Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and a sun-drenched old town on the southwestern edge of Europe.
My husband and I spent three days in Lagos during our elopement and honeymoon trip — a 20-day journey through Portugal. We were there in early June, and the weather was absolutely perfect for both the beach and exploring the town: warm and sunny, without the intense heat and packed crowds that descend in August. If you have flexibility with your dates, early summer is the sweet spot, or at least it was for us!
A note before we dive in: the Algarve is a much larger region with a great deal more to explore beyond Lagos, and I’ll be doing a separate article dedicated to the broader region. This guide focuses specifically on Lagos, which, on its own, deserves a dedicated stay. However, towns like Tavira, Far and Albufiera are also popular destinations in the Algarve if you’re looking to compare.
Getting Around
Lagos is an exceptionally walkable town — once you’re settled, you can reach most beaches, restaurants, historic sites, and the waterfront entirely on foot. We walked nearly everywhere during our stay and found it one of the most pedestrian-friendly places we visited on the trip.
That being said, parking is not easy. The hotel we stayed in had parking for our rental car, which ended up being a major perk, as the beautiful old cobblestone streets do not offer much parking, especially if you want to keep your side mirrors intact.
Things to Do
Ponta da Piedade
This is the crown jewel of Lagos and, arguably, one of the most dramatic natural landscapes I’ve seen anywhere. Ponta da Piedade is a series of towering golden limestone rock formations, sea caves, arches, and grottoes rising directly out of the vivid turquoise Atlantic. There’s a small lighthouse here as well, and the views from the cliffside paths are absolutely breathtaking. Go at sunset if you can — the light turns the cliffs a deep, glowing amber that is unforgettable. Wear good walking shoes, as the path down to the water’s edge involves steps.
We spent a full day here at the beach and exploring the area. My husband swam out to O Elefante (a spectacular rock formation), and we walked long the boardwalk. There are quite a few stairs to get down to the beach, so keep that in mind.
Praia da Marinha
While we didn’t have time to visit this particular beach, I wanted to mention it here because it is regarded as a top destination. Praia da Marinha is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal. The beach itself is small and sheltered, flanked by the same dramatic honey-colored rock formations Lagos is famous for. The water is remarkably clear. It can get crowded in peak season, so just keep that in mind. It is also a little bit of a drive from Lagos – closer to Benagil Caves on the other side of Portimão, another popular town in the Algarve to vacation.
Praia do Camilo
Closer to the town center, Praia do Camilo is a stunning little beach reached by descending a long wooden staircase cut into the cliffside. The rock arches and formations here are spectacular, and the beach feels surprisingly intimate given its popularity. This is also where we had one of the best meals of our entire Portugal trip — at Camilo Restaurant, a spot with spectacular clifftop views and the freshest seafood imaginable (more on that later).
Meia Praia
Meia Praia is exactly what you think of when you want a long stretch of sandy beach. We went early in the morning and had the entire beach to ourselves — which, for a stretch of sand this beautiful, felt almost surreal. Meia Praia is a very long, wide beach of impossibly soft sand that curves gently along the bay, just north of the marina. It has a completely different energy from the dramatic cliff beaches on the other side of town — open, expansive, and wonderfully peaceful in the early hours. If you’re an early riser, do not miss this one – I’m sure it can become among the most crowded beaches in peak season due to its convenient location and comfortable, soft sand.
Castelo de Lagos
We came across the Castelo de Lagos during our wanderings through the old town, and it’s well worth a look. The castle walls are woven right into the fabric of the town and speak to Lagos’s long and layered history as a strategic port. It’s a lovely reminder that beneath all the beach tourism, this is an ancient and historically significant place.
Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
Sitting right at the edge of the waterfront, the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is a small 17th-century fortress that once guarded the harbor entrance. There was actually a military expo going on while we were there, so we weren’t able to tour the fort, but if you have a chance, I’d add it to your itinerary!
Explore the Old Town
Lagos’s old town is genuinely charming — cobblestoned streets, colorful tiles, whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea, and a relaxed, unhurried energy that makes you want to wander without a destination. We felt completely safe exploring at all hours, and the town has a lovely, welcoming feel. There are plenty of spots to stop and have a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, too.
Kayaking, Dolphin Cruises & More
One of the best ways to experience the Ponta da Piedade rock formations is from the water — kayaking through the sea caves and grottoes is an extraordinary experience that you simply cannot replicate from the clifftops. Viator is a great resource for booking kayak tours, dolphin watching cruises, and other water-based excursions in Lagos. I always find Viator reliable for booking activities around the world, and Lagos has excellent options to choose from. Book in advance in summer — these tours fill up fast.
