Lagos is the perfect base to explore all the beautiful sights of the Algarve. The Algarve is the southernmost province of Portugal and is home to countless unique spots. The Algarve is particularly renowned for its 200 kilometers (124 miles) of golden coastline. You’ll find towering cliffs, some several meters (feet) high, with hidden tiny beaches and extraordinary caves in between. The charming town of Lagos is centrally located to all these attractions, making it the perfect place to stay. Curious about what there is to do in Lagos and the Algarve? We spent a week in Lagos and have compiled a list of the best attractions for you!
Tip: Rent a car to explore the Algarve
Many attractions in the Algarve are a bit far from each other, so renting a car is ideal. With a rental car, you have the freedom to go wherever you want without being dependent on bus schedules. Check out our tips for renting and driving a car in Portugal before your trip.
Kayaking at Ponta da Piedade in Lagos
You can explore the Lagos coast in various ways, but if you ask us, kayaking is by far the most fun option. You’ll paddle along enormous cliffs, hidden beaches, and occasionally venture into beautiful caves. The sea is incredibly clear (on good weather days), and some spots turn bright blue when the sun shines on them. You can book this kayaking tour here. Want to learn more before you go? Read about our experience and tips for kayaking.
Check out the viewpoint at Ponta da Piedade
After seeing Ponta da Piedade from a kayak, it’s a must to view it from above as well. From Miradouro da Ponta da Piedade, you’ll have a fantastic view of the rocks and the sea. Don’t forget to take the stairs down for a closer look.
Relaxing on the beaches of Lagos
Lagos beaches are stunning, each one more beautiful than the last. Our favorite is Praia do Camilo. You’ll descend to a small beach via a long staircase. The water here is crystal clear, and it’s completely calm because it’s surrounded by large rocks, and Lagos is in a bay. It’s perfect for relaxing in the sun for an afternoon! This beach is not only loved by us, it gets crowded in the summer, so you might have trouble finding a spot. Going early can be a smart move. Praia Dona Ana is located one kilometer (0.6 miles) from Praia do Camilo and is a bit larger. It’s also a beautiful beach but slightly less cozy.
Stroll through the old town of Lagos
The old town of Lagos is very charming, with plenty of cool shops and cafes to explore. In the late afternoon, you can find street musicians playing on the squares, creating a delightful atmosphere. This is a great place to relax at a terrace while enjoying a glass of wine and some tapas. Be sure to visit the shop ‘Mogador.’ The owner, Lucia, is passionate about items from all around the world, and you can see this reflected in her store. She has many unique items from Asia and Africa, making it a fantastic place to pick up a souvenir! The address of her store is Rua Gil Eanes 12.
Explore the expansive Bordeira Beach
The Algarve is known for its golden beaches and rock formations, and Bordeira Beach is no exception. This beach is incredibly large and wide. Unlike the golden sands on the south coast, the sand here is much whiter. It’s a perfect spot for reading a good book or surfing. Bordeira Beach is particularly popular among surfers and bodyboarders because of its long waves. Bordeira Beach is a 40-minute drive from Lagos.
Visit Sagres and witness the sunset at Cabo de São Vicente
Sagres is a small town at the western tip of Portugal, a 45-minute drive from Lagos. It’s a beloved destination for surfers. Praia do Tonel is a beautiful beach in the area worth visiting. After exploring Sagres, drive to Cabo de São Vicente. You can visit during the day, but it’s even more stunning during sunset. Cabo de São Vicente is the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe and was once considered the “end of the world” by ancient philosophers like Strabo around the time of Christ.
The nature at Cabo de São Vicente is rugged, with high waves crashing against the towering cliffs. It’s a magnificent place to watch the sun set into the sea. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater, as even in the summer months, it can be quite chilly due to the strong winds. If you don’t have a rental car, you can watch the Sagres sunset with this tour.
Tip: Visit Bordeira Beach, Sagres, and Cabo de São Vicente all in one day with a rental car. These places are all close to each other. A cozy and excellent restaurant for lunch or dinner in Sagres is Three Little Birds.
Visit the unique Benagil Cave
The Benagil Cave might just be the highlight of our road trip through the Algarve. It’s a beach and a cave in one. Waves enter the cave through various openings, and sunlight streams in through a large hole at the top, creating a mesmerizing scene that almost looks man-made.
The Benagil Cave is located right next to the Praia de Benagil beach. From here, you have several options to reach the cave. You can go paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming. However, swimming is not recommended due to strong currents in the area. Some people still swim there because it’s only a short distance, but because the strength of the current is not visible, we do not recommend it. At Praia de Benagil, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Unfortunately, the prices are quite high, with a kayak rental for one hour costing around $30. Another option is to take a boat from Portimão to the Benagil Cave. The boat, however, is not allowed to dock inside the cave, so you’ll view it from the boat as it enters. If you prefer not to use a kayak or paddleboard, this is the only way to see the cave. What’s nice about this tour is that it also takes you to other beautiful spots and caves in about 3 hours. There’s also a tour from Albufeira where you visit the cave and go dolphin watching.
Tip: The Benagil Cave is quite popular, so we recommend going as early as possible. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard starting at 09:00, so if you want to experience the cave peacefully, be at Praia de Benagil beach by 09:00 and head straight there. Later in the day, it gets crowded, and kayaks may be all rented out. If you plan to visit the cave in the afternoon, it’s better to reserve a kayak tour in advance to ensure you have a kayak.
Walk along the stunning coastline between Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha
After visiting the Benagil Cave, it’s a great idea to take a stroll along the coastline. Download the app “maps.me” on your phone because it clearly marks the walking route. The first stop on this route is once again the Benagil Cave, but this time you can view the cave from above through the hole. Then, you’ll walk along the high cliffs of the rugged coastline and encounter many beautiful coves. Ultimately, you’ll reach Praia da Marinha, known as the most beautiful beach in the entire Algarve. This walking route takes about an hour.
Best Restaurants in Lagos
You can start your day right at Twin Fin, where they serve delicious and healthy breakfasts like smoothie bowls and avocado toast. If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy lunch, Goji Lounge Café is the place to be. You can enjoy your meal on their cozy terrace in a small square. Love Poké bowls? Good news, in Lagos, you can find Poke Lagos, where they serve incredibly delicious Poké bowls. Maharaja Tasty offers delightful Indian cuisine, and Gorilla prepares delicious dishes from various Asian cuisines.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Lagos
The old town of Lagos is incredibly charming and a great place to stay. In the heart of the center, you’ll find Casa Luma B&B, a small-scale accommodation with comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. The owners, Ana and Luis, will welcome you with great hospitality. If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious stay, Lagos Avenida Hotel is a fantastic choice. Besides comfortable beds and excellent service, what sets this place apart is the pool. From the pool, you’ll have a fantastic view of the harbor, especially during sunset. If you’re looking for a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, then Olive Hostel Lagos is the place to stay. In this charming hostel, you’ll quickly feel at home due to its warm and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect place to meet other travelers!
  Casa Luma B&B |
  Lagos Avenida Hotel |
  Olive Hostel Lagos |
