Beaches in Lagos, Portugal: Top 9 Most STUNNING!
Lagos beaches have it all! Whether you want to swim in the crystal waters, admire the towering rock formations, lay in the sun all day, or take to the ocean for some watersports—there are tons of things to do in Lagos!
This part of the Algarve is breathtakingly beautiful, and Lagos is a real highlight, with rich golden sands that melt between your toes and natural rock formations that are some of the most impressive in the country. Let’s get started and look at some of the best beaches in Lagos!
Table of Contents
- Quick Run Down of Beaches in Lagos:
- 1. Praia Dona Ana
- 2. Praia do Camilo (Probably The Most Famous Beach in Lagos!)
- 3. Porto Mós Beach
- 4. Praia do Canavial
- 5. Meia Praia
- 6. Praia do Barranco do Martinho
- 7. Praia dos Estudantes
- 8. Ponta da Piedade (Not Really a Beach in Lagos But Had to Mention!)
- 9. Take The Trip to Praia da Luz (Beautiful Beach Near Lagos)
- How to Get to Lagos and How to Get Around
- Where to Stay in Lagos
- Need More Beaches?
- More Around Portugal
Quick Run Down of Beaches in Lagos:
You’re not going to find a bad beach around here, but if these beaches in Lagos were to be known for something, here’s a sneak peek!
- Praia Dona Ana – Stunning cliffs and clear water
- Praia do Camilo – Arguably the most famous beach in Lagos
- Porto Mós Beach – Big golden sand beach with surf
- Praia do Canavial – Dramatic and remote
- Meia Praia – Longest beach in Lagos
- Praia do Barranco do Martinho – Quiet little cove
- Praia dos Estudantes – Unique beach with a bridge
- Ponta da Piedade – The best “non-beach” in Lagos
- Praia da Luz – Best beach near Lagos
More Portugal Guides:
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- 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Albufeira
- 9 Captivating Things To Do in Carvoeiro
- 23 Algarve Beaches You Have to Visit
- 11 Adventurous Algarve Tours Worth Taking
- 14 BEST Things to Do in The Algarve + Itinerary!
- Where to Stay in The Algarve
- Kayaking Benagil Cave Tour—Everything You Need to Know!
1. Praia Dona Ana
Is Praia Dona Ana the best beach in Lagos? Many people think so, but we will leave that up to you to decide. It’s the perfect beachy cove, sheltered on all sides by the picturesque cliffs that dominate the region, yet still gets plenty of sunshine all day long.
As a blue flag beach, it has all the facilities you could want or need for a full day of beach bumming, such as a cafe and toilet facilities. One of the best things about the beach, other than the azure blue waters and soft golden sand, is how you get onto the beach.
Access is via a set of long wooden stairs, which are just too postcard-perfect not to snap a photo of. This long stretch of coast has plenty of hidden grottos to discover, filled with natural beauty every way you look. It is no wonder it has hit countless ”things to do in Lagos” lists!
2. Praia do Camilo (Probably The Most Famous Beach in Lagos!)
Praia do Camilo is one of Lagos’ classic beaches. Picture soaring cliffs surrounding a cove of golden sand, accessed only by a series of well-kept wooden staircases.
Around 200 stairs curve around the cliff down to the beach, so always remember, no matter what you take down with you, you will also have to take it back up! We say the climb is a small price to pay to access such an incredible beach.
With cliffs, however, comes shelter, and here you will be protected from the wind, and the blue waters are relatively safe for swimming, making it a popular spot for families. Although well known, you’ll still get it almost to yourself during low season!
One of the beach’s most iconic landmarks is the natural rock arch, but also keep an eye out for the tunnel that leads to a hidden beach or the stunning sunrise on a clear day.
The popular O Camilo Restaurant is just above the stairs in case you are famished after your rough day of beach bumming and exploring.
3. Porto Mós Beach
Porto Mos Beach gives visitors the best of both worlds, making it a strong contender for one of the best beaches in Lagos. Flanked on both sides by those iconic golden cliffs of the Algarve region, it still has easy access to the middle of the beach without visitors having to navigate a ton of stairs.
Porto Mos is located west of Ponta da Piedade, and during the winter, can get some decent swell for surfing. However, during the summers, it’s pretty flat, perfect for beaching yourself on the sand and using it as your personal cooling pool!
