10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal

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Lagos in the Algarve region in Southern Portugal is more than just a sunny haven for beach lovers. Although relaxing on the city’s beautiful beaches and exploring the stunning cliffs are definitely some of the best things to do in Lagos Portugal.

There are also plenty of other activities that will make your trip an unforgettable experience, like strolling through the picturesque old town and indulging in delicious Portuguese cuisine.

Even after my short 2-day visit, I was captivated by Lagos’s incredible beauty and undeniable charm. Here are the top 10 things to do that will make your visit an unforgettable adventure.

Table of Contents

10 Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal

1. Take a Boat or Kayak Tour

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 trip to explore the stunning Algarve coastline next to Lagos

Taking a boat tour along the Lagos coast is absolutely amazing, it was my favorite thing to do in Lagos. You’ll get to admire incredible rock formations and hidden beaches. And the small boats can even enter some caves.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also rent a kayak or do a kayak tour. That’s the best way to really get up close to the impressive rocky cliffs and sea caves.

Whether you’re in Lagos for 2 days like me or longer, taking a boat or kayak tour should be high on your to-do list.

🤩 See the stunning sea caves near Lagos on a boat cruise!

2. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches

A view of a beach in between some cliffs — Find your favorite one among the best beaches of Lagos

No trip to Lagos would be complete without spending some time at its gorgeous beaches. With golden sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning cliffs in the background, they are simply paradise.

The only difficult part is finding your favorite beach as there are so many beautiful beaches. Some of the most beautiful beaches are Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, and Praia da Batata.

My recommendation is to just start at Praia dos Estudantes, one of the beaches closest to the city center. From there keep walking along the Algarve coast until you find your favorite beach. Little tip, the further you walk the less crowded the beach will be.

The beautiful beaches in Lagos make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Portugal and Spain for 10 days or more.

3. Walk the Coastal Track

The coastline near Lagos with wooden steps leading down to the beach. This stunning coastline makes you answer the question: Is Lagos Portugal worth visiting? with yes — Walk on the stunning coastal walk and find your favourite beach

Speaking of walking along the coast, another must-do activity in Lagos is walking the Ponta da Piedade coastal track. It’s a stunning 5 km walk from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade, passing by some of the most beautiful beaches and viewpoints.

The track consists mainly of wooden paths on top of the cliffs. You’ll get breathtaking views at every turn. There are stairs leading down to the secluded beaches, so you can combine the coastal walk with finding your favorite beach.

The coastal track and the boat tours cover about the same area, but both are worth doing. The perspectives are different, and you’ll get a different view of the cliffs.

When you walk to Ponta da Piedade make sure to arrive there just before sunset.

4. Enjoy the Sunset at Ponta da Piedade

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

One of the absolute best things to do in Lagos Portugal is watching the sunset at Ponta da Piedade. The cliffs are illuminated with warm light and it’s simply magical.

Make sure to arrive before the sunset, so you can have a look at the lighthouse and have time to find a good spot for sunset. This incredible sunset alone makes Lagos worth visiting.

Just a heads up, Ponta da Piedade is a very popular spot and can get pretty packed during the high season for sunsets, so you might want to get there early in the summer months to snag the best viewing spot.

After the sunset, you can call an Uber to get back to the city or just walk back. I opted for walking back the shortest way, next to some roads away from the coast, and it took me about 45 minutes to get back to the city center of Lagos.

5. See the Iconic Benagil Caves

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

Although not technically in Lagos, a visit to the iconic Benagil caves is definitely worth mentioning as one of the best things to do in Lagos Portugal. This should not be missing you’re spending some days in Portugal.

You can either book a boat tour that includes a stop at Benagil or go by car and hike down to the beach near the caves.

A picture of a dolphin in the ocean — I saw a lot of dolphins up close!!!

The advantage of taking a boat tour is that many boat tours include dolphin watching. I was very lucky on my tour as we saw so many dolphins next to our boat, it was incredible.

The advantage of going to Benagil by car is that you have more time for hiking in the area. You can hike part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and also visit Benagil Beach, which is just a 10-minute walk from the caves.

🤩 I love this Benagil Caves boat tour! It’s the best way to see this natural wonder!

6. Explore the Charming Old Town

A big empty square in Lagos Portugal with a church at the end

Lagos old town is full of charm with its narrow cobbled streets and white-washed buildings. It’s perfect for strolling around on a sunny afternoon.

You’ll find lots of cute shops selling local crafts and Portuguese souvenirs, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink.

My favorite square, Praça Infante Dom Henrique, is located near the waterfront and features a picturesque church. Local artists sell their products inside the building named Armazém Regimental.

Additionally, there’s the Mercado de Escravos, once Europe’s first slave market, now transformed into a small museum shedding light on this dark past. However, note that the museum has received mixed reviews. I personally, didn’t visit the museum.

🤩 Explore the beautiful city center on Tuk Tuk tour!

7. Visit Lagos Castle

An archway from the city walls, a must-see spot if you're 2 days in Lagos Portugal — There’s not that much left of the city walls, but the Porta de São Gonçalo is a must-see spot

Lagos Castle, also known as Castelo dos Governadores, dates back to the 17th century and played an important role in defending the city.

Today you can still see the castle walls and some of the original structures. The most notable part of the city walls is the Porta de São Gonçalo, the castle’s main gate.

The gate separates the Atlantic ocean from Lagos’s old town and it’s a very popular photo spot in Lagos.

🤩 Visit the best places and learn about local history on a guided walking tour!

8. Stroll Down the Av. dos Descobrimentos

Scenic view of a bustling promenade in Lagos, Portugal, lined with majestic palm trees, local tourist shops, and pedestrians enjoying the sunny day with the marina full of boats in the background, suggesting popular activities and sightseeing spots in Lagos. — Strolling along the Lagos marina is one of the best ways to take in the city’s atmosphere

Av. dos Descobrimentos is a beautiful street that runs along Lagos’s waterfront and is lined with palm trees, outdoor cafes, souvenir shops, and tour booths.

It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk while enjoying the beautiful views of the harbor and boats.

When you’re lucky you might even see Ponte elevatória de Lagos opening up to let bigger boats through, it’s a unique sight.

9. Buy Some Fresh Fruit at Mercado Municipal de Lagos

Located at the waterfront, Mercado Municipal de Lagos is a lively and colorful market that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other local products.

It’s a great place to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and pick up some tasty snacks or souvenirs.

The selection of fresh fruit is amazing and it’s the perfect snack for a hot day. The only downside for vegans like me is that you have to pass through the fish section on the ground floor to reach the first floor on which they sell fresh and dried fruits and vegetables.

10. Day trip to Sagres

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

If you have some extra time in Lagos, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Sagres. This small town on the western tip of the Algarve is known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking cliffs.

One highlight of Sagres is Cabo de São Vicente, also known as Cape St. Vincent, which is the most southwestern point of Europe. The views of the cliffs and ocean are simply stunning.

You can also visit Fortaleza de Sagres, a 15th-century fort that was once used to protect against pirate attacks. It now serves as a museum and offers interesting insights into Portugal’s naval history.

You can also find beautiful beaches in Sagres like Praia do Beliche.

🤩 This adventurous off-road road trip to Sagres is one of the most fun activities in Lagos Portugal!

Final Thoughts: What to Do in Lagos Portugal

From breathtaking coastal walks and stunning sunsets to a charming old town and historic city gates, Lagos has it all.

That’s why Lagos is a must-visit spot on every Algarve itinerary.

However, since Lagos is so beautiful it is very popular, meaning during peak season it can get very crowded. So, I think the best time to visit Lagos is in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal