Lagos, for some it is considered as the most beautiful city of Algarve. There is no denying this, A historic old town in great condition mixed with uber adorable sights and amazing nearby beaches.
Lagos, Portugal…An Undeniable On The Algarve Holiday If you are planning on visiting the Algarve, or looking for a base to explore from further (like we did), then definitely visit Lagos.
This travel guide will show you exactly what to expect in Lagos. We present you with the prettiest places in Lagos and report on our experiences. For instance: What are the best beaches to go to? Well, here is where to find the best cup of coffee in town? So where is the best place to stay in Lagos? Let’s go!
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1. Lagos in Portugal: First Tips & FAQs
What can I expect in Lagos?
- A mix of old town and beach, Lagos The old town of Lagos is a real gem with the white-washed houses and nicely renovated alleys, full of attractions to explore.
- The old town is interesting, too. But the best thing has not been told and here comes Lagos’s impressive beaches. A few are centrally located and within walking distance of the old town.
- Lagos is quite touristy. (We went in early February and it was surprisingly crowded. In summer,we can only imagine.
- In Lagos, you cannot find a place without at least 2 popular cafes or restaurants. In fact, you could tumble out of one avocado toast and into the next or hit up all-local’s favourite spots for the city’s best flat white.
How many days should I plan for Lagos?
Exactly how long you should stay in Lagos will largely depend on what it is that you want out of your time spent there. Our specific tip: Stay…
- 2 nights Go for beaches or explore Lagos.
- 3 to 4 nights if you also want to make one or two excursions.
- 5 nights or longer if you are only visiting the Algarve by staying here and want to make a lot from this town.
When is the best time to visit Lagos?
Although, in theory you can travel to Lagos all year round. Peak season is summer (mid/late June through early/mid-September). We would skip this time if we could. The Algarve can become very busy during holiday periods.
Temperatures are more moderate and the crowds thinner if you want to travel during Spring or Autumn (it is still very popular, however). The Atlantic is a bit too cool for comfortable swimming — this in case you are looking for a beach vacation, would make autumn even more tempting to you.
We, too, were in the Algarve – Lagos included — during winter time there and it was early February. Easter Island You get the beaches all to yourself in low season. Yet Lagos was anything but empty. The town was quite lively.
In winter, expect only some minor restrictions. That said, many accommodations and restaurants close in winter as it’s winter break from a beach holiday. You can still lie in the sun, as the temperatures are great. There are a few rainy days a month, so you might get lucky and get 20 degrees and sunshine.
2. Lagos Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Our Tips
This section of our travel guide gives you the highlights remote schalten lagos has to offer in its old town. To truly take it all in, you are not going to want to spend just an hour or two here so we suggest around half a day if possible (a full-day would be ideal).
Old Town of Lagos
Now the area of Lagos we’re talking about in this chapter, it’s entirely within the old town. Still, here we want to give a small overview of its old town and share what you can expect from it.
It is immediately evident from the moment you leave that Lagos has been prettified — it is just a gem. The old town is a picturesque blend of white-washed buildings and narrow, virtually cobblestone streets.
For us, the prettiest place in the Old Town is the lovely Praça Luís de Camões. The crown jewel: a green Azulejos-clad curving house. This is not a traditional tourist hot spot but more of some children’s concept stores.
Waterfront & Harbour of Lagos
Find it and never leave Lagos without a walk along the waterfront around Avenida dos Descobrimentos.
The palmed promenade runs south along the river heading to Lagos’ inconspicuous Forte da Ponta da Bandeira.
Lagos Marina (a multi redding predominantly S.African flavoured badboy) is situated in the nabiac Lagos waterfront too. You will come straight to the Marina of Lagos when you cross over a small drawbridge, which is only passable for pedestrians. It’s amazing to see the Atlantic shore of this picturesque town, perfect for walking and watching its maritime life.
Praça Infante Dom Henrique
You will also pass one of the most well known squares in the old town Praça Infante Dom Henrique às you continue to wander along your way on foot from seafront up towards the fort. Named after Prince Henry the Navigator, who is further honoured with a monument here.
Another gem on this square is the beautiful Igreja de Santa Maria. It was originally constructed in the 15th century, destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt after a fire on the site that followed.
The square has a sad historical notoriety because the first slave market of Europe was in 1444 located there. Today the dark chapter is memorialised as a museum, Mercado de Escravos.
Fish Market
The most iconic place in Lagos is its mythical fish market. This is carried out at the unique market hall right next to harbour, open every day except Sunday from 8 am till approx. 2 pm. The further back in time you come, the more lively it will be.