Lagos Zoo
If you’re traveling with family or simply want a different kind of afternoon, the Lagos Zoo is a well-regarded option just outside the town center. We didn’t have time to visit during our stay, but it came up often as a recommendation for those with extra time in the area.
Alvor Lagoon
My husband and I had been trying to find Greater Flamingos and finally found a huge flock of them at the Alvor Lagoon, flying along the shore. If you’re into birding, I recommend this spot for Greater Flamingos and other seabirds. If you’re curious about kitesurfer, this place was clearly THE spot for it. There were tons of kitesurfers catching the wind and it was very cool to watch.
Day Trips from Lagos
If you want to explore beyond the town, several excellent options are within striking distance:
Algar Seco & Benagil Cave — The Benagil Cave is one of Portugal’s most iconic natural landmarks: a towering sea cave with a hole in the ceiling that floods the interior with light. It can only be reached by water (kayak, paddleboard, or boat tour), which makes it feel genuinely adventurous. Algar Seco, nearby, offers another stunning stretch of eroded coastline and rock formations perfect for exploring.
Monchique Mountains Valley — For a change of scenery from the coast, the Monchique Mountains to the north offer lush, forested hillsides, panoramic valley views, and a quieter, cooler atmosphere. Check out AllTrails for the best hiking routes.
Ria Formosa Natural Reserve Park — Farther east along the Algarve coast, the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve is a stunning lagoon system and protected wetland that’s exceptional for birdwatching and nature walks. It’s a particularly great stop if you’re a birdwatcher or simply love peaceful natural landscapes.
Where to Eat
Casa do Prego
Our first evening in Lagos, we stumbled into Casa do Prego where we had an excellent bifana — a classic Portuguese pork sandwich — tasty appetizers and great cocktails. The vibes were super chill and the prices are more than reasonable.
Pearl Food Trailer
On our way to Meia Praia, we walked right past a food trailer near the marina called Pearl, and I immediately wished we’d had the appetite for a stop. We didn’t get the chance to try it this trip, but it’s firmly on my list for a return visit. If you’re heading toward the marina or Meia Praia, keep an eye out for it.
Tapas d’Alma
Tapas d’Alma was our first dinner in Lagos, and it was excellent. It was very close to our hotel and had both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is a creative take on tapas and small plates, with a strong Portuguese backbone: think oven-roasted octopus, pork ribs, clams, grilled prawns, and other mouth-watering meals. The staff were friendly and accommodating throughout and the wine list was solid.
Restaurante dos Artistas
We didn’t make it to Restaurante dos Artistas during our stay, but it was on my radar throughout the trip. It’s consistently well-reviewed and comes up again and again as one of the better dining options in town. Worth adding to your list if you have more time than we did.
Camilo Restaurant
As mentioned above, Camilo Restaurant at Praia do Camilo is the standout meal of our Lagos stay. When they seat you, they show you the fresh catch and you choose which fish or lobster you want them to cook for you. I had grilled sardines and my husband had lobster – both were phenomenal. The service was also among the best we’d had in Portugal. I highly recommend this restaurant if you like seafood, just be sure to make a reservation because it books up fast. Also, budget accordingly – this was one of the more expensive meals we had on the trip.
Restaurante Azimute
Restaurante Azimute offers authentic Portuguese cuisine — think bacalhau, octopus, piri piri prawns, and clams, alongside heartier options like the Francesinha. It’s consistently well reviewed and has developed a loyal following among both locals and visitors. The restaurant is small, so reservations are strongly recommended – this was another restaurant we ran out of time for, but I wanted to mention since it seemed like a standout when I researched my trip.
Delhi Darbar
One evening, my husband wasn’t feeling well and we ended up staying in at the hotel — which, as travel mishaps go, led us to a genuinely pleasant discovery. We ordered delivery from Delhi Darbar, an Indian restaurant in Lagos, and it was quite good. Bold flavors, generous portions, and exactly what was needed for a cozy night in. Worth knowing about if you’re in the mood for something other than seafood, or simply need a relaxed evening.
Taberna da Mó
Taberna da Mó was a phenomenal lunch, and I strongly recommend. The menu is rooted in home-cooked Portuguese tapas and small plates and the atmosphere is cozy and casual. One of the standout dishes we had were beans that had been cooked in some sort of flavorful broth with pork. They also had a great wine list for pairings with your meal.
