first time I looked down at the arches of Ponta da Piedade. My jaw dropped. The cliffs, the water, the light… it was unreal. It felt like Portugal’s version of Big Sur, but warmer and way less crowded.

I’ve explored it multiple ways: walking the scenic wooden boardwalks, hiking from town, and cruising through the sea caves by kayak and small boat. If you’re short on time, book a 75-minute grotto boat tour from Lagos Marina. But if you can paddle, kayaking lets you access narrow inlets and low arches where boats can’t reach. I even found a tiny beach cove that felt completely hidden from the world.

The lighthouse keeper’s path on the eastern side offers a completely different perspective that most tourists miss. It’s steeper but leads to secluded viewpoints where you can watch fishing boats navigate between the rock formations.

My Pro tip: Come early for sunrise or late afternoon for golden hour…the cliffs absolutely glow. And bring polarized sunglasses. The color of the water pops way more. Don’t skip this gem in the Algarve – it’s the reason most people fall in love with Lagos in the first place.

2. Relax on Meia Praia

Meia Praia is my top beach for a low-key day. It stretches for over 4 km, which means even in July and August, you’ll have space to spread out. This is where I go when I want a nap in the sun, a barefoot stroll, or a dip without rocks underfoot.

On my last visit, I grabbed lunch and a cocktail from Palmares Beach Club, which has daybeds you can rent if you want that upscale vibe. If you’re into watersports, there are spots that rent paddleboards and jet skis halfway down the beach, near Gaivota Branca. I also like the quieter eastern side, closer to the river mouth…it’s windier but peaceful and perfect for long walks.

Low tide reveals tide pools perfect for kids to explore. And the beach connects to a network of wooden boardwalks that extend into protected dune areas where you might spot chameleons basking in the afternoon sun.

Know before you go: there’s a train stop right by the beach, so if you’re not staying in Lagos proper, it’s still easy to get here.

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3. Visit the Mercado de Escravos

This isn’t an easy stop, but it’s an important one. The Mercado de Escravos was the first slave market in Europe, built in the 1440s. Today, it’s a small but powerful museum focused on Portugal’s colonial past.

Inside, I found a simple, haunting space with original stone walls and multimedia displays that tell the human side of the story. It’s not a long visit (maybe 20 to 30 minutes), but it stays with you. The audio guide includes testimonies from historians and descendants that bring profound context to the exhibits, making this brief visit far more impactful than reading plaques alone. The contrast between the beauty of Lagos and this painful history is sobering.

After visiting, I recommend taking time to walk around Praça Infante Dom Henrique, where you’ll also find the Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Igreja de Santa Maria. It helps paint a fuller picture of the city’s layered history.

4. Stroll Through the Old Town

Lagos’ Old Town is where I usually start and end my day. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls, tiled fountains, and vines creeping over balconies…it’s impossibly charming.

I always stop by Mar d’Estórias, a four-level concept store with a rooftop café and killer views. You’ll find local wines, ceramics, and gifts that don’t feel cheesy. Another favorite? Pastelaria Gombá near the main square…their pastel de nata is the real deal!

By evening, the energy shifts. Street musicians appear on Rua 25 de Abril, restaurants spill into the streets, and there’s always a buzz without being chaotic. You can browse boutiques or sip sangria at Ol’ Bastard’s, a spot that mixes Aussie and Portuguese flavors. Don’t skip the alleys around Rua Marreiros Neto. That’s where I’ve found some of the best little tapas bars and street art murals. Thursday mornings bring a small local market to Praça Gil Eanes where you can buy directly from Algarve farmers. The honey from nearby apiaries and fresh figs are incredible when in season!

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5. Hike the Coastal Path from Praia do Porto de Mós to Ponta da Piedade

This trail is my favorite morning ritual in Lagos. The coastal path from Praia do Porto de Mós to Ponta da Piedade is about 4 km (2.5 miles) one way, and every step has an ocean view worth photographing. This makes it a popular attraction in Portugal for young people.

I like to start early, just after sunrise. The trail hugs the cliffs, winds past wildflowers and ochre rock formations, and offers a constant sea breeze. Some parts are uneven and exposed, so good shoes and sunscreen are a must. Just before you reach Ponta da Piedade, stop at Miradouro da Ponta da Piedade. It’s one of the best photo ops in Lagos, especially with the sun low in the sky.

