2 Days in Lagos Portugal: Old Town, Beaches & Cliffs

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Planning a trip to the Algarve and wondering how many days to spend in Lagos? I had the same question, and after trying it myself, I found that 2 days in Lagos is just right.

In 48 hours, you can wander the old town, cruise past limestone cliffs on a boat tour, walk to Ponta da Piedade for sunset, and still squeeze in time at the beach. I visited in September, when the weather was perfect and the crowds had thinned out, it was the perfect trip.

If you want more beach time or to add a day trip, staying longer is even better, but this 2-day Lagos itinerary will help you see the best of the town without rushing.

🤩 I love this boat tour to see the stunning cliffs in Lagos!

Table of Contents

Day 1 in Lagos: Old Town, Coastline & Sunset

Morning: Explore the Old Town & Lagos Castle

A narrow, sunlit alleyway in a European city features a steep stone staircase with a central iron handrail, lined by old buildings with graffiti and street art. At the bottom, a small courtyard with a tree and blue circular pattern is visible, adding charm and color to the quiet, urban scene. — Old town streets in Lagos

A sunlit stone archway leads through the historic walls of a medieval fortress, with crenellations lining the top and a clear blue sky above. A lone visitor in red stands beneath the arch, emphasizing the scale and grandeur of the ancient architecture surrounded by greenery. — Old town streets in Lagos

Begin your first day with a wander through the old town of Lagos. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and lively squares are perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. Take your time, browse the little shops, and enjoy the energy of this charming town.

Just outside the old town, visit Lagos Castle (Castelo dos Governadores) and the Porta de São Gonçalo, once part of the medieval city walls. Right by the water, you’ll also find the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th-century fortress that reflects Lagos’s maritime history.

🤩 Explore the city center on a guided tour with a Tuk Tuk!

Lunch at Goldig Café & Take Away

A vegan bagel on a plate, next to it is a vase with flowers, on a table on a street — Take your time strolling through the city center and have a cup of coffee or a snack

For a quick but delicious lunch, head to Goldig Café & Take Away. I had their vegan lox bagel and a fresh juice, both excellent. They also serve vegan pastries, including pastel de nata, which is a must-try.

Afternoon: Boat Tour & Beach Time

A view of a beach in between some cliffs — There are so many pristine beaches

View from a boat entering a sea cave with rugged golden rock formations and turquoise water, framed by a jagged arch opening to a bright blue sky. Sunlight highlights the textures of the cave walls, creating a warm contrast against the cool shadows and water below. — There are so many pristine beaches

After lunch, it’s time to hit the water. A boat tour is one of the best ways to see the stunning cliffs and caves along the Algarve coast. I chose a small-group boat tour and loved being able to get so close to the rock formations.

If you prefer something more active, opt for a kayak tour instead, it’s perfect for navigating into smaller caves and one of the most fun things to do in Lagos, Portugal.

🌊 Book your Lagos boat tour here, the easiest way to see the caves and cliffs up close!

Once back on land, enjoy some downtime at the beach. Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are both nearby and offer golden sand and turquoise water. Bring swimwear so you can cool off with a dip before continuing your walk along the coast.

Evening: Coastal Walk & Sunset at Ponta da Piedade

Limestone coastline in Lagos, which you can visit on one of the tours from Lisbon to Algarve — The stunning coastline in Lagos

Sunset over the ocean, in the front are some cliffs with people on them — The stunning coastline in Lagos

In the evening, follow the Ponta da Piedade coastal walk, a wooden boardwalk that hugs the cliffs and offers stunning views at every turn. It’s an easy and rewarding walk, with plenty of viewpoints along the way.

Finish the day at Ponta da Piedade itself. The lighthouse and dramatic cliffs make it one of the best sunset spots in Portugal. It can get busy in summer, so arrive a little early to grab a good spot. Watching the sun sink into the Atlantic here is the perfect close to your first day in Lagos.

If you enjoyed this stunning coastal walk and you want more, you’ll love the Fishermen’s Trail between Lagos and São Torpes. It’s one of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails.

Day 2 in Lagos: Benagil Caves & Beyond

Morning: Benagil Caves Boat Tour

A cave with a circular opening at the top and green water at the bottom; those are the famous Benagil caves in the Algarve — The famous Benagil Cave

Start your second day with an unforgettable boat tour to the Benagil Caves, one of Portugal’s most famous natural landmarks.

The 2-hour tours from Lagos take you past dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches before entering the Benagil Cave with its iconic skylight. On my trip, I even saw dolphins playing near the boat, an incredible bonus!

🤩 Check prices and availability for a Benagil Caves boat tour, it’s the most iconic experience in the Algarve.

Midday: Lunch at Coffee & Waves

After your tour, stop for a relaxed lunch at Coffee & Waves. This café is popular for its fresh bowls, smoothies, and great coffee, perfect for recharging before the afternoon. It’s a cozy spot with a surf vibe that matches Lagos’s laid-back atmosphere.

Afternoon: Choose Between Sagres or Beach Time

For the afternoon, you have two great options depending on your mood:

A lighthouse on some cliffs in Sagres — Lighthouse of Cabo Sao Vicente just outside Sagres city center

Half-Day Trip to Sagres: Visit the dramatic Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Europe, with its iconic lighthouse and sweeping ocean views.

You can also explore the Fortaleza de Sagres, a historic fortress with fascinating naval history. This trip gives you a taste of Portugal’s wild western Algarve.

🤩 Take an adventurous off-road trip to Sagres and see a stunning Algarve sunset.

Wide sandy beach with scattered sunbathers, backed by golden cliffs and a few palm trees under a clear blue sky. A small cluster of colorful umbrellas and lifeguard equipment sits near the cliffside, while the calm sea and distant rock formations frame the left side.

More Beach Time in Lagos: If you’d rather keep it easy, spend the afternoon at one of Lagos’s beautiful beaches. Maybe revisit your favorite from Day 1 or try somewhere new like Meia Praia, a long stretch of golden sand perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Best Time to Visit Lagos

The best time to visit Lagos depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. If your main goal is long beach days and swimming, June to September has the warmest weather and calmest seas. Just keep in mind this is also peak season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

If you want to explore at a more relaxed pace, I recommend the shoulder seasons, May, late September, or October. The weather is still warm enough for the beach, but the streets and viewpoints are less crowded.

I visited in September and it was perfect: sunny skies, beach weather, and space to enjoy the town without the summer rush.

Limestone cliffs in the ocean with a few trees growing on them — Lagos is the perfect place to see stunning rock formations in the Algarve

Final Thoughts: Why 2 Days in Lagos Is Perfect

With golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, a charming old town, and boat trips to sea caves, Lagos is one of the highlights of the Algarve. While you could stay longer for more beach time or day trips, 2 days is just right to see the main attractions without rushing.

In 48 hours you can explore the old town, cruise the coastline, relax on the beach, and watch the sunset at Ponta da Piedade, all the experiences that make Lagos unforgettable.

👉 Next, check out my guide to the best places to visit in the Algarve to plan the rest of your Portugal trip.