Lagos Holidays

There are lots of great things to do in Lagos, with many of the attractions focusing on the outstanding beauty of this popular coastal town. But even away from the beaches, there’s lots to discover.

• Some of the biggest highlights of Lagos are the beaches, with alluring blue waters, expansive stretches of sand, and dramatic cliffs. Whether you’re looking to spend a fun day with the family playing on the sand, or you’re after a more exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping watersports experience, you’ll find it here.
• The Ponta de Piedade is one of the top attractions in Lagos, seated in a stunning location on top of the towering, golden sandstone cliffs. For the best views of this lighthouse, take a walk along the headland; this is where you’ll be able to see the naturally carved rock pillars, narrow tunnels, and hidden grottos.
• One of the most fun things to do in Lagos is… nothing! This is one holiday destination where you don’t need to have a day-to-day plan or schedule. Just strolling around the whitewashed buildings of the town, peeking inside the natural caves, and walking through the busy markets is a great way to spend a day.
• Lagos also benefits from being located close to some other amazing destinations in Portugal. The resort of Alvor is a good choice for a day trip, giving you an authentic taste of the Algarve. With its quaint, cobbled streets, low rise buildings, and attractive harbour, Alvor is a quiet, peaceful place to unwind.

The Algarve is home to some fantastic Portuguese regional specialities. These are served up beautifully in an array of warm, welcoming, family-friendly restaurants which can be found scattered across the town.

• Many Lagos, Portugal restaurants focus on fresh seafood due to the town’s location right on the coast. Much of the fish on the menus here is caught that very morning, and cooked in the simplest of ways to retain the natural flavour. It's usually served up with fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruit.
• A very popular local dish to try is chicken piri piri. Restaurante O Alcaide, considered to be one of the best restaurants in Lagos, is a great place to try this famous sauce for lunch or dinner in a relaxing environment, although you’ll find many other eateries specialising in this particular recipe.
• The sardines of the Algarve are widely recognised as being some of the best in the world. Casa do Pintor is a fantastic place to sample them, where they’re served up with montanheira salad and boiled potatoes. And if sardines aren’t your thing, you’ll find a wide range of Mediteranean-inspired foods.
• Lagos is known for its great food, but it is perhaps even more famous for its drinks. No visit to Portugal is complete without trying a glass of local port, and Portuguese wines are hugely popular. Don’t miss out on a glass or two of Arinto, or Negra Mole if you’re more of a red wine drinker.

Families will find many exciting things to do in Lagos, capturing the true spirit of the classic summer holiday for both adults and kids. Lagos is actually one of the most family-friendly places in Portugal.

• There are lots of different boat trips that families can take to explore the open water and extensive coastline of the Algarve. One of the most exciting, especially for little ones, has got to be a dolphin tour to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There are lots of tours bookable from the town.
• For families who love spending time on the beach, Lagos is a great choice. One of the best beaches in Lagos for families is undoubtedly Praia da Batata, where parents can lay back and relax while the kids are free to play around the sand, build sandcastles, or paddle in the clear, calm waters in the summer.
• If you’re hoping for a bit more speed and action during your Lagos holiday, you’re in luck! Lagos is situated very close to one of Portugal’s best karting centres, Autódromo Internacional Do Algarve. Suitable for drivers of all ages, the Kartódromo track is one of the biggest kart tracks in all of Europe.
• If you're visiting Lagos with younger children, you can’t afford to miss out on a visit to Slide and Splash; a family-friendly waterpark located just 20 minutes from the town. It’s not just water fun here, either. In fact, there are live shows throughout the day featuring macaws, reptiles, and majestic birds of prey.

The Algarve has a rich history, influenced by Moorish rule and the legacy of centuries under Arabic settlement. You can see evidence of Lagos’ past within its old streets and unusually-shaped chimneys.

