Situated on the southern coast of Portugal’s Algarve region, Lagos is a lively city that offers something to all kinds of travellers. From the immaculate beaches, historical architecture, to vibrant nightlife, there are many things to do in Lagos, making it the ideal destination for those looking to relax and have an adventure.
Lagos also boasts remarkable natural attractions, such as the Bengail caves and the scenic rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Visitors can indulge in various water activities such as surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
If you are planning to visit Lagos this guide will give you some useful information and some of the best things to do in Lagos.
Getting To Lagos
Flying
Lagos does not have an airport, the closest one is in Faro which is 85 km away from Lagos. Plenty of budget airlines operate from Faro airport such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TapAir and Wizz.
I always prefer to book my flights through Skyscanner to compare different dates and airlineS, I find I get the best price this way.
How To Get From Faro Airport To Lagos
There are a few options to get from Faro airport to Lagos.
During May – October the easiest option is to take the number 56 bus, the journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. Tickets cost €15, and can be purchased at the ticket desk in the airport, onboard (cash only) or on the Vamus app. During the week they have 6 departures per day and on weekends they have 5 departures per day, please check the timetable here. This bus does not operate from November to April.
During November – April the best option is to get the train. You will need to take the no.16 bus or a bolt/uber into Faro city train station. Train tickets cost €7.50, the timetable can be accessed here.
The most expensive but definitely the most comfortable way to get from the airport is to book a private transfer in advance. It will cost approximately €30 per adult and takes 90 minutes. This is probably the best option if you are arriving late.
How To Get To Lagos If You Are Already In Portugal
From Lisbon journey will take approximately 4 hours, you will need to transfer train in Tunes. Most of the journey will be on a high speed train but the second train is a bit slower.
Check trains on Omio.com.
From Porto journey is approximately 7 hours, transferring in Lisbon and Tunes. The trains from Porto and lLisbon are high speed but as above the train from Tunes is slower.
Check trains on Omio.com.
Best time to visit Lagos?
Lagos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Peak season is July – August when the weather is at the hottest and large numbers of tourists visit making a tranquil break difficult. Temperatures are in the high 20’s to mid 30’s.
Mid-season is April, May, September & October. The heat is more bearable in the low 20’s, light showers are may occur and it can get cold in the evenings. There are less visitors and is an ideal time for anyone looking to escape the busy summer period and looking to score a good deal on flights and accommodation.
I visited during April, the weather was mixed with 50% hot and the other 50% saw light showers. Even on the days it rained it would clear up fast and I would return to the beach later on. The town was busy but not chaotic. I would visit again during this time.
Low season is November – March, the most rainfall occurs during this period but it is usually moderate. Average temperatures are 12 – 15 degrees, the Atlantic delivers a strong breeze and sunset is at 5pm making your days shorter.
Where to stay in Lagos
The compact size of Lagos means that you are never too far from a beach. However, if you prefer to spend most of your time on the beaches then I would suggest staying on the south of the peninsula between Praia Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade, the beaches are stunning!
If you prefer a mix of the town and beaches then the old town is perfect.
Check out some nice places you can get for a range of budgets. These prices are for peak season (July / August) and will be cheaper during other months of the year. I recommend you book early as it can be difficult to get accommodation during the peak season.
Budget Accommodation in Lagos (under €100 per night)
The Macarena Beach Hostel – this popular hostel is located in the heart of Lagos town, it features a large terrace and bar. Rooms are clean and all of them have a patio which previous guests have reviewed positively. Prices start at €44 per night.
Orange3 Hostel – located in old town this hostel has colourful and spacious private rooms fitted with air conditioning and direct access to a patio. Prices start at €67 per night for a private room.
Casa São Sebastião – entire studio apartment located in the centre of Lagos. The studio is small but well designed with a small kitchen and table if you would like to prepare meals. Prices start at €90 per night
Mid Range Accommodation in Lagos (under €200 per night)
Dom Pedro Lagos – 3 star hotel on Meia Praia beach offering studios, one bed and two bed apartments. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and serves breakfast. All apartments have a balcony, kitchen and seating area. Prices start at €117 per night.
Hotel Marina Rio – located on the busy marina, only 10 minutes walk to town and 15 minute walk to the beach. Room are cosy and modern with a balcony. The hotel has a shared TV-lounge, a games room and a rooftop pool. Prices start at €157 per night
Tivoli Lagos – 4 star hotel located on Meia Praia beach, it has a private beach club called ‘Duna” which they provide a free shuttle bus to. Facilities include an indoor, outdoor and children’s pool, gym, spa, steam room, jacuzzi and Turkish spa. Rooms are large, clean and modern with a balcony. Prices start at €190 per night.
Luxury Accommodation in Lagos ( €200+ per night)
Marina Club Lagos Resort – located on the marina only a short walk from old town and Meia Praia Beach. The resort features large modern apartments and studios, all with a kitchen and balcony. Facilities include a large outdoor pool. Prices start at €205 per night.
