19 Finest Issues to Do In Lagos, Portugal

Prepare for loads of pleasure whenever you discover Lagos, Portugal. Lagos sits on the Algarve coast and is understood for its well-known seashores, full of life nightlife, and pure magnificence. Surrounded by a golden shoreline stuffed with lovely rock formations, there are many sights to see and actions to do making it the right seaside vacation vacation spot.

High Issues to do in Lagos

Lagos points of interest are different and plentiful. You might hike the Seven Hanging Valleys, go to a museum, or take one of many dolphin-watching boat excursions. There are lots of issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, and this information will cowl the best possible.

1. Ponta da Piedade

Should you’ve seen footage of Lagos, the probabilities are that you just’ve seen Ponta da Piedade. Ponta da Piedade is a headland of placing rock formations, with caves and grottos solely accessible by water. From land, you possibly can hike to the Ponta da Piedade scenic viewpoint, admiring the distinctive formations and snapping the postcard-perfect shot that has develop into so related to Lagos.

Visiting Ponta da Piedade is definitely one of many high issues to do in Lagos. You’ll spot sea stacks and arches and catch glimpses of the caves when visiting Ponta da Piedade from the land. The burnt yellow rock makes Ponta da Piedade much more lovely, and the orange look is attribute of Portugal’s Algarve area. Even if you happen to go to Lagos for only a few days, prioritize visiting Ponta da Piedade.

2. Take a ship tour from Lagos Marina

So, you can take a ship tour from Lagos Marina to go to the ocean caves and spectacular rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Nonetheless, there are many totally different boat journeys you could take, so enterprise all the way down to the marina and decide whichever takes your fancy. A ship journey is among the greatest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The ocean breeze, beautiful shoreline, and pleasant marine life are a successful mixture and go well with each traveler and their itinerary.

The dolphin-watching boat excursions are extraordinarily in style however ensure you select correctly. We advocate this tour if you happen to’ve by no means seen wild dolphins because it retains a protected distance and doesn’t stress the animals.

Different in style day journeys embody sundown catamaran cruises and longer, half-day cruises alongside the Algarve Coast. These longer cruises usually embody breaks for swimming and snorkeling and enterprise to pure points of interest just like the Benagil Cave.

3. Praia de Dona Ana

Praia de Dona Ana is among the most lovely seashores within the Algarve. The seaside is positioned on the Ponta da Piedade headland and is surrounded by limestone formations with golden strata. Simple to succeed in, filled with amenities like showers and bathrooms, and completely gorgeous to take a look at, visiting Praia Dona Ana Seashore is among the greatest issues to do in Lagos.

You possibly can attain Praia Dona Ana Seashore in 20 minutes on foot from Lagos city heart after which climb down from the headland through a set of lengthy wood steps. The seaside has calm waters and is great for much less assured swimmers and households. Praia Dona Ana Seashore is your best option out of the Lagos seashores for a soothing seaside day. Simply get there early to beat the crowds, because it is among the hottest seashores close to Lagos.

4. Praia da Luz

Fancy exploring additional afield? Praia da Luz is a coastal city simply 10 km west of Lagos, and you’ll simply take a day journey by leaping on the bus for a twenty-minute trip. Praia de Luz has a large seaside with watersports, lifeguards, and cafes – but it lacks the touristy environment of Lagos’ seashores.

Visiting Praia da Luz is a wonderful choice if you wish to expertise beautiful seashores outdoors of Lagos and luxuriate in a special, extra resort-like environment than the seashores in Lagos. It’s easy to succeed in on public transport and isn’t a secluded seaside – good for a straightforward day journey.

5. Parque Aventura

Parque Aventura is Portuguese for ‘Journey Park’, which ought to communicate for itself. Parque Aventura is the place to go for an adrenaline rush and enjoyable challenges in Lagos. The park has an intensive excessive ropes course that takes you thru the tree tops. Whereas if you happen to want to maintain your ft on the bottom, you possibly can take a look at your ability with a paintball sport on the park’s paintball area.

