Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Lagos is a pleasant and tourist-friendly holiday town with cozy alleys, beautiful beaches and a nice harbor. In this city, which has a history as an old seafaring city, you can discover everything from historical sights to picturesque little coves.
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Lagos on the Algarve coast
Lagos is one of the most visited holiday resorts on the Algarve coast in southern Portugal. During the high season, June-August, it can be full of holidaymakers here. We came here instead in the winter, when it was a little quieter. For us, Lagos became a stop during our motorhome trip in Portugal and we stayed one night at the town's campsite.
What is there to see and do in Lagos?
There is a lot to see and experience in Lagos. The old town center is charming, while you will also find a harbor, boat trips and beaches.
1. Stroll through Lagos' old town
The historic city center of Lagos is full of cobblestone alleys, small squares, whitewashed houses and restaurants. It's a nice place to wander around aimlessly and maybe peek into the city's small shops.
2. Discover Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade is Lagos's main natural attraction, with golden cliffs, arches, caves and dramatic rock formations. The area can be experienced from the viewpoints above or from the water.
3. Join us on a boat trip along the cliffs
A boat trip from Lagos gives you the opportunity to get close to the caves and rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. Smaller boats can often get in between the rocks when conditions allow. We didn't get a boat trip this time, but when we strolled around the harbor we saw that boat trips were popular.
4. Kayak or SUP
A kayak or SUP (stand up paddle board) is a more active way to explore the coastal landscape. If you rent one, you can experience caves, small coves and cliff arches directly from sea level.
5. Relax at Praia do Camilo
The small beach Praia do Camilo is beautifully situated between high cliffs and accessed via a long staircase. This is one of the most photographed beaches in Lagos and it is not difficult to see why – it is truly beautiful here.
6. Visit Dona Ana Beach
Praia Dona Ana is another popular beach in Lagos, known for its golden sand, rock formations and relatively sheltered location. The beach is within walking distance of the centre of Lagos.
7. Stroll along Meia Praia
Meia Praia is a stark contrast to Lagos' small rocky coves. The approximately five-kilometer-long beach is perfect for walking, swimming, and spending a whole day by the sea.
8. Visit the Ponta da Bandeira Fort
Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is a well-preserved fortress from the 17th century, built to protect the city from attacks from the sea. The fortress is beautifully situated at the entrance to the harbor and close to the old city center.
9. See the city wall and Castelo dos Governadores
The remains of Lagos's defenses tell the story of the city's long history. At Castelo dos Governadores and the old city gates, you get a clear view of the fortified city.
10. Visit the Igreja de Santo António
The Igreja de Santo António may have a relatively simple exterior, but inside you can discover a richly decorated Baroque interior with gilded wood carvings. It is one of Lagos' top historical attractions.
11. Stroll in the marina and along Avenida dos Descobrimentos
The marina is a great place for a walk, a coffee or dinner. Many boat trips depart from here, and the promenade leads further towards the city centre. We strolled here for quite a while while looking at all the nice boats.
12. Learn about the history of Lagos
Lagos has an important but also dark history linked to Portugal's seafaring and the transatlantic slave trade. The Museu de Lagos and the museum section at the former slave market provide more context to the city's past.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are plenty of hotels and accommodation options in Lagos. We came here with a camper van and stayed overnight at the large campsite which is relatively central to the city. When we were here the campsite was quite basic and there was no electricity, but the price was reasonable and we thought it worked perfectly for one night.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Want to see and experience more during your trip to Portugal? Here you will find tips, reports and more reading:
- Things to do in Tavira
- Things to do in Albufeira
- Things to do in Vilamoura
- Cabo de Sao Vicente - Europe's most south-western point
- Portuguese food to try
- Campsites and pitches in Portugal
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Lagos
Where is Lagos located?
Located on the Algarve coast in southern Portugal, about 90 kilometers west of Faro, Lagos is one of the region's most popular destinations and is known for its beaches, rock formations and charming old town.
What is Lagos famous for?
Lagos is known for its golden sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches and the spectacular Ponta da Piedade coastline. The city also has a well-preserved historic centre with cozy alleys, restaurants and small squares.
Is Lagos worth a visit?
Yes, Lagos is considered by many to be one of the Algarve's finest cities. It combines beach life, history, nature experiences and a wide range of restaurants and activities.
What is there to see and do in Lagos?
Stroll through the old town center, visit the cliff area of Ponta da Piedade and relax on one of the city's beautiful beaches, such as Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo or Meia Praia. Popular activities include boat trips, kayaking and dolphin watching.
How many days do you need in Lagos?
