Lagos perfectly balances its rich maritime history with modern beach resort charm. This vibrant Algarve city offers dramatic coastal scenery, pristine beaches, and a beautifully preserved historic centre within its 16th-century walls.

Beyond its stunning coastline, Lagos captivates visitors with golden limestone cliffs, hidden grottos, and crystal-clear waters at Ponta da Piedade. The historic centre buzzes with authentic restaurants, traditional markets, and scenic squares, while the modern marina hosts boat adventures and waterfront dining.

This guide explores Lagos' essential sights and experiences, from its world-class beaches and historic monuments to exciting day trips and family activities that make it one of the Algarve's most compelling destinations.
Related articles:Lagos beaches - Day trips from Lagos

The Must-Sees in Lagos (Perfect for a Day Trip)
• Ponta da Piedade - Marvel at dramatic golden limestone cliffs, hidden grottos, and stunning rock formations carved by the Atlantic. Experience it via boat tour (1-2 hours), kayak adventure, or the scenic clifftop walking trail.
• Centro Histórico de Lagos - Wander through a maze of cobblestone streets lined with traditional Portuguese architecture, discovering hidden squares and authentic restaurants.
• Praia Dona Ana - Relax on this stunning beach, consistently ranked among Europe's finest, surrounded by towering ochre cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
• Igreja de Santo António - Known as the 'Golden Church', this 18th-century masterpiece features an ornate baroque interior with intricate gilded woodwork, traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles and one of the most spectacular painted ceilings in the Algarve.

• Lagos Marina - Stroll along the vibrant waterfront filled with restaurants and cafés. Watch the boats and enjoy fresh seafood with harbour views.
• Forte da Ponta da Bandeira - Explore this well-preserved 17th-century fortress guarding the harbour. Climb up for panoramic views of Lagos bay.
• Mercado Municipal - Experience local life at this bustling market. Browse fresh produce, seafood, and regional specialties in an authentic atmosphere.

Must-See & Dos for a Lagos Holiday

Family Fun
• Slide & Splash Water Park - Enjoy thrilling slides and water attractions perfect for all ages. Full-day of family entertainment with pools and shows.
• Zoomarine Algarve - Watch dolphin shows and meet exotic creatures while learning about marine conservation at this popular attraction.

Day Trips to Historic Towns
• Silves - Explore the impressive medieval castle and wander through charming streets of this ancient Moorish capital.
• Sagres - Visit dramatic cliffs and the fortress where Prince Henry's navigation school shaped Portugal's maritime history.

Boat Adventures
• Sunset Cruise - Sail along the coast as the sun paints the sky, enjoying local wines and coastal views.
• Dolphin Watching - Join marine biologists to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Benagil Cave Tour - Combine dolphin watching with exploration of the impressive Benagil sea caves.

Active Pursuits
• Coasteering Adventure - Combine swimming, rock climbing, and cliff jumping for an adrenaline-pumping exploration of Lagos' coastline.
• Surfing - Catch waves at Meia Praia with lessons for all skill levels.
• Coastal Hiking - Discover hidden coves and dramatic views on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
• Kayaking/SUP - Paddle through grottoes and caves, reaching spots inaccessible to larger boats.

The interactive map below shows the sights and attractions of Lagos. (Note: zoom out to see the sights of the region)

Legend: 1) Ponta de Piedade 2) Praia de Dona Ana 3) Igreja de Santo António 4) Mercado de Escravos 5) Mercado Municipal 6) Forte da Ponta da Bandeira 7) Igreja de Santa Maria 8) Marina Lagos 9) Porta de São Gonçalo 10) Praia do Camilo 11) Praça Gil Eanes 12) Museu de Cera dos Descobrimentos 13) Meia Praia 14) Slide & Splash Water 15) Zoomarine 16) Silves 17) Sagres 18) Zoo de Lagos

Unlike many other resort towns, Lagos is an important city that is steeped in history, and the variety of historical monuments and buildings reflect this varied past. Fascinating buildings include the beautiful Santo Antonio church, the Mercado dos Escravos (Europe’s first slave market) and the charming 17th century Bandeira Fort.

Half a day can be easily spent exploring the historic centre with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses and pretty harbour front. Very few towns in the Algarve have the variety of historic buildings, and this is why Lagos is so popular as a day trip from the surrounding region.

The Ponta da Piedade are a series of beautiful sandstone cliffs, that are considered as the finest natural feature of the western Algarve. This headland to the south of Lagos has been eroded over the millennia by powerful winter storms to form unique cliff formations, which include sea arches, grottos and smugglers caves.

 

 

The Ponta da Piedade can be explored from the pathways that cross and climb the cliffs, but a much more enjoyable approach is to join one of the boat tours that depart from Lagos marina.
Related articles: The Ponta da Piedade

Lagos has a wonderful coastline that comprises of vast expanses of sands, secluded coves and picturesque beaches. Within the Lagos region there is a beach to satisfy all, and range from the massive the Meia Praia, to the surfing waves of Porto de Mós and the beautiful Praia de Dona Ana.