We advise heading to Parque Aventura later within the afternoon when temperatures are not sky excessive. The park stays open till 6 pm on daily basis, so visiting out of noon warmth shouldn’t be difficult.

6. Spend a morning in Lagos Outdated City

For that cobblestone streets expertise, you don’t should enterprise far in Lagos. Lagos Outdated City is stuffed with cobbled streets and colourful buildings, and the historic heart is surrounded by previous metropolis partitions.

Spending a morning in Lagos Outdated City is the easiest way to stability time on its greatest seashores. There are outlets, bakeries, and small pubs to take a seat al fresco with a pint of Sagres. Additionally it is an atmospheric place to strive some conventional Portuguese delicacies too. If you’re going to splash out on a meal, selecting a restaurant or cafe within the Outdated City is a good suggestion. And, if you’re caught for alternative, the contemporary seafood is scrumptious.

7. Go to Mercado de Escravos

Mercado de Escravos is one in every of Lagos’ most lovely buildings, but it additionally holds a few of Portugal’s darkest historical past. Mercado de Escravos was Europe’s first slave market, and the earliest dated slave market held there dates again to 1444.

The museum now educates guests on the slavery tragedy. It reveals the harrowing particulars of the market’s occasions via participating exhibitions. In case you are excited about socio-political historical past or wish to study extra about Portugal’s extra troubling historical past, Mercado de Escravos must be in your radar.

8. Praia dos Estudantes

Praia dos Estudantes is one other of Lagos’ greatest seashores, and it is best to go to it even if you’re solely in Lagos for just a few days. The small seaside is famed for its distinctive bridges and tunnels, which guests use to entry totally different areas of the seaside. You possibly can swap between the northern and southern sections of the seaside by strolling via a pure tunnel within the cliff face. Whereas overhead, there may be an previous Roman bridge connecting the cliffs.

The format of Praia dos Estudantes simply makes it one of the crucial fascinating seashores on the Algarve. That is the perfect seaside for you in order for you a memorable seaside day. Plus, it’s inside strolling distance of Lagos city heart.

9. Go kayaking to the ocean caves

You possibly can definitely take a ship journey to see these magnificent caves, however the extra adventurous is perhaps tempted by a kayaking journey. Exploring the ocean caves by kayak is a special expertise and definitely not for the fainthearted or unfit.

You possibly can lease a kayak and head out independently or go on a guided kayak tour – all of it is determined by your confidence. Both manner, you’ll be capable to rise up shut with the gorgeous formations alongside the coast and see marine life of their pure habitat. You possibly can squeeze via tiny sea caves and tunnels that bigger boats can’t match via, providing you with rather more alternatives to discover. And, if you happen to get fortunate, a pod of dolphins would possibly pop up round you.

10. Praia do Vale de Centeanes

Praia do Vale de Centeanes is among the high seashores to take a day journey from Lagos. It takes round forty minutes to drive to and is best to go to if in case you have a rental automotive, quite than catching a number of buses. So, why make the journey?

Visiting Praia do Vale de Centeanes is the perfect on a windy day as a result of it’s backed by towering limestone cliffs. It’s a dramatic introduction to the Algarve’s attribute cliff-backed seashores. Additionally it is rather more spacious than the small seashores round Lagos. For a heavenly seaside day, it’s nicely price a day journey.

11. Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos

Household holidays might be troublesome, particularly relating to preserving little youngsters entertained. The Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is solely tailor-made towards households – offering participating, child-friendly science reveals and actions. So if you’re touring with youngsters and wish to hold them entertained, Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos is a enjoyable, dependable choice.

The science museum is open from 10 am till 6 pm on daily basis aside from Mondays. It is a wonderful place to go to, escape the noon solar, or hold busy if the climate is horrible. The museum additionally has indoor and out of doors reveals, making the expertise fulfilling and different.

12. Meia Praia

Meia Praia is the biggest seaside round Lagos and stretches over 4 km in size. On a busy day, visiting Meia Praia is a method to assure your self a sunbathing spot. Lagos will get so busy in summer time that Meia Praia turns into a little bit of an emergency choice.

