Lagos

Travel Guide

Lagos featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and views
Lagos featuring a sandy beach and a gorge or canyon as well as a large group of people
Lagos featuring a lake or waterhole, a church or cathedral and a sunset
Lagos featuring rocky coastline, a gorge or canyon and a beach
Lagos featuring 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 center, it was tourism that fueled 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 featuring a sunset and a city

Centro Histórico

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

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

Centro Histórico
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Porto de Mós

4.5/5(17 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 featuring rocky coastline, a beach and general coastal views

Praia Dona Ana

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

Praia Dona Ana
Meia Praia Beach featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Meia Praia

If you're spending some time in Meia Praia, Meia Beach and Golfo de Cádiz are top sights worth seeing.

Meia Praia
Dona Ana Beach featuring rocky coastline, a beach and general coastal views

Ameijeira

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

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

Ameijeira
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Funchal

5/5(1 area review)

While Funchal might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Boavista Golf and Marina de Lagos.

Funchal
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 NT$8,261 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$8,261
NT$8,757 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (124 reviews)
"Beautiful property but not convenient to walk for food/shopping/sight seeing. It is a newer hotel so they are working out some of the kinks. They ran out of towels and the lines for breakfast were extremely long if you were later than 8:30am. Would return!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/21

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
WOT Lagos Montemar

WOT Lagos Montemar

3 out of 5
Rua da Torraltinha Lote 33-34, Lagos, Algarve
The price is NT$4,699 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
NT$4,699
NT$4,981 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (380 reviews)
"Great location outside of the world city. It’s cute design concept inside light airy clean fun. Great breakfast. Staff was very nice and helpful!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

WOT Lagos Montemar
Tivoli Lagos

Tivoli Lagos

4 out of 5
Rua Antonio Crisogono dos Santos, Lagos
The price is NT$5,860 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
NT$5,860
NT$6,212 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Friendly staff and nice rooms. However the hotel bar was very overpriced."

Reviewed on 2025/8/21

Tivoli Lagos
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.
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 WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,251 reviews)
"Great spacious and clean apartment. Lovely people, good facilities. We loved our stay."

Reviewed on 2025/8/20

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Marina Club Suite Hotel

Marina Club Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
Marina de Lagos, Lote 20, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (587 reviews)
"Location is perfect,"

Reviewed on 2025/8/22

Marina Club Suite Hotel
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (819 reviews)
"We had a great experience. The hotel is very clean and pretty. Lots of details and modern. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 2025/8/22

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
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.

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