Is Lagos Portugal Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is

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Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, but is Lagos Portugal worth visiting?

I spent 2 days in Lagos and absolutely loved it! The stunning coastline and pristine beaches were the highlight of my trip. You can take amazing boat tours and walk on a scenic coastal walk.

However, there is one major con about visiting Lagos, because it’s so beautiful it gets busy, like really crowded in the summer months.

So, my recommendation is that Lagos is worth visiting outside of the high season. That way you can enjoy the beauty without the crowds.

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

Table of Contents

5 Reasons Why Lagos Is Worth Visiting

Beautiful Beaches

Lagos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Each beach is unique and breathtaking. The best part is that you can walk from one beach to the next and you can find your favorite one.

Meia Praia is the largest beach in the area and stretches over 4km. It’s the only beach on the east side of the Lagos marina. But as great as this wide beach is, I prefer the other ones since they are nestled in between the stunning cliffs.

The most incredible beaches are nestled between towering cliffs. They have beautiful golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters that are simply irresistible. Those beaches offer a more secluded and intimate feel.

Some of the best beaches are Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana. From both beaches, you have a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, with the intriguing rock formations serving as the perfect backdrop for an epic sunbathing experience.

Each beach in Lagos offers a different experience, but they all share one thing – incredible natural beauty that will leave you speechless.

A view of a beach in between some cliffs — Praia dos Estudantes is the most popular beach close to the city center

Impressive Coastline

The coastline of Lagos is truly the highlight of the city and the reason you should add Lagos to your Algarve itinerary.

The contrast between the golden sands, rocky cliffs and sparkling azure waters creates such a breathtaking view that it often feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

The coastline of Lagos is a spectacle that is best admired from multiple perspectives.

Embarking on a boat or kayak tour offers an unrivaled opportunity to witness the grandeur of the cliffs and the magnificence of the sea caves. The reflection of the sunlight off the turquoise waters only adds to the beauty.

On the other hand, taking a leisurely stroll on the coastal walk to Ponta da Piedade allows you to absorb the beauty of the cliffs at your own pace. You can stroll along the scenic path, enjoy the stunning views from the top of the cliffs, and stop at picturesque beaches.

The end of the coastal walk, Ponta da Piedade, is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset in Lagos. Trust me, enjoying the sunset there is one of the best things to do in Lagos, Algarve.

This stunning coastline is also the main reason why most day tours from Lisbon to the Algarve go straight to Lagos.

Sunset over the ocean, in the front are some cliffs with people on them — Ponta da Piedade is a great place for a sunset in Southern Portugal

Great for Water Activities

Water sports in Lagos are an absolute must-try, from swimming to kayaking to boat tours, there’s something for everyone.

If you want an intimate experience with the incredible rock formations and sea caves, kayaking is the way to go. It allows you to navigate through the narrow nooks and crannies, making you feel one with the landscape.

Instead of a kayak tour, I opted for one of the boat trips to explore the cliffs and I loved it. The small boat was able to get very close to the cliffs and even entered some of the sea caves. It was an unforgettable experience.

You can even take a speed boat tour to the Benagil caves, one of the most famous natural landmarks of Portugal. The boat cruises next to the Algarve coast and enters the picturesque cave with a ceiling window.

The water activities in Lagos are more than just sports – they’re the best way to discover the essence of Lagos.

🤩 Check prices and availability for a Benagil Caves boat tour! It’s the best way to see this natural wonder!

Tina in a boat with a straw hat, in the back are impressive cliffs; a boat tour is one of the best things to do in Lagos Portugal — I really loved the boat tour to explore Lagos’ coastline

Historic City Center

Beyond its stunning coastline, Lagos also has a pretty city center that is a delight to explore.

The heart of Lagos is an intriguing maze of narrow streets lined with a vibrant mix of traditional houses, colorful boutiques, art galleries, and bustling cafés.

One of the highlights of the old town of Lagos is the city walls. The city walls are a significant architectural landmark right next to the coastline, bearing witness to the city’s rich past dating back to the 16th century.

An archway from the city walls, a must-see spot if you're 2 days in Lagos Portugal — The remnants of Lagos Castle, the so-called Castelo dos Governadores, the entrance to the historic town of Lagos

Easy To Get There

Getting to Lagos may seem a bit daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward to get to Lagos by public transport once you’ve made it to Faro, the main transport hub in the Algarve region of Portugal.

Faro is conveniently served by an international airport, Faro Airport, and is the central station for long-distance trains arriving in the Algarve. But don’t worry, you won’t be stuck there.

From Faro train station, it’s a smooth, scenic journey to Lagos via a connecting train. You can even visit Lagos on a day trip from Faro. Check the timetables on the official Portuguese railway webpage.

This route gives you the chance to sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful Portuguese landscape unfold.

In just a couple of hours, you’ll find yourself stepping onto the platform in Lagos, ready to start your adventure.

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

The Cons of Visiting Lagos

Visiting Lagos has one major downside. The city is very popular during the peak summer months, which is also the hottest time of the year. This results in overcrowded beaches, packed city streets, and long queues at restaurants and attractions.

The amount of tourists during this period detracts from the serene and laid-back charm that makes Lagos so special. Additionally, the increased demand can lead to increased prices during the peak season, especially for accommodation and dining.

That’s why I recommend to plan your visit outside of the high season in the Algarve. I was there in September and it proved to be the best time, as the weather was still warm and the crowds thinned out, allowing me to enjoy all the wonders Lagos has to offer in a more relaxed setting.

A limestone arch in the ocean just outside Lagos, which you can visit on one of the tours to Algarve from Lisbon — A limestone cave near Lagos

Final Thoughts: Is Lagos Portugal Worth Visiting?

In conclusion, Lagos is one of the best places in the Algarve and it’s definitely worth visiting, just not in the peak season since the crowds hinder the experience.

Its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, amazing water activities, captivating city center, and the seamless blend of history and modernity all converge to create a place like no other.

Not to mention the warm, sunny weather that graces the city for most of the year. While the summer months can get crowded, a visit in the shoulder season, like my wonderful trip in September, offers a perfect balance of sunny weather and a more laid-back vibe.