Sights in Lagos: 8 of the most beautiful spots + our tips

Lagos is located on the southern coast of Portugal in the Algarve region. During your trip with Portugal Nomads, you'll pass through this charming town. The city has countless attractions, such as the historic center, spectacular rock formations, and golden sandy beaches. In this blog, we'll take you through the most beautiful sights in Lagos that you shouldn't miss during your visit.

1. The Rock Formations at Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is the most impressive stretch of coastline and one of the most famous sights in Lagos. From the lighthouse, you can gaze out over golden cliffs that rise steeply from the sea. You can descend to the clear turquoise waters via a series of stairs. The best photos are taken early in the morning when the soft light turns the rocks a golden hue.

View the rock formations from the shore or take a spectacular boat tour along the coast of Lagos! During this three-hour boat tour, you'll cruise past the stunning rock formations and hidden caves that make the Portuguese coast so special.

2. Did you know you can spot dolphins along the coast near Lagos? During the boat trip along the cliffs, you'll also head out into the ocean to look for them. The wild dolphins often swim alongside you! From the Marina de Lagos, you'll sail into the Atlantic Ocean, where these cheerful marine mammals come to greet your boat. With a bit of luck, you might see them playing and jumping in the crystal-clear water.

Tip: Bring your camera, but don't forget to just enjoy the moment. The sight of playful dolphins against the backdrop of golden cliffs is unforgettable!

Wander through the narrow streets of the historic center of Lagos. The whitewashed buildings tell the story of the city. Admire the traditional Portuguese tiles on the facades and take a seat at one of the cafes in the many squares.

In the center, you’ll find various attractions. Visit the Igreja de Santo António, a church with an impressive interior full of gilded woodwork. Stroll along the old city walls and soak up the cozy atmosphere of the town. The center comes alive in the evenings with street musicians and great restaurants. At Praça do Infante Dom Henrique, you can learn more about the maritime history of Lagos and the role the city played during the Age of Discovery.

Walk to Praia Dona Ana, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Rock formations rise from the turquoise water, creating sheltered coves. The golden sand contrasts beautifully with the ochre cliffs.

Rent a sunbed and umbrella for a relaxing day at the beach. Explore the hidden caves along the coast with a kayak. The beach restaurant serves fresh fish and cold drinks. The newly constructed boardwalk makes the beach easily accessible. In the shoulder seasons, you can often spot dolphins swimming along the coast.

Praia do Camilo is one of the most photogenic spots in Lagos. You descend via a wooden staircase with 200 steps to an intimate little beach surrounded by steep cliffs. Jump into the clear water for a refreshing swim.

Bring a hat because there's not much natural shade. At high tide, the beach gets a lot smaller, so check the tides in advance. From the staircase, you have a perfect view for sunset photos. The small beach restaurant at the top serves great fish and seafood dishes. During peak season, it’s advisable to arrive early, as parking is limited and the beach fills up quickly.

Step inside this historic church in the heart of Lagos. The simple exterior hides an interior filled with beautiful altarpieces and azulejos (Portuguese tiles).

Admire the wooden pulpit and traditional decorations. In the square in front of the church, you'll find cozy terraces for a break during your city stroll. Be sure to pay attention to the ceiling with its detailed paintings. The church is one of the few buildings that survived the great earthquake of 1755, allowing you to still admire original elements from the 15th century.

The nightlife in Lagos centers around the historic downtown area. Once the sun sets, the streets come alive with music from the many bars and clubs.

The heart of the nightlife can be found on Rua 25 de Abril. Here, you'll find popular bars like Inside Out and Grand Café. For a karaoke night, head to the Black Cat Bar, and for a long night of dancing, visit clubs like Zanzibar and Grand Café Disco. These usually open around midnight and stay open until the early hours.

Tip: Many bars and clubs are within walking distance of each other in the center. Start your evening around 10 PM, and you'll experience the liveliest hours!

Stroll along the boulevard of the modern marina. Colorful fishing boats sit side by side with luxury yachts. Around the harbor, you'll find various restaurants and terraces with views over the water.

In the harbor, you'll also find Forte da Ponta da Bandeira. Explore this 17th-century fort that protected the harbor of Lagos. The fort is strategically located at the mouth of the river. You reach the entrance via a drawbridge, adorned with traditional tiles. Visit the small museum about maritime history. From the fort walls, you can enjoy views of the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the fort's chapel, you'll see beautiful traditional tile panels.

Do you want to discover the most beautiful sights of Lagos yourself? You can during an 8-day road trip through Portugal in your own minivan with Portugal Nomads! You'll travel along the west coast and through the Algarve, staying at unique and idyllic campsites. Are you ready for an adventure?