Lagos, Portugal is a beach lovers’ paradise, and with 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s a postcard-perfect European summer destination. There is a charming old town known for handmade ceramics and fresh-caught seafood, but the main reasons to visit Lagos are the amazing coastline and world-class beaches. Aside from spending a day at the beach, these are the top three activities I consider to be a must while you’re in Lagos.
Walk Along the Ponta da Piedade Coastal Trail
If I were going to recommend one thing you absolutely have to do in Lagos, it would be the Ponta da Piedade coastal walk. This mile and a half stretch offers breathtaking views of golden limestone cliffs and aquamarine waters below. There are multiple lookout points and access to the beach. Give yourself 2-3 hours for the walk so that you can fully enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
The trail begins at Praia da Dona Ana parking lot, which is a 20-minute walk from Lagos town. It’s well marked, easy to find, and free (although parking is not). From there, it’s about 1.5 miles to Ponta da Piedade and the trail is flat, well-maintained, and mostly boardwalk. There is no alternate path along the beach; the cliffs will eventually stop you.
Approximately 15 minutes into the walk, you’ll find the stairs to access Praia da Camilo. This is probably the most well-known beach in the area (and is likely the one on your Pinterest board). Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, it’s a photographer’s dream. If the tide is low enough, there are tunnels that lead to the next beach, which is otherwise only accessible by boat. While these are the most scenic beaches in the area, they tend to be very crowded and the rocks make them less than ideal for swimming, so I wouldn’t recommend having a beach day here*. Mornings are far less crowded, and if you wake up early enough, it’s a great place to watch the sunrise.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Ponte Da Piedade, arguably the most beautiful part of the walk. Don’t let the 180 steps deter you from going down to the rock landing–I almost did but trust me when I say the views are something you can’t miss. The 65-foot cliffs are even more striking and the water is crystal clear. The only downside is that you can’t swim or hang out here since there is no real beach.
*As a self-proclaimed beach expert, I think Praia do Porto de Mas is the best option for spending a day at the beach. It’s a long walk (around 40 minutes) or short drive from Lagos. Compared to the beaches along Ponte Da Piedade, it’s bigger, sandier, less crowded, and better for swimming since there aren’t any rocks. If you get tired of the beach, head to the rooftop bar at Restaurante Antonio, grab some sangria, and enjoy the view!
Take a Kayaking Tour
There’s no question why taking a boat tour through the cliffs is one of the most popular activities in Lagos. Although these are the same cliffs you see from the boardwalk, the views are vastly different and even more magnificent. There are a lot of tour options, but I recommend a kayaking tour. The kayaks are smaller than the motor boats so they can fit through more of the tunnels, caves, and grottos. It was surreal to be able to paddle through them and get an inside look at these incredible rock formations. Kayaking is also the most eco-friendly option since the kayaks don’t pollute the water.
If you’re like me and the idea of kayaking (and more specifically paddling) is not very exciting, just trust me on this one and try it anyway; the views are 100% worth it, and if it gets windy, they have motor boats to tow you back. This kayaking tour was my favorite activity on my entire three-week Europe trip.
I went with Kayak Tours Lagos and they were great. It cost €35 for approximately 2.5 hours, and they provided us with dry bags for our belongings. The water is usually calmest in the morning, and if possible, go at low tide so that more caves and tunnels will be accessible.
Go Surfing
Portugal is a world-class surfing destination. While the big waves at Nazare are by far the most famous, the Algarve region is also very popular among surfers. Although the best waves are during the summer, surfing is a year-round activity, and there is no shortage of beautiful beaches.
You can rent boards and surf on your own, but I recommend going on a group surf excursion, even if you don’t need a lesson. I went through Lagos Surf Safari, and they provided the board, wetsuit (a necessity in the Atlantic), and transportation to and from the beach. Our guides also chose the best surf spot based on current conditions, and once we got there, gave us helpful information about the break and how to best approach it. This is definitely the most convenient way to go if you’re new to the area and/or new to surfing.
Other things to know about Lagos:
- Cash is king, especially if you are booking excursions like kayaking or surfing.
- Ubers are cheap and easy to come by.
- Everything is walkable; you don’t need a car unless you plan to visit other towns in the Algarve (although you could also do that by train).
- There is no airport in Lagos; the closest one is in Faro, which is nearly two hours away by train.
If you can’t already tell, Lagos is one of my favorite places in Europe. I recommend staying for 3-5 nights.
Boa Viagem!