The beach itself stretches for almost a mile, so there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy this picturesque spot. The beach is also excellent for other watersports, and you can hire pedalos and kayaks right from the sand or take a kayak tour.
If chilling is more your thing, rent a sunbed and parasol and enjoy a good book. There are two beach restaurants, some stunning clifftop walks, and a beautiful sunset, making it one of the best beaches in Lagos.
As the beach is outside the town, although popular, it doesn’t have quite the crowds as some of the nearer beaches do in the summer months.
Praia do Canavial is about as close as you are going to get to an isolated beach in the Lagos region. To many, it is still relatively unknown, mainly because it can be a pain to get to.
The beach is long and narrow, so narrow that it almost disappears during high tide, backed by substantial towering cliffs, which is where the issue lies. You want to come during low tide!
One way to reach the sand is from the neighboring Porto Mos. However, this can be dangerous as walking is only possible during low tide. Otherwise, take the narrow sandy trail down the cliffs to reach the beach.
When you make it down, you will be glad you did. You will have crystal clear waters and fine golden sands almost to yourself.
5. Meia Praia
If you are after vast swaths of golden sand, Meia Praia is the beach you need. It is the largest beach in the Lagos area, stretching uninterrupted for over two beautiful miles, so there is a good chance you will be able to find a patch of sand for yourself.
Several cafes and beach bars dot the beachside, but not so many that it loses its almost undeveloped charm. Rather than the cliffs that surround many Lagos beaches, Meia Praia is instead surrounded by vast grassy sandbanks with Lagos seen in the west.
Whether you fancy a long stroll along the coast, a day relaxing, or a quick beach visit without a leg-burning workout of hundreds of steps, this beach covers all bases, making it one of the best beaches in Lagos.
6. Praia do Barranco do Martinho
Praia do Barranco do Martinho is a super small beach. We are talking tiny. It’s not even a quarter of a mile long. Yet despite its small size, chances are you will always find a patch of sand to yourself… If you can, make the effort to get there.
Towering cliff formations surround the sand, sheltering this tiny cove from the wind and making it distinctly tricky to reach. Yet many adventurers relish the extra challenge it takes to get it, achieved via boat or a walk (and by walk, we mean a challenging descent that’s best done in shoes).
The waters are calm, and the surrounding rock formations make it a unique place to kill, a few hours away from the tourist crowd.
7. Praia dos Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes, otherwise known as the beach with the bridge. You would not often find a beach complete with a tiny brick bridge high above you. The bridge connects the cliffs to adjacent headlands and is just one element that sets this beach apart.
Located near the center of Lagos, it is both easy and convenient to visit. Compared to others in the area, it is relatively small and sheltered by the surrounding rock formations. When you arrive on the beach, choose which side to laze on (either the northern or the southern part), accessed via a cool tunnel.
If you are up for a bit of a hike, there is a beautiful walk between Praia da Batata and Praia dos Estudantes at low tide. While you’ll often find Praia dos Estudantes on lists of the best beaches in Lagos, it’s not as pretty as many others on this list. However, it’s one of the most convenient to visit from the town!
There’s seaweed built up here sometimes as well, which makes visiting a bit unpleasant during certain times of year or tides.
8. Ponta da Piedade (Not Really a Beach in Lagos But Had to Mention!)
Ponta da Piedade is well worth a visit, but we will be honest, it is not a beach; there isn’t a beach here at all! The spot is still incredible, with an epic headland and stunning rock formations. So although it can’t be one of the best beaches in Lagos, come here anyway (wait for it…)!
If you want to see some of the dramatic golden cliffs this area is famous for, this is where to do it, and luckily, witnessing it is easy. You can either head out on foot and traverse the footpaths that meander over the cliff tops, peeking at the sea stacks and raging sea from above, or opt to take a boat trip.
Boat trips are plentiful and easily navigate the fascinating cliff structures, giving you a new angle.
A massive 180-step staircase leads you to one of the most beautiful coves in the area where you can catch a boat or use the clifftop boardwalk to meander above water. It is an easy day trip with restaurants, a car park, and gift shops (in terms of amenities). The closest accessible beach to Ponta da Piedade would be Camilo.
The more adventurous types will have the option to take a kayak or SUP tour to reach some secret beaches. Most of the ones you’ll be heading to on the tour can’t be accessed by land at all, not to mention you’ll get to see the incredible sea stacks up close.
See, there was a reason I still included this spot on my list of beaches in Lagos!
