Lagos

Travel Guide

Lagos featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and views
Lagos featuring a sandy beach and a gorge or canyon as well as a large group of people
Lagos featuring a lake or waterhole, a church or cathedral and a sunset
Lagos featuring rocky coastline, a gorge or canyon and a beach
Lagos featuring signage

Soak up the sun on pristine beaches or explore compelling historic attractions in this picturesque town.

Lagos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve, where you can lay your towel in soft sands or hit the crystal-clear waters to enjoy snorkeling and other watersports. The town draws tourists with its vibrant nightlife scene, outstanding restaurants and burgeoning vineyards. Although hedonistic pleasures are Lagos’ main attraction, the town also has a long and rich history, visible in its cobbled streets and pretty plazas.

An ancient port city for thousands of years, Lagos was the capital of Algarve from 1576. An earthquake devastated the town in 1755, after which the capital was moved and Lagos entered a period of economic decline. Although the town is still a fishing port and market center, it was tourism that fueled its revival in the 1960s.

Check out paintings by Faro artist Carlos Filipe Porfírio in the Museu Municipal. Set in a 16th-century former convent, the museum also houses a piece of the Berlin Wall, a gorgeous 3rd-century mosaic and other eclectic artifacts.

Take a look at the stunning gilt carvings that decorate the Igreja de Santo António. The church’s construction began in the 17th century and its extravagant interior is covered with traditional azulejo tiles, imported Brazilian gold and intricately carved cherubs. 

Go for a dip in the sparkling waters of Praia de Dona Ana. Snorkel in the warm waters or arrange a boat trip to see intriguing caves dotted throughout the surrounding cliffs. 

Don’t miss Ponta da Piedade cliffs, where craggy sandstone rock formations rise dramatically from the sea. The cliff top is best visited in the spring, when it blooms with wild orchids and egrets gather to nest. 

Take a look at Castelo dos Governadores, part of a 13th-century palace complex constructed by the Arabs. As you look at the wall’s Manueline window, imagine King Dom Sebastião addressing his troops at this very spot in 1578 before setting off on his ill-fated crusade.

Lagos is located in southwestern Portugal. There are regular daily train and bus connections with Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lagos

Santo Antonio Church featuring a sunset and a city

Centro Histórico

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Centro Histórico is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lagos Municipal Market and First European Slave Market.

Centro Histórico
Dona Ana Beach featuring rocky coastline, a beach and general coastal views

Praia Dona Ana

If you're spending some time in Praia Dona Ana, Dona Ana Beach and Pinhao Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Praia Dona Ana
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Porto de Mós

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Porto de Mós, Porto de Mos Beach and Praia do Canavial are top sights worth seeing.

Porto de Mós
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Funchal

5/5(1 area review)

While Funchal might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Boavista Golf and Marina de Lagos.

Funchal
Meia Praia Beach featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Meia Praia

If you're spending some time in Meia Praia, Meia Beach and Golfo de Cádiz are top sights worth seeing.

Meia Praia
Dona Ana Beach featuring rocky coastline, a beach and general coastal views

Ameijeira

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

While Ameijeira isn't home to many top sights, Batata Beach and Pinhao Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ameijeira

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lagos

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
106
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
43
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a beautiful beach town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing cliffs, natural beauty and beaches

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The old town area is great. We mainly were golfing. Courses were hilly but nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was a wonderful city. The weather was perfect and the restaurants were plentiful. We will try to come again and visit Lagos when we take another vacation from America.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice dining with awesome ocean views.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Was beautiful, but off season is depressing/there is nothing to do.... most restaurants etc are closed and everywhere is dead.

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