Portugal Nomads
What to do and see in Lagos?
The 8 most beautiful sights + tips
Lagos is located on the southern coast of Portugal in the Algarve region. The city boasts 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.
The main attractions in Lagos at a glance:
Ponta da Piedade is the most impressive stretch of coastline and one of the most famous attractions 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 water via a series of stairs. The best photos are taken early in the morning when the soft light turns the rocks a golden hue.
Check out the rock formations from the shore or take a spectacular boat trip along the coast of Lagos! During this three-hour boat trip, you'll sail past the impressive rock formations and hidden caves that make the Portuguese coast so special.
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'll see them playing and jumping in the crystal-clear water.
Tip: Bring your camera, but don't forget to just enjoy the moment too. 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 façades and take a seat at one of the cafés in the many squares.
In the center, you'll find various attractions. Visit the Igreja de Santo António, a church with an impressive interior filled with 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 Lagos' maritime history and the role the city played during the Age of Exploration.
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 bays. The golden sand beautifully contrasts 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 built boardwalk makes the beach easily accessible. During the pre- and post-season, you can often spot dolphins swimming along the coast here.
Praia do Camilo is one of the most photogenic beaches in Lagos. You descend via a wooden staircase with 200 steps to an intimate little beach, surrounded by steep cliffs. Dive into the clear water for a refreshing swim.
Bring a hat because there's little natural shade. At high tide, the beach gets a lot smaller, so check the tides beforehand. From the stairs, 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 the parking lot is limited and the beach fills up quickly.
Step inside this historic church in the heart of Lagos. The simple exterior hides an interior 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. Make 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, which means you can still admire original elements from the 15th century here.
The nightlife in Lagos is centered around the historic center. As soon as 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 if you're looking to dance the night away, check out clubs like Zanzibar and Grand Café Disco. They 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 to enjoy 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 can reach the entrance via a drawbridge, decorated with traditional tiles. Visit the small museum about maritime history. From the fort walls, you have a view of the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the fort's chapel, you’ll see beautiful traditional tile panels.
With these attractions in Lagos, you'll see the best this Portuguese coastal city has to offer. From the stunning cliffs at Ponta da Piedade to the historic center, you'll find a perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation here.
For a complete experience of all the sights in Lagos, we recommend setting aside at least three days for your visit. This way, you'll have enough time to explore both the cultural and natural highlights.
Check out our Portugal Nomads road trip to Portugal, where you'll drive along the west coast and through the Algarve in your own minivan.
We offer you the best price-quality ratio on the market. Your price when booking is fixed, with no unnecessary surcharges or hidden fees. You can join us starting from €549 per person excluding flights.
We offer the option to take surf lessons along the west coast and in the Algarve. Never surfed before? No problem! The lessons are for every level.
This allows you to enjoy your trip with your own group and travel freely while our partners ensure a hassle-free experience in the background.
With Portugal Nomads, you'll sleep at unique campgrounds near the coast or in nature, providing the ultimate road trip experience through South Portugal!
Do you still have any questions or doubts?
Our magazine provides a clear overview of our offerings. You can download it using the button below.
Do you still have a few questions? Feel free to send us an email!
English 
Dutch