Within in walking distance of Lagos are four outstanding beaches, while a short bus ride away are the traditional resort towns of Praia da Luz and Burgau or the craziness of Praia da Rocha.
Related articles: Lagos beach guide - Praia de Dona Ana

Lagos zoo is a small zoo which is suited for families with younger children. The animals are well cared for, and the selection of animals includes birds, wild cats, and a petting farm for small children. The standout feature is the monkey island which contains many adorable monkeys! The entrance fee is €18/€14 (adult/child) and the zoo is open all year round. More information can be found on their website:
http://www.zoolagos.com/en/

Departing from the Lagos Marina are an assortment of different boat trips, which include tours of the coastline, dolphin watching or deep-sea fishing trips. For the more adventurous there are speed boat tours, jet boats or jet-skis. Costs of the boat tour vary depending on the style of tour and novelty of the boat, but typical prices are:
• 90min caves/grottos tour €20/€10 (adult/child)
• 90min dolphin watching tour €40/ €30 (adult/child)
• 3-hour fishing for snapper, mackerel, grouper €40/€25 (adult/child)

We have worked with Getyourguide.com over the last five years, and a selection of their best tours from Lagos includes:

The recently founded Espiche Golf Club, also differs from you typical Algarve course. Set in the stunning Monchique Mountains the golf course offers breathtaking views and a special round you won't forget.

For those willing to travel a little further you have excellent options in Penina Championship which has hosted the Portuguese Open on eight occasions, Golfe do Morgado and Vale da Pinta all within easy access.
Further information: https://goandgolf.co.uk/blog/golf-courses-in-lagos-portugal/

Sagres is at the western edge of the Algarve and is characterised by massive cliffs, raging seas and windswept landscapes. The power seas and expansive beaches attract surfers from all over Europe, and this has provided Sagres with an understated trendy vibe, which aligns with the ramshackle appearance of the town.

Further along, the coast is the Cabo São Vincente, the south-westerly tip of mainland Europe, and is a dramatic but barren region with towering cliffs and ceases winds. The Sagres region is ideal for visitors who appreciate nature's raw power and enjoy outdoor activities, be that surfing hiking or cycling. There is a regular bus service from Lagos to Sagres.
Related articles: A day trip to Sagres

Slide and Splash is an amazing waterpark, filled with gravity-defying flumes, near vertical slides and colossal rubber ring rides. The waterpark is incredible fun for children, teenagers (and adults!), and the facilities are safe and well-maintained. The only downside is the steep entrance fees - €27/€19 (adult/child). Slide and Splash is near the town of Lagoa (25km away) and there are transfers; further information can be found on their website:
http://www.slidesplash.com/en/

Zoomarine is a wonderful marine park that specialises in dolphins, marine life and tropical birds. In the marine park, there is a diverse selection of activities including dolphin shows, aquariums, and a good water park with slides, wave pools and rapids. The animals of Zoomarine are kept in modern facilities and all are well cared for.

The variety of attractions means Zoomarine is ideal for both families and young couples but again has a high entrance fees of €29/ €21 (adult/child). Zoomarine is in central Algarve (40km from Lagos) but transport can be organised. More information can be seen on the Zoomarine website:
https://www.zoomarine.pt/en/

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Lagos, and by altering the date to your holiday, the map will display current availability and prices:

Booking.com

An escape room is an exciting group activity or ideal for an inclement day. There is an enjoyable escape room hosted by Xscape-it, which is based around an Orphanage, and has the novelty of a jump-scares (only if wanted!). The room caters for groups of 2-6, with prices per person varying from €16 to €25. The puzzles are in English (along with Portuguese, French, Spanish and Italian) and more information can be seen on their website:
https://www.xscape-it.com/

Tired of all of that eating and sitting around? Well then head to Luso Aventura for a forest adventure of high rope walkways, vertical nets, cobweb and monkey bridges that span the forests just to the east of Lagos. There are different circuits to challenge both children and adults, and the two-hour “fearless” course cost €17. For more information see the Luso Aventura website:
http://www.parqueaventura.net/en/lagos-en/

There are a series of scenic coastal hiking routes along the western side of the Algarve, and this is a great activity for the winter months. There is an outstanding route which heads west from Ponta da Piedade (or the Porto de Mós) and passes through the villages of Praia da Luz and Burgau.
For this 4-hour hike, which is well signed, it is recommended to catch the local bus to Burgau and walk back to Lagos. Details of the buses can be found on the A Onda bus website: http://aonda.pt/

Surrounding Lagos are quiet roads, pretty villages and a beautiful coastline, all of which are great to explore by bike. One of the best cycling routes is to the peaceful resort town Praia da Luz (8km from Lagos) or to the sleepy village of Burgau (13km from Lagos). Bikes can be hired for €10-15 per day.