I recommend packing a snorkel in your daypack. There’s a hidden cove about halfway along the trail where the water is crystal clear and you can spot octopus hiding in the rocks below. This route is also great in reverse. Ending the walk at Porto de Mós means you can cool off with a swim and grab lunch at Campimar or O António right on the beach.

6. Take a Surf Lesson

I’d surfed once or twice before, but Lagos is where it finally clicked. I booked a beginner lesson at Praia da Batata through Algarve Surf School, and it was such a blast.

The instructors were laid-back but legit. They broke down technique in a way that actually made sense. The waves at Batata were mellow enough to learn on, and I stood up by the end of the session (not gracefully, but I did it).

Best for beginners: Stick to Batata or Praia da Luz. For more advanced surfers, head to Arrifana or Amado, which are about 40 minutes west and offer bigger swells. Most schools provide wetsuits and boards. Just bring a towel, water, and sunscreen that won’t wash off. I recommend doing morning lessons (8-10am), as they offer glassier conditions and fewer crowds. Plus, you’ll often see dolphins feeding just beyond the surf break – a magical bonus that afternoon sessions rarely provide

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7. Enjoy a Sunset at Praia Dona Ana

Praia Dona Ana is pure drama at sunset. With jagged cliffs, teal water, and golden light bouncing off the rocks, it looks like something out of a dream.

I usually pick up wine, olives, and local cheese from Mercado Municipal and set up near the edge of the beach before golden hour. You’ll get a front-row seat as the sky turns from orange to violet and the rocks glow like fire. For killer photos, climb the nearby stairs for a higher vantage point…but get there early. The small cave tunnel at the beach’s eastern end glows like stained glass during golden hour – wade through (knee-deep) for photos that look like they belong in National Geographic.

Spots go fast in peak season. This beach is also a great morning swim spot…the water tends to be calmer and clearer earlier in the day.

8. Kayak Through the Grottoes

One of the best ways to experience Lagos is from the water. I joined a kayak tour with Discover Tours, and we paddled through sea arches, into narrow caves, and past massive limestone stacks that made me feel tiny.

The group was small — maybe 10 people — and our guide kept it fun without talking too much. He shared the names of the formations, like “The Camel” and “The Kitchen,” which helped me actually remember what I was looking at.

Tour tip: Go early in the day when the sea is calmest. Afternoon winds can make paddling tougher. Bring water shoes, a dry bag, and a rash guard or T-shirt. The sun reflects off the water and can toast you quick. Ask your guide about the ‘Cathedral Cave’ – it’s only accessible during low tide and certain weather conditions. But the acoustics inside create an otherworldly echo when you whisper.

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9. Visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira

Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is a chill, underrated spot. It’s right by the marina and takes about 20 minutes to explore, but it gives you awesome panoramic views of the coast.

Inside, there’s a tiny chapel with beautiful azulejos and a museum with old maps and models. I climbed the outer wall and just sat there for a while, watching boats head in and out of the harbor.

Fun fact: The fort was built in the 1600s to defend against pirates. The small drawbridge entrance still works on the original pulley system from the 1600s, and if you time it right, you can watch the harbor master raise it for tall-masted boats. It’s truly a living piece of maritime history! It feels surreal to stand where cannons once aimed out to sea. Go just before sunset to see the light hit the coastline and catch the breeze off the Atlantic.

10. Dine at O Camilo

I don’t say this lightly…O Camilo is one of the best seafood meals I’ve ever had. It’s perched above the cliffs near Praia do Camilo, with giant windows looking straight out at the Atlantic. I had the grilled sea bass, seasoned simply with olive oil and lemon, and a cold glass of vinho verde. Unreal. The seafood rice is also a winner – packed with prawns, mussels, and clams.

I recommend calling ahead or going early. This place fills up fast, especially around sunset. The restaurant keeps a few tables unreserved for walk-ins each evening. Arrive at 6:30pm sharp (when they open) for the best chance, or call exactly 7 days ahead for weekend reservations. And after your meal, take the 200+ wooden steps down to Praia do Camilo. Even if you don’t swim, the view from the stairs is one of the best in Lagos.

