Why Travel to Lagos?
Lagos, located in the breathtaking Algarve region of Portugal, is a mesmerizing coastal city known for its stunning beaches, including the famous Praia Dona Ana and Meia Praia, where crystal-clear waters meet soft golden sands. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports on these beaches like surfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The best time to visit Lagos is during spring and early fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. This allows for the exploration of the city´s important landmarks.
Moreover, Lagos is also a good base to explore the Algarve region. Whether you are a food lover, hiker or nature enthusiast we have a wide range of recommended activities such as food tours in Silves, half day hiking tours to Luz and full day tours hiking the Sete Vales Suspensos Trail, all these activities can be done from Lagos. Read on if you want to discover all the plans in our Lagos travel guide!
Nature wonders, historical landmarks, the best gastronomy and more!
Natural wonders such as Ponta da Piedade are a must visit if you are staying in Lagos. This stunning landscape displays twisted and multicoloured sandstone cliffs and towering formations. At the top of this rugged coast stands a picturesque lighthouse. Under clear skies, you can see east to Carvoeiro and west to Sagres from this vantage point, two other top destinations that are also worth visiting from Lagos.
As you wander through Lagos, you will see that it is not just about the beach, this place boasts a rich history dating back to the Palaeolithic Era and was a strategic port city during the Age of Exploration. This heritage is reflected in its historical architecture, including churches like Santa Maria Parochial Church and the charming old town with cobblestone streets. Museums like the Museu Municipal offer glimpses into the city´s diverse history. Certainly, a cultural highlight of the Lagos travel guide that you can't miss!
Apart from the history and beaches, Lagos is a haven for food lovers, with local restaurants serving traditional Portuguese dishes like Cataplana and Carne de Porco a Alentejana (Portuguese Pork and Clams). Travellers can also enjoy the fresh produce and traditional Portuguese cuisine that thrive during the harvest seasons. You should consider taking a food tour in Lagos to visit the market and to enjoy tasting the Algarvian food and wine. The nightlife in Lagos features live music performances and street festivals that offer traditional Portuguese treats like Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts).
Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Lagos. You can check our full list of top food tours to Lagos and top hotels in the sections of the travel to Lagos travel guide.
Population: 31,049 (2023) inhabitants