Medieval church in Lagos Portugal at twilight. Where to stay in Lagos Portugal

Lagos, a small attractive town in the Algarve, is home to some of the region’s most tourist-friendly beaches and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stay in Lagos. Many of the hotels in Lagos are on the cliff between the old town and the Ponte da Piedade headland, or near the vast Meia Praia beach, but the historical centre and marina offer splendid accommodation options too.

My insider guide, based on multiple visits to and stays in Lagos over the last 16 years, gives you an overview of each of these different locations to help you make a more informed decision about the best base for you.

I’m also sharing my top Lagos accommodation picks for each neighbourhood. I’ve chosen some of the best places to stay in Lagos, ranging from luxury 5 star hotels to uniquely-decorated traditional villas to rent.

Whether you want to take in the view from a roof top pool overlooking the marina or pamper yourself in a spa, here are my recommendations for the best Lagos accommodation.

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If you’re in a hurry, see my top picks in the box below.

Best places to stay in Lagos by area

What’s best for you will depends on your preferences and how you intend to get there and around. To help you choose wisely, take a moment to read through the area overviews before choosing your accommodation.

Best place to stay in Lagos for cliff-backed beaches: Around Ponte da Piedade (Torraltinha)

If your priority is easy access to dramatically beautiful beaches and the convenience of having your hotel as close as possible to them, choose accommodation to the north of the old town centre in a neighbourhood called Torraltinha near Ponte da Piedade.

Note that access to some of these beaches, e.g. Praia Dona Ana, may involve steep steps but Praia de Porto de Mós is accessible for all.

It’s walking distance or a short cab ride over the hill from there to the shops, restaurants and bars and there are, of course, plenty of places to eat and drink in and around the hotels. It’s just not as ‘charming’ in terms of architecture as the old town but may be quieter at night.

Several of the accommodations in this area offer parking facilities if you’re planning to do some exploring but it’s not worth the hassle of driving into the old town in high season as you’ll struggle to find a parking spot. Walk or take a cab.

Praia Dona Ana in the Algarve Lagos Portugal
Praia Dona Ana in the Algarve Lagos Portugal

Best area to stay in Lagos for families: Meia Praia

Alternatively, there are several hotels along the road behind Meia Praia beach, which is wide and sandy and much easier to get to (i.e. no steps) than the cliff-backed ones nearer Ponte da Piedade.

All you need to do is cross the train tracks – the beach even has it’s own train station so you don’t need a car to get here. This is the best area for families to stay in Lagos.

View of Meia Praia beach in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Meia Praia beach in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Most central part of Lagos to stay in: Old town and marina

Lagos old town with green corner building
Lagos old town

If you would rather be in the thick of things in terms of cute cobbled streets, outside cafés, tempting shops and traditional architecture, then the old town might be a safer bet, especially if you don’t relish a 20-30 minute walk back to your hotel.

The evening atmosphere is lively, especially in summer. Just make sure you’re not too close to a bar or nightclub if you want to get a good night’s sleep (read the reviews carefully before you choose your accommodation).

Perhaps my top choice is along the Avenida dos Descubrimentos opposite the Marina. This location is also great in that you’ve got the best of all worlds in terms of easy access to different types of beach, the eateries around the Marina, Lagos train station and the massive Meia Praia beach. Plus I’m a sucker for the tinkling sound of flagpoles clinking in the breeze.

View of boats and yachts moored in the marina, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Boats and yachts moored in the marina, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

So now that you’ve got a better sense of which area will suit you best, read on to find your ideal accommodation in Lagos.

5-star hotels in Lagos, Portugal

Wherever possible, I choose accommodations that follow sustainable practices, as indicated by the number of leaves (3 is the top score). No leaf simply means that I can’t verify their current efforts regarding sustainable travel but I love the property.

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

If you are looking for a little celebrity treatment with world-class service then this hotel near Meia Praia is ideal. Rooms have a private balcony with views of the sea or garden. There is an outdoor pool with panoramic ocean views or, if you choose a premium suite, you can relax by the private pool. And if you really want to pamper yourself the spa offers a choice of treatments. Take a look at the photos.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and set among gorgeous gardens in Torraltinha on Ponta da Piedade, this resort has something for everyone. You can choose from a hotel, apartment or independant villa and take advantage of the spa and the 3 on-site restaurants. A nice touch is the 5 wings of the hotel, all decorated to reflect the expeditions of Portuguese navigators. Check out the options.

Palmares Beach House Hotel – Adults Only

If you prefer to be a little out of town (3 km from Meia Praia but a 10-minute walk through the golf course to a lovely beach), this adult-only Beach House Hotel is perfect for a peaceful time. The large, comfy rooms have a balcony with views over the Atlantic Ocean and the golf course. See the room prices and check availability.

4-star hotels in Lagos

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

A delightful adults-only option in Torraltinha near Praia Dona Ana is this beautiful small hotel where you’ll see lots of Portuguese tiles and paintings decorating each room. You can also just relax around the outdoor pool (or sauna or steam bath) and forget about the world outside. Check availability and current prices.