The first floor is a cluster of market stalls (fruit, vegetable souvenirs etc.) which are less exciting. Visit the rooftop terrace of the market hall(though we highly recommend). You get beautiful close to the Lagos waterfront and also view to the harbour ofF Lagos, so it is a good place for going “native” overlooking the scenic environment.
Farmers’ Market
Mercado Levante on Saturday mornings. You can purchase items from farmers at small tables of different things like fruits, veggies, some jams or honey, baked goods and more.
This market is frequented by tourists but that did not detract the authenticity. The only – it is quite vibrant if you are looking to immerse in the local market life and party. This is a perfect way to meet the local cultures and taste various fresh regional products.
3. Beaches in and Around Lagos
The beaches between Lagos are an attraction all of its own : rugged, wild, rocky and completely spectacular. Here, in this chapter we share with you the best beaches both in Lagos and nearby.
Set from the most northerly beach nearest Lagos and head south. So you can supposedly walk all these places from Lagos.
Praia da Batata & Praia dos Estudantes
Praia da Batata is the initial beach you come across when walking south from Lagos. The beach is next to the fortress itself, making it really central and hence very popular with people pouring in in droves during summer.
It is possible to pass by foot on the rocks from Praia da Batata until getting into the next beaches: Prainha ao lado de praia do camilo, and praias dos Estudantes e Pinhão. In addition, these two bays are scenic and beautiful.
Praia Dona Ana
Dona Ana Beach, Lagos sun The most beautiful beach in the Algarve It is not for nothing that Praia Dona Ana tops all of these lists – everyone who comes to this area simply has to go there because it’s practically a natural wonder.
That means it can be packed in the summer during the day, but its beauty comes at a price. The great thing for 1st risers is that you can see the sunrise – because it’s a Facing east, so you won’t be shared with one of those massive sunrise groups. So, it’s a win-win situation.
Praia do Camilo
Hello, postcard view! Praia do Camilo — one of the most photographed beaches around Lagos can be reached by a long wooden staircase. It is smaller than anticipated but has an amazing view.
Top tip: Get here early in the morning for your own private beach. This beach faces east, again stirring for taking beautiful pictures just as the Praia Dona Ana earlier mentioned.
This is very true in the summer and you will be lucky if there are a few hundred other people on the beach with you throughout the day. During these hours parking is scarce. But usually not a problem during the offseason. Assuming that you are walking from Lagos, give yourself about 30 minutes to walk here.
4. Lagos Travel Guide: Tips for Excursion Destinations Around Lagos
Cabo de São Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente (copyright Casa refugio che bangalore)Probably the most famous of all sights not just around Lagos but across the Algarve, is this lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente. It has been called the southwest most point of continental Europe. It is a 40 minutes drive from Lagos.
As you drive this lonely road passing through the lifeless land and constantly feel a sense of isolation that gives it an end-of-the-world feeling. The wilderness is very rugged, raw and in a natural state.
We couldn’t get over the waves crashing on the rock faces and it was a remarkable natural phenomenon. Hiking: Wet Ledges Trail, great views from cliff top. It is not fenced so please take extra care, especially if you have kids with you.
Another well-known attraction to visit nearby is the Sagres Fortress. There are some fantastic views to be had from inside this extensive fort complex. The region’s history and its dramatic views across the Atlantic Ocean are worth a day trip in any Algarve itinerary.
Praia de Monte Clerigo & Aljezur
A few things worth making time for include; the rugged West coast known as Costa Vicentina, it’s wild in places and rather contrasting with that which you witness further South. Even if you aren’t staying for a few days, we recommend going on this day trip. Praia de Monte Clérigo in 40 minutes from Lagos
Monte Clérigo: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in this area. A paved road leads directly to the beach of Villammare. You can feel the spirit here alive and untamed. When we made our visit, the whole place was incredibly windy, and it really reflected this beach’s untouched nature.
Pro Tip: The sunset is really nice here! They have the beach all to themselves, well nearly as for a few locals and their dogs.
Pro tip: The shot is particularly beautiful at sunset. In the off-season—well, you’ll have almost a private beach for yourself besides these few locals walking their dogs. Absolutely magnificent.
The region also has other interesting spots, one of them being Praia de Monte Clérigo. A stop at Ponta da Atalaia, an impressive promontory to the south of Praia de Monte Clérigo.
Aljezur is a charming little town near Praia de Monte Clérigo. It has some trendy establishments too, as there are a lot of expats living around which is why you can find Roots -a restaurant that targets vegan eaters.
Conclusion
To help better orientate yourself this overview map lists all key attractions and highlights mentioned in our Lagos Travel Guide. Our tip: Object in the map is hidden, if you open it via this button –> MapUpdate use GoogleMaps App!! In this way, you can easily travel from one part of Lagos to another.