Lagos

Lagos

Located on the beautiful Western Algarve coastline, Lagos is home to breathtaking beaches, buzzing nightlife, great tourist facilities, and a charming historic center. Because it has a more relaxed vibe than other towns in the Algarve, such as Albufeira or Vilamoura, Lagos is a great holiday destination for people of all ages, including families, young couples, and more mature visitors. If you're thinking about visiting Lagos, here is everything you must know. The jewel in the Algarve's crown is sure to impress you!

How To Get Here

Lagos is located 90 km away from Faro International Airport which makes it easier to get to this little paradise. From there, you can either book a transfer in advance or rent a car, which will be very handy if you want to explore other towns or beaches in the Algarve. Another tip is to stay away from taxis near the airport as they will be very expensive.

What To Do

The best thing to do in Lagos is to discover its breathtaking beaches. Meia Praia is the largest beach in town, stretching along 4 km of golden sand. While Meia Praia is the longest, the Praia Dona Ana is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. To access it, you need to go down a stairway leading you to a fantastic beach with golden sand, calm waters, and impressive rock formations. Near Praia da Dona Ana, you will find Praia do Camilo, another top contender of most beautiful beach in the Algarve. If you want a more quiet beach away from the city center, head to Praia de Porto de Mós, where you can easily find space to lay down and sunbathe. With so many wonderful beaches in Lagos, you won't have trouble finding a new one every day.

Another sight you can't miss in Lagos is Ponta da Piedade, a series of cliffs with unique shapes, including arches and caves, formed by the ocean. You can witness its natural beauty from cliff tops but there's nothing like going on a tour to appreciate the view from the water.

Close to Lagos, you can also find a variety of activities, such as the Slide & Splash waterpark (27€) and the Zoomarine (26,10€), that are perfect if you're traveling with kids or simply want a little break from the beach. At night, you can either walk around the town and browse the little shops that stay open until late or drink a cocktail at one of the bars. 

What To See

Lago's historic center has retained its traditional charm, which makes Lagos a great holiday for tourists who want more than spending a day at the beach. Surrounded by the ancient Moorish walls built during the 16th century, the historic center is also home to Ponta da Bandeira, a fort built one century later to keep the town protected. Behind it, you will find Porta de São Gonçalo with a watchtower on either side, as well as the Governors' Castle. When it comes to churches, Lagos has some beautiful monuments worth discovering, such as Igreja da Santa Maria and Igreja de Santo António. Another part of the town that you must see is the Lagos Marina. Located near the historic center, where you can take a walk along the waterfront and look at the gorgeous boats and yachts.

Where To Eat

As in all of the Algarve, Lagos is mainly known for its fresh fish. You won't have trouble finding local restaurants that suit all budgets where you can enjoy delicious food. A few popular choices are Chico Zé, Casa do Prego, and Calhou. There is also a local market in Lagos every Saturday morning with all sorts of fresh fruits, vegetables, and much more; as well as a daily fish market filled with fresh fish and seafood. Make sure to stop by!

Smart Tips

If you're staying in Lagos, WarmRental recommends that you take a few day trips to surrounding towns such as Sagres or Portimão. Rent a car and go discover the dramatic cliffs Sagres, in the western tip of mainland Europe, or the famous Praia da Rocha in Portimão. Both towns have a different vibe from Lagos so it will be interesting to explore another side of the Algarve to completely appreciate its beauty!