Our article will help you to give some information about the best places to visit in Lagos Portugal. Lagos has a myriad of things to offer its visitors, especially for those looking for a destination that perfectly combines history and summer holidays.
This symbiosis could not remain a secret for long and, at present, Lagos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve, both for Portuguese and foreigners. On the one hand, Lagos preserves the typical architecture of the Algarve in its charming streets and alleys that make you want to walk around. The houses that extend up the hill preserve attractive architectural details for the delight of an attentive eye. For more travel articles about Portugal check this category and for all articles about Europe check this list.
The city itself exudes a sense of calm and tranquillity with a slow, carefree pace of life. The pedestrian zone in the historic center is one of the most pleasant in Algarve cities. And all this surrounded by centuries-old walls and turrets. See below the list of the best places to visit in Lagos Portugal.
1. Meia Praia of Lagos
Unlike the other beaches in Lagos, Meia Praia is very long, reaching 5 km. It also does not have beautiful cliffs like the others and therefore ends up being forgotten and little known. However, it is a beach that offers all the infrastructure, busier on the right side and still uninhabited on the left side.
The horizon opens up here, between the broad line of the ocean, the low dunes on the beach and the smooth, verdant hills that stretch inland, covered with pine forests and baroque scrub, dotted with carob and olive trees. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
2. Batata Beach
Batata beach is opposite the center of Lagos. On your left side there is a boat pier and the Forte da Bandeira. On the right side, there are beautiful cliffs, small caves and a small access tunnel to Praia dos Estudantes. Its waters are calm with very small waves and in the sand there is a wooden trail. On this beach there are options for kayaking to Ponta da Piedade.
3. Beach Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes is divided by a central cliff, connected by a small tunnel. Entirely surrounded by rock formations, the most striking thing about this beach is the small Roman-style bridge on top of the cliffs.
4. Discoveries Avenue
Start your walk on Avenida dos Descobrimentos, the beautiful waterfront along the mouth of the Ribeira de Bensafrim, which will take you to some of the points of interest in Lagos that are well worth a visit.
On the waterfront, stalls with handicrafts, beach items and regional products seek to attract buyers. You will also find small stands offering boat trips to the stunning cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, among other activities.
5. Lagos Marina
You will easily see the pedestrian bridge that gives you access to Marina de Lagos with a good dozen terraces inviting you to have a quick snack or drink while letting yourself be kissed by the sun. Head to the Discoveries Wax Museum if you want to know or remember a little of Portugal ‘s golden age , the Discoveries. The museum is 5 minutes away from the marina and takes about half an hour to visit. This is one of the the best places to visit in Lagos Portugal.
6. Praia da Balança
Despite being small, Praia da Balança is also very beautiful. The cliffs seem to float in the sea on the sand of this beach. However, it is practically not visited and has no access by land, only by sea. The beach is visited by kayakers or stand up paddlers.
We took this image with a drone, but there is a lookout at the top, where you can partially see the beach. Access to the viewpoint is via a small trail from the beginning of the Ponta da Piedade parking lot.
7. Church of San Antonio
Walking along Rua 25 de Abril, you will come across the Church of Santo António. Built in the 18th century, the frugal exterior does not detract from the beautiful interior decoration. The Church of Santo António is an authentic jewel of baroque gilded carving in Portugal.
The interior of the church has lower walls decorated with traditional blue and white tiles and, above the tiles, is one of the best examples of gold-plated carved wood ever seen in Portugal. It’s a true masterpiece and everywhere you look it seems to be shimmering gold.
8. Castle of Lagos
Castelo de Lagos, in the Algarve, is located in the city and municipality of the same name, in the district of Faro, in Portugal. For the location of this Church check Google Maps. The evolution of the fortifications of Lagos followed the long history of the city. Although the castle did not survive to this day and the medieval fence is relatively uncharacterized, Lagos is the Algarve city with the longest fortified perimeter.
9. Lagos – Point of Pity
Ponta da Piedade is not a beach, but the widest set of geological formations in the region. The cliffs, about 20m high, have impressive shapes, where there are also caves, arches and natural pools. To go down to the water level, there is a long staircase that leads to the port where boat trips around the region depart. At the top, there is a wooden walkway and other sand trails that must be walked carefully.
10. Church of Santa Maria of Lagos
Built in 1498, the modest parish church has a symmetrical and simple construction. In front and to the side is Praça do Infante, with a wide leisure area. There is a water mirror with a fountain and some old buildings in the surroundings.
11. Praia do Camilo
Among all the beaches in Lagos, my favorite is Praia do Camilo, a super picturesque beach framed by impressive limestone rocks. The small beach, surrounded by orange, yellow and red cliffs, crystal clear blue-green water and amber sand, is accessed by a long wooden staircase.
What I like most about Praia do Camilo is that it is very photogenic, whether you see it from the cliffs, the stairs, the sand or even the water. It is one of the most interesting place to visit in Lagos Portugal.
11 best places to visit in Lagos Portugal
- Meia Praia
- Batata Beach
- Praia dos Estudantes
- Discoveries Avenue
- Lagos Marina
- Praia da Balança
- Church of San Antonio
- Lagos Castle
- Point of Pity
- Church of Santa Maria de Lagos
- Praia do Camilo