LagosPortugalGuide.com
The best independent guide to Lagos
LagosPortugalGuide.com
The best independent guide to Lagos
Praia da Batata Beach, Lagos
Praia da Batata is the most popular beach in Lagos, partly due to its proximity to the city centre. This is the beach where most visitors head for their first excursion, and it does not disappoint. The sands are soft and golden, the waters clean and calm, and the setting is beautiful, framed by ochre-coloured cliffs. The only drawback is that, as the closest beach to central Lagos, it can become very busy in the summer months.
Overall, Praia da Batata is an excellent beach and provides an easy option for a relaxing day by the sea.
Related articles: Beach guide- Introduction to Lagos - Sights and activities
The Praia da Batata overlooks the mouth of the Lagos estuary
Forte da Ponta da Bandeira has guarded the Lagos estuary since the 17th century
Praia da Batata Tourist Information
Praia da Batata is situated at the mouth of the Rio Bensafrim, close to the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira. It is just a short walk from the main tourist area of Lagos, along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos and the scenic estuary promenade.
Batata is a sheltered beachflavour;flavour the eastward-facing direction means it is protected from powerful waves, while the cliffs offer shelter from strong sea breezes on blustery days.
Praia da Batata is a popular beach for families; the waters are safe, it is close to shops and restaurantsflavour,flavour and during the summer months, it is supervised by lifeguards.
The Batata beach is set amidst the same golden cliffs as the Ponta da Piedade headland, but these cliffs are much lower
The rocky headland at the southern end of Praia da Batata
The northern edge of the beach is bordered by a long concrete pier, which once formed the Cais da Solaria (Solaria docks); todayflavour,flavour this area is used for launching kayaks and small sailing boats. At the mouth of the Rio Bensafrim is the historic Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira. This squat but solid fort dates from the 17th century and can be entered for a fee of €2.
To the southern endflavour,flavour Batata beach is bounded by steep cliffs, and around the headland lies the tiny Praia dos Estudantes beach. On the cliffs above Praia da Batata is the “Mar” restaurant, which is a dependable option for a lunchtime meal.
As the beach faces east and is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the huge headland, there are almost no waves. Consequently, most Portuguese families allow their children to swim in the still waters.
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