Vila Gale Lagos – 4 star resorted located along Meia Praia Beach. The facilities of this resort are excellent and include a children’s playground, 3 tennis courts, gym, indoor and very large outdoor pool, jacuzzi, spa and Turkish bath. Rooms are large and apartments are also available. Prices start at €218 per night.
Cascade Wellness Resort – located on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, this resort is on the southern peninsula, a 7 minute drive from Ponta da Piedade and 8 minutes drive to the old town, they provide a a shuttle bus for an additional cost. You will be close to some cool walking routes on the cliffs. Facilities of this resort include a pool, spa, gym, jacuzzi and sauna. You can stay in villas, apartments or rooms. Rooms are large with the design inspired by Africa, Asia, South-America and Portugal. Prices start at €292 per night.
Where To Eat In Lagos
There are a large selection of cafes and restaurants in Lagos. I have listed places that I really enjoyed, these restaurants are more casual spots.
Clicking each link will bring you to google maps so you can save for later.
Nah Nah Bah – so fun for drinks and tasty meals. I still think about the fish tacos! Approx €20 per main.
Munich – quiet spot, amazing schnitzel in mushroom sauce and beer. Approx €15 per main.
Dynasty – Chinese restaurant overlooking the Marina, lovely place to watch the sunset. Approx €12 per main.
Abigail’s cafe – cafe for a healthy brunch, the green monster smoothie is so good! Approx €12 per meal.
GeIícia Gelateria Italiana – the best gelato in Lagos (in my opinion). The peanut butter flavour is insane! Approx €6 per cone.
Is Lagos Expensive?
Lagos is a relatively expensive destination when compared to other cities in Portugal. However, it’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the season and location within the city. Generally, the main tourist areas such as the old town, the marina and the beachfront tend to have higher prices for food, accommodation and activities. Nevertheless, with some simple preplanning using Google Maps, it is possible to find affordable options for those on a budget, especially if you venture a bit further from the city centre.
6 Fun Things To Do In Lagos
1. Dolphin Safari
There are many water activities in Lagos from kayaking, surfing to boat trips. I have always wanted to see a Dolphin outside of the zoo and thought what better spot than the stunning Algarve.
Rib boats are used to get up close and personal with the dolphins. I was severely underprepared for how fast these little rib boats go!! Silly me sat at the front thinking I would have the best views of surrounding scenery. Once the boat left the harbour I was clinging on for dear life, every wave we hit I was forced to stand and then flew back into my seat. I can only compare it to a rollercoaster but the chance of falling off is very real! It was thrilling but also a tad scary.
Now, unfortunately for me I never got to see any dolphins, the guys went out very far and tried hard but we were just unlucky. Although I did not get the full experience from reading reviews it seems more likely that you will see dolphins. Because the dolphins are free it just isn’t guaranteed you will see them, but that makes it more exciting.
You can book this experience on the Marina, there are many companies who do this.
2. Explore The Benagil Caves
The Benagil caves offer adventure and natural beauty in a unique environment. The caves’ ceilings are dotted with small holes that allow light to filter in, this creates a magical effect as the sunlight reflects off the water below. You can explore the caves by boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board and experience this natural phenomenon up close.
A relaxing way to check out these caves are with the tour Benagil Caves Speedboat Adventure or if you prefer to work up an appetite Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience is a fun adventure.
3. Beach Hopping
This is an obvious one I know, but you really are spoilt for choice with amazing beaches in Lagos, it is the Algarve after all! I was there during mid-season when the beaches were not overly packed. My favourite beaches are – Praia do Pinhão, Praia de São Roque (wonderful surf spot), Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo.
4. Walk To Ponte Piede
This is a beautiful walk. You can start in the town and it will take about 45 minutes to reach Ponte Piede. I would give yourself a lot more time as you will come across some of the most beautiful beaches and I would recommend going down and checking a few out. My favourite is Praia do Camilo, the views from the stairs are incredible.
You can also admire the cliffs from the water by booking boat cruise to Ponte Piede, the cruise comes with a guide who will give you information on the sights that you will see. I would book a few days in advance to not miss out as it regularly is booked out.
5. Go On An Adrenaline Pumping Tour
Make the most of the scenery in Lagos by doing something adventurous, have a break from the peaceful beaches . If you are going to get your heart rate up it may as well be in a beautiful location.
- Jeep Safari with Distillery Visit & Lunch
- Cliff Jump, Swim & Climb in Sagres
- Scuba diving for beginners
6. Street Art
Transforming the abandoned buildings and street corners of Lagos into colourful murals. The cultural association of LAC has been responsible for this thriving street art scene. Since 2011 LAC’s project ARTURb has been bringing Europes best street artists to temporarily reside in Lagos while creating some beautiful art.
Brazilian artist Tarso Silva creates realistic painting of celebrities, his mural of Alicia Keyes can be found close to the post office on the marina, his mural of Mexican Catrina can be found at the Santa Maria restaurant and his Mad Hatter painting is next to GoodTimes skateshop. Check out Tars82 on Instagram, he posts his latest art here.
Street Art Map has a detailed post about the local street art in Lagos that is kept up to date.
![17 Best Things To Do In Lisbon [2024]](https://taraohreilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_4655-edited-1-600x570.jpeg)