Meia Praia is conveniently positioned simply outdoors the Outdated City and inside straightforward strolling distance of the city heart. Visiting Meia Praia is a superb concept if you wish to squeeze a seaside day right into a busy day or simply be near many facilities.

13. Seven Hanging Valleys Path

Should you like staying lively, strolling the Seven Hanging Valleys is among the greatest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. The coastal path is a 5.7km out-and-back path that arguably covers probably the most scenic part of the Algarve shoreline. The route begins at Praia da Marinha and ends at Praia de Vale Centeanes, taking round two to a few hours to finish.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Path passes gorgeous vistas, together with many sea caves and spectacular formations. You might hike it a method, which might take about 2-3 hours, or stroll the trail as an out-and-back path in round six hours. The selection is yours.

14. Praia do Camilo

On the lookout for a secluded seaside? Praia do Camilo is the one for you. The small seaside is accessed by a wood staircase of over 200 steps – so put together your self for a exercise. Praia do Camilo is completely well worth the effort, although. The seaside has crystal-clear blue-green water and the Algarve’s attribute orange glow in its golden sand and cliffs.

Praia do Camilo additionally has a tunnel connecting two totally different sections of the seaside. You possibly can stroll via the pure tunnel and decide your favourite (or the least busy if you happen to’re visiting in peak season). Praia do Camilo is a enjoyable, fairly place to go to close to Lagos.

15. Go to Ponta da Bandeira Fort

Historical past lovers, this attraction is for you. Ponta da Bandeira is a Seventeenth-century fortress complicated that now runs as a museum and artwork exhibition venue. Ponta da Bandeira overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Praia de Batata Seashore and was as soon as a stronghold in opposition to enemies attacking the Algarve from the ocean.

Heading over the drawbridge, you’ll have sufficient exhibitions to maintain you entertained for no less than an hour or two. Ponta da Bandeira is among the greatest issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, to get a historic perception into the world.

16. Praia da Batata

So, you’ve visited Ponta da Bandeira. As we talked about above, the fort overlooks Praia da Batata, which is a good looking seaside to go to close to Lagos. And, if topping up your tan below a Seventeenth-century fort sounds memorable, it’s price including to your itinerary. The sands are famously mushy and golden, and the waters are calm and ideal for swimming.

Visiting Ponta da Bandeira and Praia de Batata is a wonderful mixture. Begin your morning on the fort, after which head to the seaside to take pleasure in some afternoon solar.

17. Spend a day in Faro Metropolis

Lagos is stuffed with issues to do, however since you’ll most likely journey to Faro for Faro Airport anyway, it’s price dedicating time to exploring Faro as nicely. You might even plan a day in Faro earlier than you fly house.

Faro is definitely probably the most well-known metropolis on the Algarve. In actual fact, it’s thought of by many because the gateway to the area. Nonetheless, its metropolis heart is a superb place to spend a few hours – which we extremely advocate doing. Stroll the Outdated City to admire the cobbled streets and neoclassical structure. Then go to the main points of interest just like the Arco de Vila, Faro Cathedral, and the Municipal Museum.

In case you have not rented a automotive and wish to discover Faro, this tour has you coated. Additionally, you will see different cool cities within the Algarve like Olhão, Tavira, and Cacela Velha.

18. Tour inside Igreja de Santo Antonio

Igreja de Santo is an ornate Catholic Church with Baroque structure and a number of historical past behind it. The church is positioned contained in the Outdated City and is definitely added to a morning within the city heart. Igreja de Santo is believed to be the birthing place of Saint Anthony of Lisbon – which means it holds nice non secular significance, particularly amongst the residents of Lagos.

The church inside is beautiful, and you’ll stroll via, admiring the sculptures and no-expense-spared decorations. There’s additionally a small museum, which incorporates reveals and extra details about the church and Saint Anthony of Lisbon. Permit an hour or two to expertise Igreja de Santo completely.

Lagos FAQs

Now that we’ve coated the perfect issues to do in Lagos, Portugal, let’s have a look at some widespread FAQs.