We recommend the kayak tours for the more agile, or better yet, take a boat tour from here and explore it the easy way!
RELATED: 11 Adventurous Algarve Tours Worth Taking (Portugal)
9. Take The Trip to Praia da Luz (Beautiful Beach Near Lagos)
Why wouldn’t you want to visit a beach named the ‘Beach of Light’? This stunning beach requires a bit of travel, but we promise you it is well worth the journey. Travel west along the coast, and you’ll soon come across this beach gem, backed by a wide, palm tree-lined, paved esplanade.
Beach cafes and restaurants line the beach, yet as a relatively small resort town, you shouldn’t feel too crowded, as most Lagos holidaymakers tend to stay around the resort.
The beach has a lot going for it. The sand is golden and fine, two headlands shelter it, and the waters are calm, with a few water activities available. While you are there, why not make a day of it and explore the namesake town as well?
How to Get to Lagos and How to Get Around
There are several ways to reach this picturesque town on the Algarve coast. If you’re traveling from outside Portugal, the most convenient option is to fly into Faro International Airport, which is approximately 56 miles (90 km) away from Lagos.
From the airport, you can choose from various modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, or rental cars, to reach your destination.
You can check here for shuttles and buses to get you around Portugal and the Algarve.
If you’re already in Portugal, you can take a train or bus to Lagos from other parts of the country. The train journey from Lisbon takes around 3 hours, while the bus journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Once you arrive in Lagos, you’ll find that the town is small and easy to explore on foot.
However, if you plan on exploring all of the beaches in Lagos, you can use Uber or rent a car to explore better. Renting a car will give you more flexibility to travel at your own pace and visit nearby attractions.
This is usually how I prefer to travel around the Algarve, as some spots are truly impossible to visit without your own vehicle.
Check out the available car rentals to choose the best option for your needs.
TRANSPORTATION TIP
If you’re looking for bus, boat, or train tickets around Europe, you can easily book them online! Check Availability
Where to Stay in Lagos
Boutique Taghostel
The Boutique Taghostel, located directly on the marina, features air-conditioned, dormitory-style rooms and is just a 10-minute stroll from the nearby train station. Enjoy the views from the rooftop looking out over the marina.
Offering mixed dorms as well as a private twin room, you’ll have breakfast included during your stay and can take advantage of the communal hangout space or talk to the reception desk about booking local tours.
Check Price:
Dona Ana Garden
If you’re looking for privacy and a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere, this budget hotel is an excellent option. It’s just a ten-minute stroll from downtown Lagos and features roomy bedrooms with complimentary Wi-Fi and en-suite facilities.
With 2 pools (one being a heated outdoor pool available all year round), you also have the opportunity to visit Dona Ana Beach which is just a few hundred meters away. These are more apartment-style rooms, great for families, as well.
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Casa Luma B&B
With contemporary, clean double and single rooms, Casa Luma is a bright and welcoming B&B right in the heart of Lagos. Meia Praia Beach is located within walking distance, and the accommodation offers the option to add on breakfast during your stay.
The private terraces in each room give you somewhere to relax casually in the sun after a day of exploring. The area is quiet despite being on the main street.
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Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda
The Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda comes with views of Porto de Mos Beach, complete with a pool, spa, and private, panoramic terrace viewings spots. The breakfast here is said to be exceptionally made, with local produce, vegetarian options, and gluten-free eats available, too.
The hotel’s decor is romantic and eclectic, boasting its own unique flare that you won’t soon forget. A great spot for a couple-getaway, enjoy a meal of high-end cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
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The Salty Lodge
These modern apartments at The Salty Lodge offer an optimal, central location in Lagos with restaurants, cafes, and shops aplenty right outside your door. You’ll enjoy privacy (no shared bathrooms here!)
Each apartment comes with a kitchen if you want to keep costs lower and cook yourself. Take your meal up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a sunset overlooking the town with distant beach views.
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RELATED: Where to Stay in The Algarve + Which Algarve Town is For You
MORE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN LAGOS, PORTUGAL:
Need More Beaches?
Who doesn’t? Luckily there is no shortage of beaches in the Algarve, in fact, you can spend weeks visiting them all. If you’re renting a car and using Lagos as your base, you can visit the nearby Carvoeiro and Albufeira for more amazing beaches and things to do.
I hope this guide helped you find some amazing beaches in Lagos, Portugal to visit!
More Around Portugal
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