Lagos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lagos showing a coastal town, a beach and swimming
Lagos showing a gorge or canyon and a beach as well as a large group of people
Lagos which includes a church or cathedral, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Lagos which includes a gorge or canyon, swimming and a sandy beach
Lagos showing signage

Soak up the sun on pristine beaches or explore compelling historic attractions in this picturesque town.

Lagos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve, where you can lay your towel in soft sands or hit the crystal-clear waters to enjoy snorkeling and other watersports. The town draws tourists with its vibrant nightlife scene, outstanding restaurants and burgeoning vineyards. Although hedonistic pleasures are Lagos’ main attraction, the town also has a long and rich history, visible in its cobbled streets and pretty plazas.

An ancient port city for thousands of years, Lagos was the capital of Algarve from 1576. An earthquake devastated the town in 1755, after which the capital was moved and Lagos entered a period of economic decline. Although the town is still a fishing port and market centre, it was tourism that fuelled its revival in the 1960s.

Check out paintings by Faro artist Carlos Filipe Porfírio in the Museu Municipal. Set in a 16th-century former convent, the museum also houses a piece of the Berlin Wall, a gorgeous 3rd-century mosaic and other eclectic artifacts.

Take a look at the stunning gilt carvings that decorate the Igreja de Santo António. The church’s construction began in the 17th century and its extravagant interior is covered with traditional azulejo tiles, imported Brazilian gold and intricately carved cherubs. 

Go for a dip in the sparkling waters of Praia de Dona Ana. Snorkel in the warm waters or arrange a boat trip to see intriguing caves dotted throughout the surrounding cliffs. 

Don’t miss Ponta da Piedade cliffs, where craggy sandstone rock formations rise dramatically from the sea. The cliff top is best visited in the spring, when it blooms with wild orchids and egrets gather to nest. 

Take a look at Castelo dos Governadores, part of a 13th-century palace complex constructed by the Arabs. As you look at the wall’s Manueline window, imagine King Dom Sebastião addressing his troops at this very spot in 1578 before setting off on his ill-fated crusade.

Lagos is located in southwestern Portugal. There are regular daily train and bus connections with Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lagos

Santo Antonio Church showing a city and a sunset

Centro Histórico

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Centro Histórico is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lagos Municipal Market and First European Slave Market.

Centro Histórico
Default Image

Porto de Mós

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Porto de Mós, Porto de Mos Beach and Praia do Canavial are top sights worth seeing.

Porto de Mós
Dona Ana Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Praia Dona Ana

If you're spending some time in Praia Dona Ana, Dona Ana Beach and Pinhao Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Praia Dona Ana
Meia Praia Beach which includes a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Meia Praia

While visiting Meia Praia, you might make a stop by sights like Meia Beach and Golfo de Cádiz.

Meia Praia
Default Image

Funchal

5/5(1 area review)

Funchal might not have many top sights, but Boavista Golf and Marina de Lagos are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Funchal
Dona Ana Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Ameijeira

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

While Ameijeira isn't home to many top sights, Batata Beach and Pinhao Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ameijeira
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Rua Raul Brandão, 2 - Bloco B, Lagos
The price is ₹21,298 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹21,298
₹22,576 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (78 reviews)
"Very nice property clean great staff only complaint was there was no milk in the room for our morning coffee we had to down to the bar to get it each day which makes no sense when there is a mini fridge"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
The price is ₹15,182 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹15,182
₹16,093 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (783 reviews)
"Excellent pool good facility"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Carvi Beach Hotel
Carvi Beach Hotel
3 out of 5
Alameda Dr. Armando Soares Ribeiro, Praia Dona Ana, Apartado 33, Lagos
The price is ₹23,508 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
₹23,508
₹24,919 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Carlos and staff were friendly, professional and courteous. He provided great recommendations for activities."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Carvi Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (783 reviews)
"Excellent pool good facility"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,218 reviews)
"Nice resort, good location, good service. Would come back."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Villa Doris Suites
Villa Doris Suites
4 out of 5
Praia De D. Ana, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Dona Ana Beach and Camilo ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (342 reviews)
Fantastic vill
"Very clean, fantastic custodial staff. Beautiful, well-situated property with ample amenities. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Villa Doris Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lagos

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
69
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
38
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

In late Feb / early March, it’s out of season so much of the restaurant offer isn’t open yet. This also means very few tourists (excellent). Weather was mostly dry, intermittent sunshine, around 18 degrees.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely beach, nice town and great place to chill out for some winter sun

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I only stayed for one night, but I beleive Lagos would have enough to do for a week plus.

5/5 - Excellent

philip

Our eighth trip to the Algarve, and Lagos is by far the best place we've stayed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

So much to see and do. Beaches, boat trips, walks, shopping,bars,restaurants, history and culture. Lagos to me has everything for all ages

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lagos is a nice town with a lot of restaurants to enjoy, beautiful beaches, and easy access to numerous places in vicinity. Lux, leading to Praia da Luz, is a much smaller place and is by and large deserted at this time of the year (end of October).

Cities near Lagos