• Unmissable monuments in Lagos include the 18th century Church of Igreja de Santo António, and the Castelo dos Governadores which stands almost directly opposite. The castle especially is incredible, with its baroque facade and historic watchtowers which give a glimpse into Lagos’ history.
• Another fantastic centre of local culture can be found nearby in Loule. This medieval city is home to an amazing Moorish-style covered marketplace offering all kinds of delicacies. You'll aso find roadside stalls and artisan shops selling traditional Algarve crafts, like handmade woven baskets and delicate lace.

The Lagos, Portugal beach vistas are simply stunning, and it’s not surprising that the majority of visitors flock here to revel in the soft sands and clear waters.

• Close to the centre of Lagos is the wonderful 4km long stretch of golden sand along Meia Praia. With its award-winning Blue Flag beach, which is ideal for swimmers, the beach is very convenient for the town, and features all the amenities and facilities you need to enjoy a relaxing day out by the sea.
• Although Porto de Mós Beach is a little further from the centre of town, it is classed as one of the top beaches in Lagos. It boasts a wonderful sandy bay which is ideal for sunbathing, and is a truly idyllic beach, great for couples who want to relax and unwind by the peaceful seafront.
• The beach is where you’ll find most of the action during your holiday, with beautiful scenery and weather, mixed with watersports and a vibrant, lively atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for adventure, hop in a kayak and explore life beyond the beaches, and the cliffs with their hidden caves and coves.

The Lagos, Portugal nightlife is lively and energetic, comprising various bars and seafront venues serving up cocktails and cold beers. Many of these stay open well into the night.

• Some of the best bars in Lagos are dotted along the main strip in the Old Town, with two of the most popular being the spooky Wolf’s Lair and the seafront Duna Beach Club. Expect the drinking and dancing to carry on after the bars and clubs close; after-dark beach parties are very popular here.
• Another option is to take a trip to nearby Albufeira and indulge in the city’s bustling nightlife. Albufeira is home to many pumping bars and clubs that stay open until the sun begins to rise. Be sure to check out the main square in the Old Town, and the infamous ‘Strip’ where there’s always something going on.
• Many of the bars in Lagos tend to cater to the young backpacker crowd, so if you’re looking for an energetic nightlife scene, this is the place for you. However, if you keep your eyes open you’ll have no trouble at all finding some laid-back bars and karaoke clubs to relax and unwind in.

The Algarve is a true paradise for couples looking for a romantic destination, and Lagos is a fantastic choice with its incredible scenery, buzzing nightlife, and peaceful beaches.

• One of the most relaxing things to do on a couple's holiday to Lagos is simply to spend time together on the beautiful, sandy beaches. Whether you want to chat all day while soaking up the sun, or stroll hand-in-hand along the soft sands at sunset, the slow pace of life along the Portuguese coast is just perfect.
• For the ultimate in rest and relaxation, you’ll find some top spa and pampering facilities at Lagos’ luxury resorts. Why not book a couple’s massage or treatment for two before unwinding in the sauna, steam room, or jacuzzi?
• To really make the most of your beautiful, romantic surroundings, hire a car and take a 30 minute coastal drive south to the small town of Sagres. The views of the bay and the cape of São Vicente will absolutely take your breath away, especially if you time your visit to coincide with the sunset.

How far is Lagos from Lisbon by train?

It takes roughly 4 hours to get from Lisbon to Lagos by train, and it’s very easy to do. The train leaves from Estação do Oriente in Lisbon and travels to Tunes, where you’ll change to the Lagos train.

How do I get from Faro to Lagos?

There are lots of ways to get from Faro to Lagos. Driving takes around 1 hour, although there are public transport options including the train (1h 45m) and bus (2h 10m).

Does Lagos, Portugal have an airport?

Lagos has a small airport for recreational flying, although the nearest airport for commercial flights is Faro, about 1 hour away by car. Lisbon Airport is another option, about a 2.5 hour drive away.

Is there Uber in Lagos, Portugal?

Although Uber was once banned in Portugal, the service is now running throughout the Algarve. The service covers the entire Algarve area all the way to the Spanish border.

Can you surf in Lagos, Portugal?

Lagos’s location on Portugal’s south coast means that the waters are quite calm, but it's still a popular base for exploring the bigger waves of the west. Many Lagos surf schools travel to Amado Beach.