Bedroom with blue and white tiles behind the bed, Dom Manuel I Charming Residence, Lagos, Portugal
Bedroom at Dom Manuel I Guesthouse

Overlooking Lagos Marina, the Hotel Marina Rio has modern and warmly decorated rooms and is a mere 10-minute walk from the city center with its shops and restaurants and about 20 minutes walk to Meia Praia. This is a good option if you have a car as it’s easy to find and they have a private garage (at a cost). Check out availability

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

Also opposite the Marina, you will find this smart hotel boasting a lovely rooftop pool and bar overlooking the marina. Rooms are clean and bright and come with a choice of either marina or city views. Breakfast is excellent, the staff are very helpful and they have parking facilities. Check availability here.

Lagos Avenida Hotel
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

The Vila Gale is a luxury resort located right on the Lagos seafront at Meia Praia that offers all that you would expect from a high standard hotel. Of particular note are the indoor and huge outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and spa. Read reviews here.

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

If you prefer somewhere a little different then this Ambiance Village provides villas, gardens, terraces and swimming pools set in well-kept grounds in Torraltinha near the stunning Praia Dona Ana beach on the headland. Rooms are clean and stylishly decorated and all have a private balcony or terrace to enjoy. The restaurant provides a wide choice for breakfast and dinner. Choose a room here.

This comfortable hotel is also situated on the Ponta da Piedade headland, close to the beautiful and relatively easy to access Praia de Porto de Mós so it is ideal if you are after a quieter area to stay. Rooms are spacious and clean and you will see gorgeous large photos of local nature proudly displayed throughout the hotel. There is a welcoming pool surrounded by well kept gardens and you can even take advantage of the barbecue facilities if you feel the need. As a bonus, there’s free parking! Check prices for your stay here.

3-star hotels in Lagos

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

The rooms at this family-run hotel come with a balcony and the surrounding palm-garden with pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in Torraltinha, it’s away from the busiest tourist areas but with easy access to trails, beaches and marina. There’s a real feel of friendliness from the staff. Book your room now.

This aparthotel in Torraltinha has a choice of rooms and self-catering apartments, some with a balcony or terrace and views of the two pools. To help you get to the beach or city center there’s a free shuttle service and there’s free parking if you have your own car. Choose your dates.

Dom Pedro Lagos

Another aparthotel just a short distance from Meia Praia. Some of the studios and apartments come with sea-views and you can relax in the lovely garden or sunbathe by the outdoor pool. Breakfast is very good. Select your accommodation.

Villas to rent in Lagos

Pool at Sea and Seclusion, Villa in Lagos, Portugal
Pool at Sea and Seclusion, Villa in Lagos, Portugal

Sea & Seclusion

If you’re looking for a villa that sleeps up to 8, then this stunning place could be just for you. It’s a traditional 4-bedroomed villa with a private pool. Location is semi-rural and it’s a 10 minute drive to the heart of Lagos so a car is a good option. Take a look at these photos.

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

For a special stay head over to Villas D. Dinis – Charming Residence (adults only) in Torraltinha near Praia Dona Ana. The beautifully furnished and uniquely decorated traditional villas featuring private terraces, a pool with exotic gardens and private patios will make you want to stay even longer! Car parking is free and easy, it is close to several beaches and it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Lagos town center. Check out the range of accommodation here.

Other Accommodation in Lagos

This accommodation in Lagos old town has self-catering studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, some including a terrace and/or balcony with sea or city views. Kitchens come fully-equipped for all your needs or you can take advantage of the on-site Italian restaurant. Staff are super-friendly. Book your acommodation now.

Colourful Living room at Amber Dips apartment, Lagos, Portugal
Living room at Amber Dips apartment, Lagos, Portugal

Amber Dips

Just a short walk from the centre of Lagos is this 2-bedroomed stylish apartment. You can relax in the rooftop pool or enjoy the spacious balcony. There’s also parking available on site. Book your dates.

Baluarte da Vila Apartments

If you’re looking for a modern apartment in the old town that features a pool with views of Lagos Bay then Baluarte da Vila Apartments are ideal. Some apartments and studios have furnished balconies with views of Meia Praia and all have very good kitchenette facilities. Choose your favorite.

O Mar Azul

A studio apartment just a short distance from Lagos’ old town and very close to Dona Ana Beach. There’s a bright living space, a kitchenette and use of the communal pool. Select your dates.

View of Living space at O Mar Azul, Lagos, Portugal
Living space at O Mar Azul, Lagos, Portugal
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

You can select from a range of lovely accommodation at this guesthouse in Meia Praia. Try relaxing on the sun terrace or take in views of the sea. There’s the opportunity to chat to others in the common indoor seating area or make use of the fully equipped kitchen. Choose a room with a sea view.

Discover the fun you can have away from the beach in this guide to things to do in the Algarve.

And prepare for your trip with my insider tips for visiting the Algarve.

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1 Comment

  1. Fortunately, friends have an apartment in the Praia Donna Anna area. We stay twice a year and have done for over ten years. We love this area as it’s five minutes walk to Donna Anna beach and ten minutes walk to the arch entrance into the old town. The little beach just before the old fort is also only ten minutes walk away. The best beach in the area is Porto de Mos. You need to be aware that it’s a severe hill down to,or back from this beach but there is a bus service available from the promenade to the beach.

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