Two to four days is enough to experience the city's highlights and some of the beaches. Many people choose to stay longer and use Lagos as a base to explore the western Algarve.
Which beach is the nicest in Lagos?
Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are among the most photographed beaches in Portugal thanks to their dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. For those looking for a long, sandy beach, Meia Praia is perfect.
Is Lagos child-friendly?
Yes, Lagos is great for families with children. There are several quiet beaches, car-free parts of the city center, and plenty of restaurants and accommodations that are suitable for families.
Can you visit Ponta da Piedade without a boat?
Yes. You can walk out to the viewpoints above the cliffs or go down via a staircase to sea level. If you want to get really close to the caves and rock formations, a boat trip or kayak trip is the best option.
Can you visit Lagos by campervan?
Yes, Lagos is a popular destination for campervan travellers. There are campsites in the area and the city is a good stop during a round trip along the Algarve coast.
When is the best time to visit Lagos?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. Summer is warm and lively with a full beach life, while winter is calmer but still often offers a mild climate and great hiking opportunities.
English (UK) 
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Matts Torebring says:
When we arrived at the campsite http://www.turiscampo.com just outside Lagos, both Birgitta and I said, "We want to live here". The people we met and the nature made this place one of the best experiences in southern Europe. We long to go back there. Hugs
13 January 2015 - 19:45
Katarina Wohlfart says:
So beautiful. Shit how lovely you have it. Portugal is all good and fine I think 🙂 .
13 January 2015 - 20:06
Maggan och Ingemar says:
Surely you meet a lot of nice people when you are on a winter trip 🙂 If they also read the blog and make themselves known, it is an extra plus 🙂 Yes, you have a lot to discover but you have time on you too. Now we will discover Sicily.
Take care 🙂
13 January 2015 - 20:33
admin says:
Matts, thanks for the tip! Great to find a place like that! However, we have gone back to Albufeira now. We will wait for the ACSI card that we ordered here...
Catherine, we like Portugal! Beautiful, simple (not so much complicated rules) and quite cheap. By the way, are you going to Matka in Finland?
Maggan and Ingemar, fun to meet other bloggers, blog readers and other motorhome drivers in general! Wish you a good trip in Sicily! We keep up with the blog!
13 January 2015 - 20:38
Ditte says:
How nice to meet blog readers and see Lagos, but not so nice with beggars knocking on the door.
It will be interesting to see where you end up here next.
13 January 2015 - 21:10
Elisabeth says:
It is certainly nice to meet both new and old acquaintances. Fortunately, we have not encountered beggars at any campsite or free camping.
13 January 2015 - 22:50
Jennifer Sandström - resor, kärlek & drömmar says:
How cool to meet readers just like that in the world! Ballt! And fun 🙂 Will greet the fair from you! Hugs
13 January 2015 - 22:58
Ulla widing says:
It's nice to see all the campervan drivers you meet, but it's even more fun when they make themselves known... we'll shout if we see you!
Hugs!
13 January 2015 - 22:09
Steve says:
It's great to be recognised in completely foreign environments. Blogging is undoubtedly a way of making contacts and you are clearly making a mark with your blog.
14 January 2015 - 7:00
Lennart says:
I remember Lagos from 2013!
Keep up the good work!
14 January 2015 - 8:53
admin says:
Ditte, just that they knocked on the door feels a bit sad... like someone knocking on the door where you live... Otherwise nice in Lagos!
Ulla Widing, that sounds great!
🙂
Jennifer, great fun! And looking forward to hearing from the fair!
Steve, blogging does create contacts! Both in cyberspace and IRL!
Lennart, glad you were here too!
14 January 2015 - 11:08
Ama de casa says:
Isn't it great when blog readers come forward and talk! One of the major benefits of having a blog is
🙂
14 January 2015 - 17:44
Lena i Wales says:
Lovely storks, though I was most struck by the tiled houses. How typical of Portugal! There are very few in Spain. However, some in Gibraltar, which is very multicultural.
Take care!
14 January 2015 - 18:00
admin says:
Ama de casa, agree! The blog leads to a lot of fun!
Lena in Wales, I also like the tiled houses, nice and special! I understand that you are in Spain now. We will be staying in Portugal for a while, so I don't think we will get there, although it would be nice to see you!
14 January 2015 - 18:59
Allis & Stellan says:
How wonderful you have it!
We will of course make ourselves known and say hello if our paths cross later this year, we are currently planning our holiday in Europe and you never know 😉.
Enjoy some for us too, snow slush today....
14 January 2015 - 19:46
admin says:
Allis & Stellan, planning your holiday is a nice activity in the snow (ugh). You never know! Would be great fun if we saw you somewhere!
14 January 2015 - 21:14