How one can get to Lagos

Lagos is positioned in Southern Portugal on the Algarve shoreline. The best method to attain Lagos is to fly into Faro Airport after which catch public transport to Lagos. You possibly can take a shuttle bus straight from the airport or journey into Faro to catch the practice to Lagos. Permit round three hours for each choices.

Since Lagos sits on the Atlantic Ocean, there are a number of ferry routes if you happen to fancy an journey. You might be greatest contemplating catching a ferry if you wish to ferry hop down the Portuguese coast.

As additionally it is positioned in mainland Europe, you can take a highway journey to Lagos from Spain, France, and even the UK if you’re feeling notably adventurous. Driving throughout Europe is in style, and also you’ll simply should be snug adjusting to totally different driving kinds. Additionally, needless to say you’ll want a for much longer timeframe for this, and we’d advocate permitting no less than two weeks to highway journey to after which take pleasure in Lagos comfortably.

Getting round Lagos

Lagos is a city and has all the things out there inside strolling distance. A number of the most picturesque seashores within the area are only a brief stroll from Lagos city heart. Plus, there may be Lagos practice station the place you possibly can catch a practice to close by spots on day journeys. You possibly can simply get round Lagos and its surrounding space with out driving a automotive. If you wish to keep native and are solely visiting for just a few days, we propose sticking to strolling and public transport.

After all, you can rent a rental automotive in order for you the liberty to discover additional afield. You’ll be capable to head up the shoreline and even out to the Valley of Guadiana Pure Park. If that is so, you could want to guide a rental automotive to select up from Faro Airport with the intention to drive to Lagos as a substitute of catching public transport.

Finest time to go to Lagos

The very best time to go to Lagos is in its shoulder seasons – early fall or late spring. The trick is to keep away from the crowds however nonetheless get good climate. In any case, why not take advantage of Lagos’ lovely seashores?

Might and June are the perfect months to go to Lagos in spring, whereas September and early October are the perfect months in fall. Nonetheless, struggling to resolve? The environment tends to be barely higher in spring when native tourism is excitedly warming up for the height season in summer time. Additionally it is often a bit breezier in spring, which is sweet for out of doors actions.

The place to remain in Lagos

Final however not least, the place must you keep in Lagos? There are a great deal of high-quality choices to go well with all budgets, however these are our absolute favorites.

Funds lodge: Outdated College Visitor Home

Lagos has hostels, however it’s higher to remain on the Outdated College Visitor Home for somewhat additional. It’s the highest-rated budget-friendly choice in Lagos, and every visitor will get a double or twin room. It additionally has a central location in Lagos city heart.

You’ll have a shared kitchen, free bikes, complimentary wi-fi, and even BBQ amenities. There’s additionally a paid airport shuttle to make your airport expertise extra stress-free.

Mid-range lodge: Fazenda Viegas

Fazenda Viegas is a privately run resort quite than a big industrial lodging alternative. The good thing about that is that there are considerate touches like on-site wine tasting periods, a welcome drink, and implausible sporting amenities like a soccer pitch and volleyball courts.

Visitors can select to remain in an house or villa, and whenever you aren’t swimming within the out of doors pool, you possibly can head to the closest seaside – about 2km away.

Luxurious lodge: Boavista Golf & Spa

In order for you luxurious, say no extra. Boavista Golf & Spa is a five-star property with all of the indulgent amenities you can need. Visitors select between townhouses and villas, so overlook about cramped lodge rooms or small house complexes. There may be additionally a shared rooftop terrace, countless leisure actions, and an indoor heated pool. Whereas for additional pampering, you possibly can head to the spa to take pleasure in a sauna, steam room, sizzling tub, and health club.

To Conclude

A visit to Lagos is among the greatest seaside holidays you can absorb Europe. Between the gorgeous landscapes and vibrant Portuguese tradition, there are such a lot of issues to do in Lagos, Portugal. We hope you get the prospect to expertise as lots of this stuff as attainable.

When you’ve visited Lagos, it is best to discover the remainder of the Algarve area. There are lots of superb cities in Portugal, plus the Douro Valley and Obidos if you happen to journey additional up north. Belief us, you’ll want a return journey.