The Best Things To Do In Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most popular bases and, despite the growth in tourism over recent years, it still manages to combine dramatic coastline, good beaches, interesting history and a lively atmosphere.

Most people come for the sea caves and cliff scenery but there’s enough variety here to fill several days without rushing around constantly.

Lagos works particularly well if you want a mix of beaches, boat trips, walkable streets and decent restaurant options without needing to rely on a car constantly. It’s also a great base for exploring the western Algarve.

Summer can feel extremely busy, especially around the smaller beaches and popular boat tours, so it helps to plan ahead a little if you’re visiting between June and September.

Last updated: May 2026

Here are my suggestions for things to do in Lagos, including some of Portugal’s best beaches and unforgettable trips.

1. Explore Ponta da Piedade headland

Located just to the west of Lagos, the Ponta da Piedade headland shows off the beauty of the rugged coastline. Golden limestone cliffs stretch up to 20 metres high and there’s a footpath you can use to explore them from different perspectives. You’ll find grottos and sea arches that nature has sculpted from limestone over thousands of years.

Another great way to discover these caves and grottos is by one of the many boat trips available such as this Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour with Local Guide.

If you enjoy the magic of a beautiful sunset then try this Ponta da Piedade Sunset Tour.

2. Bask on the beaches of Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is blessed with some of the best beaches in the Algarve. These four are close to town and easy to walk to.

In July and August, the smaller cove beaches can become extremely crowded by late morning, especially Praia do Camilo and Dona Ana. If you want space and an easier experience, Meia Praia or Porto de Mós are usually better choices.

Best beaches in Lagos

Meia Praia

At over 4 km long, Meia Praia is the largest of Lagos’ beaches. It’s popular but because of its size it doesn’t really get overcrowded, especially if you’re prepared to walk a little bit further to claim your spot on the sand.

If you want a decent beach walk (or run), this is the place to go. It’s a clean, accessible beach, with relatively calm water, making it good for young children. Be warned though; the sea is calm but quite chilly!

Praia Dona Ana

Shadier, thanks to the cliffs, and far less expansive – it’s only 160 metres wide – is Praia Dona Ana. Because of its size it can get crowded during the summer months. It has very clear waters so is popular for snorkelling around the rocks. You’ll see spectacular rock formations here but note that access to the beach is via a lot of steps.

Praia do Camilo

If you’re thinking of visiting Praia do Camilo, again consider access. The views going down the steps are wonderful but sometimes they feel never-ending (more than 200 steps). It’s a small beach which gets very busy in summer, especially at high tide when sand space is reduced.

Praia da Batata

The closest beach to the centre of Lagos is Praia da Batata, which means Potato Beach, although I’m not sure how it got that name. Perhaps one of its lovely rock formations looks a bit spud-like. This sheltered beach is usually calmer for swimming

Praia de Porto Mós

This is an accessible beach around the headland, with cliffs either side but not the impressive stack formations of some of the previous beaches. It’s much bigger than Praia Dona Ana and the other small coves and has ample parking and a few restaurants. It’s good for families and for a stroll or run on the beach.

3. Take a classic food tour

I love my food full stop. Some of my favourite travel memories are centred around local delicacies sampled in small restaurants and hidden eateries.

This classic food tour is a great way to learn about Lagos through its food, local stories and hidden eateries.

4. Eat seafood and petiscos

Lagos has plenty of tourist-oriented restaurants but there are still some good places for fresh seafood and Portuguese petiscos (snacks and small plates, like tapas) if you avoid the most obvious waterfront menus.

For a more local introduction to Algarve flavours, the food tour mentioned above is a good starting point.

5. Explore Lagos on foot

If you enjoy exploring on foot, Lagos has several themed walking routes that cover local history, public art and coastal viewpoints.

Personally, I think guided walking tours work particularly well in Lagos because so much of the town’s history is easy to miss otherwise. Brodie’s walking tour combines historical context with local recommendations and humour, making it a great introduction to the town.

6. Learn local history at the Dr. José Formosinho Museum

Go on a journey through the cultural history of Lagos and the Algarve in this fascinating small museum. Here you’ll find a collection of curiosities, works by local artists and examples of skills from basketry to embroidery.

See the website for details.