Taninos Wine & Kitchen
Taninos was our last dinner in Lagos. The food was super fresh and it offered an intimate atmosphere with walls lined floor-to-ceiling with wine bottles. The menu is a refined take on Mediterranean and Portuguese tapas with an extensive list of Portuguese wines to match. The staff were knowledgeable, attentive, and enthusiastic about helping you find the right bottle. It’s the kind of place that draws repeat visitors, and after one dinner there, it’s easy to understand why. Reservations are strongly recommended — it’s deservedly popular and fills up fast.
Favo Café
On our last morning in Lagos before starting our drive to Óbidos, we had breakfast at Favo Café, and it was a lovely way to close out the trip. Located near the marina, it’s a bright, welcoming spot with a relaxed brunch-style menu and what many visitors describe as some of the best coffee in Lagos. The food is fresh, beautifully presented, and a definite step up from a standard café — think açaí bowls, breakfast brioche, and scrambled eggs done properly. It has outdoor seating with views of the street and marina, which makes for a very pleasant last morning in the sun. If you’re looking for a quality breakfast before heading out or hitting the road, Favo is a great choice.
Where to Stay
Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort
We stayed at the Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort, which has a lot going for it practically: it’s centrally located, the rooms were spacious and comfortable, the pool area was large and pleasant, and — crucially — it has parking, which is a genuinely significant perk given how difficult parking is in Lagos. It was also a very affordable option, which for this leg of the trip, was a priority for me. If all of those checklist items are essential for you, this hotel could work well for you.
That said, I’ll be honest: it wasn’t really my vibe. The crowd skewed heavily toward retired golfers, and the hotel itself didn’t have much character or atmosphere. The breakfast was a particular letdown — a huge spread in theory, but the quality was noticeably below the fresh, lovely breakfasts we’d had at other hotels throughout Portugal. If you’re prioritizing convenience and a lower cost, it delivers. If you’re looking for a more atmospheric, memorable stay, I’d look elsewhere.
The MN56 Hotel
The MN56 Hotel is exactly the kind of place I wish we’d stayed. Housed in a restored 18th-century manor house right in the heart of the Lagos old town, this adults-only 22-room boutique property blends contemporary design with subtle retro touches in a way that feels genuinely considered rather than contrived. It’s family-run, which comes through in the attention to detail and personalized service — the kind of stay that has real character and atmosphere. It also has a rooftop pool and a lobby bar, which make it feel like a complete experience rather than just a place to sleep. If you’re looking for somewhere intimate and memorable in Lagos, this would be high on my list.
Água Hotels Lagos Bay
Another boutique option worth considering, Água Hotels Lagos Bay is also set in a beautifully rehabilitated historic manor house in the heart of the old town. The property has just 20 rooms, each with its own character and Art Deco-inspired design — original century-old wooden floors sit alongside contemporary touches, and the Grand Suite, which occupies the former sitting room of the manor, features decorated ceilings and an elegant Victorian bathtub. The hotel has sea views and sits within easy walking distance of Lagos sights and beaches. For those wanting a boutique, historically rooted stay in Lagos, this is a compelling option.
Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda
Before booking, I’d seriously looked at the Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda, and I think it would be a beautiful choice for a more romantic, characterful stay. It’s a boutique property with stunning cliff and ocean views, and it has the intimate atmosphere that the Tivoli lacks. If I returned to Lagos, this is where I’d book.
Lagos Avenida Hotel
Another option I’d researched during the planning process was the Lagos Avenida Hotel. It appeared to offer a more central, town-focused stay — a solid option worth looking into if you want to be right in the heart of things.
Airbnb
For an authentic Lagos experience — especially if you want to be embedded in the old town itself — an Airbnb is worth exploring. The town has charming traditional properties available, and staying in the old town puts you within walking distance of everything. Given the parking situation, being able to leave your car and walk everywhere is a real advantage, so if you’re able to find an Airbnb with parking, that is a huge plus.
Lagos is a beach town that deserves a place on your itinerary. The cliffs are genuinely breathtaking, the seafood is exceptional, and the old town has a warmth and safety to it that makes wandering a pleasure rather than a chore. Whether you’re there for the beaches, the outdoor adventures, the history, or simply to sit at a cliffside restaurant and eat fresh grilled fish with the Atlantic stretched out before you — Lagos delivers.
Lagos is part of my Portugal Series — follow along for more guides from our 20-day elopement and honeymoon journey through this extraordinary country. 🇵🇹