11. Discover the Church of Santo António

I almost skipped Igreja de Santo António…but I’m so glad I didn’t. From the outside, it’s just another whitewashed church. But inside? Gilded woodwork covers every inch. It’s like stepping into a mini Versailles. I stood there, neck craned, trying to take it all in.

The church is connected to the Dr. José Formosinho Museum, which has religious artifacts, local art, and archaeological finds. Worth browsing if you like quirky museums. The wood carvings inside the church are all done without nails. Everything is fit together by hand. Definitely look for the hidden symbols carved into the woodwork…local artisans included their personal marks and inside jokes that tell stories of 18th-century craftsmen’s rivalries and friendships.

12. Enjoy Live Music at The Tavern

I’ve spent plenty of nights bar-hopping in Portugal, but The Tavern always pulls me back. It’s small, cozy, and unpretentious. The kind of place where you’ll hear a bluesy acoustic set one night, and a jazz trio the next. I dropped by on a Thursday and ended up chatting with a couple from Lisbon and a local guitar teacher over beers.

Ask for one of the local craft brews or a Portuguese gin and tonic (they go heavy on the garnish and flavor). I recommend going early if you want a table. It gets packed by 10 pm, especially on weekends. Tuesday nights feature ‘Local Heroes’ – emerging Portuguese artists who often invite audience members to join in. I love it because it captures the true spirit of Portuguese musical culture.

How to Get to Lagos, Portugal

Getting to Lagos is easier than most people think. I’ve done it several different ways over the years, and here’s what I’ve found works best.

Flying into Portugal

Your best bet is to fly into Faro Airport (FAO). It’s the closest major airport to Lagos — about a 1-hour drive — and it’s well-connected to other parts of Europe, especially in summer. I usually book a direct flight into Faro from Lisbon or a European hub like Barcelona or London.

If you’re flying in from the US or elsewhere outside Europe, you’ll probably land in Lisbon (LIS) first. After all – this is a hub for many of the best airlines to fly to Portugal. From there, it’s an easy connection by train, car, or bus down to the Algarve.

🧳 My go-to route: I typically fly into Lisbon, spend a night or two exploring the city, then hop on a direct train to Lagos. It’s scenic, affordable, and way more relaxing than navigating highways right after a long flight.

By Train

I’ve taken the train to Lagos several times, and it’s honestly one of the most comfortable ways to get there. From Lisbon, hop on a CP Intercidades train to Tunes (about 2.5 hours), then transfer to a local train to Lagos (about 1 hour). It’s a smooth ride with beautiful views of the countryside and coast.

Tickets cost around €25–35 total, and you can book them in advance on cp.pt. I recommend sitting on the right side of the train heading south for the best views.

🚉 Pro tip: The Lagos train station is walking distance from the marina and Old Town, so you don’t need a taxi when you arrive — just roll your suitcase along the boardwalk.

By Rental Car

Driving to Lagos is also a great option, especially if you plan to explore more of the Algarve. The roads are well maintained, and the A2 and A22 highways make it a straightforward 3-hour drive from Lisbon. You’ll hit tolls, so make sure your rental car includes a Via Verde pass — that’ll let you breeze through the electronic toll booths.

Once in Lagos, parking can be tight in the Old Town, but there are several free and paid lots just outside the historic center. I usually leave the car parked for most of my stay and explore on foot or by bike.

🚗 Car tip: Book your rental in advance during high season. I use local aggregators like Zest or Auto Europe to compare prices and avoid the usual international agency markup.

By Bus

The cheapest way to get to Lagos is by bus, and I’ve taken it a couple times when traveling solo on a tighter budget. Operators like Rede Expressos and FlixBus run regular routes from Lisbon, Faro, and other Algarve towns. It takes around 3.5–4 hours from Lisbon, and costs roughly €10–€20 depending on the season and time of booking.

🚌 Heads up: Buses from Lisbon leave from Sete Rios terminal. In Lagos, the bus terminal is conveniently located near the marina, just a short walk from most hotels and guesthouses.