7. Marvel at the golden altar in Igreja de Santo António

The outside of The Church of St. Anthony may appear relatively simple but once you go inside, you’ll see gilded carving considered to be some of the most beautiful in the country. The altarpiece (which survived the Lisbon earthquake in 1755), ceiling and azulejos make this church very special indeed.

You can only access this through the Dr José Formosinho Museum but it’s worth the entrance fee.

8. Discover Lagos’ less-than-glorious past at the Slave Market

The Mercado de Escravos or Slave Market highlights one of the darker sides of Lagos. It is located on the site where the first slave market in Europe of the modern era took place, in 1444. The museum building was built in 1691 and is one of the oldest buildings in Lagos.

If it’s not open when you’re there (it was closed when we tried to visit), you can take a virtual tour of the museum, details here.

9. Wander around Lagos Marina

Take a stroll along the marina and you’ll find a selection of cafes, restaurants and hotels, perfect for an afternoon refreshment or an evening meal. Many of the tour operators for boat trips, dolphin watching and similar activities can be found here.

10. See military architecture at Ponta da Bandeira Fort

When it was built this 17th century fort was one of the most technically advanced fortresses in the entire Algarve and it remains one of the best preserved in the region.

11. See the patterns of the cobbled streets

Many towns and cities around Portugal can boast of some truly beautiful cobbled streets or Calçada Portuguesa and Lagos is no exception. You’ll notice intricate patterns throughout the pedestrian streets of the old town.

12. Go shopping

Lagos market is quite typical for a Portuguese market and here you’ll find fresh fish and vegetables as well as many other local delicacies. You can pause for a snack at the small cafe or go up to the top floor restaurant with views of the promenade.

If it’s quality crafts you’re after, head to Rui Santos on Rua São Gonçalo de Lagos for decent Portuguese cork, ceramics, clothing, accessories and copper cataplanas.

Mar D’Estorias has a lovely shop on the ground floor and a roof terrace serving tasty treats.

Day trips and excursions from Lagos

13. Be amazed by the Benagil caves

Although Benagil is technically further along the Algarve coast near Lagoa, many visitors take boat trips there from Lagos.

The famous sea cave is undeniably impressive but it’s also become extremely busy in recent years, especially during summer. If you decide to go, choose a smaller boat or guided kayak experience rather than the largest tours.

Read about my experience and other options in this Benagil caves tours blog post.

Try this 2-hour boat trip to the Benagil caves from Lagos.

Or, if you are feeling more energetic, maybe this Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience. would suit you better.

Important update: Due to the increase in traffic and for safety reasons, no one is allowed to land or use the sand inside the caves, renting a kayak without a guide is prohibited and you can no longer swim to the caves.

14. Go wine tasting at nearby wineries

The Algarve has a long history of producing some wonderful wines and you can easily explore these from Lagos. You can try this small group half day Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos and learn all about wine production as well as discovering the local countryside.

15. Go dolphin watching

Dolphin watching trips from Lagos can be a memorable experience, especially when led by marine biologists who explain the behaviour of the different species found along the Algarve coast.

👉 Take a look at this Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologists tour

16. Discover what the West Coast has to offer

The western Algarve coast feels noticeably wilder and quieter than central Algarve resorts, with huge beaches, dramatic cliffs and small surf towns.

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to deal with the driving, this small group West Coast tour makes an easy day trip from Lagos.

Practical tips for visiting Lagos

If you’re looking for accommodation, check out my post on where to stay in Lagos for some great recommendations.

If you’re coming from Lisbon then check out my Best Ways To Get From Lisbon To Lagos.

To explore the surrounding area, especially to the west and north of Lagos, a car will give you the greatest flexibility.

👉 Compare car rental prices with DiscoverCars

How many days do you need in Lagos?

If you’re planning an Algarve itinerary, I’d suggest spending at least 3 nights in Lagos if possible.

That gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, take a boat trip and explore the old town without constantly rushing between activities.

You could easily stay longer if you want to add surfing, hiking or day trips along the western Algarve coast.

If you’re planning a wider Algarve itinerary, see my guides to the best things to do in the Algarve and my 4-day West Algarve road trip itinerary.

👉 See my guide to where to stay in Lagos