{"id":14145,"date":"2021-10-20T19:00:35","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T18:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/?p=14145"},"modified":"2023-05-03T17:38:55","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T16:38:55","slug":"10-best-beaches-in-lagos-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/10-best-beaches-in-lagos-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Beaches in Lagos, Portugal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The main and foremost reason why travellers flock to Lagos is its superb beaches, of course. In case you\u2019re planning a relaxing holiday in this part of the world, you might be wondering which are the best beaches in Lagos, I\u2019m sure of it! And that\u2019s the exact reason why I created this complete guide about the beaches of Lagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lagos is located in the southern part of Portugal<\/a>, in a region called Algarve which is where you\u2019ll find steep cliffs, blue waters, pristine beaches, a lively summer nightlife and a charming walled old town. In fact, it is said that Lagos hosts some of the best beaches in Algarve! One of the most famous attractions here is definitely Ponta da Piedade, a beautiful group of rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scroll down to find my list of top 10 beaches in Lagos that you can explore during your trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>1 – Ponta da Piedade<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ponta da Piedade<\/a> is a picture-perfect place taken out of a postcard! This superb rocky shoreline, literally translating to \u2018Mercy Point\u2019, is considered to be the most beautiful beach in Lagos and, I kid you not, one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world! What you\u2019ll find here are pretty rock formations, caves and arches, all surrounded by crystal clear waters, forming a picturesque image and a great spot of complete relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several ways of reaching Ponta da Piedade: by driving, by walking on a specially designed cliff path and then going down 182 stairs, or by kayak\/boat. I highly recommend exploring this little piece of heaven on a guided boat tour with a local guide, such as this one<\/a> that will take you to multiple beaches along Algarve\u2019s coast, as well as to the famous caves of Ponta da Piedade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>Please note that during high season (summer), swimming or getting in the water is restricted due to intense boat traffic. There\u2019s a workaround, though: you can get to Ponta da Piedade very early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the boats aren\u2019t active during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ:<\/strong> 11 Best Thin<\/a>g<\/a>s To Do in Lagos, Portugal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>2 – Praia do Camilo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Praia da Camilo<\/a> is definitely on everyone\u2019s list of top 5 beaches in Lagos! This one\u2019s a tiny secluded beach, nestled in a picture-perfect setting. Its main feature is the long wooden stairs that descend down the cliffside to the sandy beach. With around 200 steps, this stairway gives the beach a grand feeling of adventure. Don\u2019t worry though, you won\u2019t regret taking the effort of walking down as you\u2019ll be greeted by golden-amber sand, clear blue-green water, and red, orange and yellow limestone rock formations to explore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering what to do here? You can walk along the beach, swim, take some pictures and then grab some lunch at the restaurant located right on top of the cliff, near the above-mentioned stairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>If you decide to visit this beach, a very good idea would be to bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are are no kiosks on the actual beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>3 – Praia Dona Ana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Did you know that Praia Dona Ana is Considered the most beautiful beach in the Algarve and (to some) also the world? Praia Dona Ana<\/a> is found in the south of Lagos, carefully built into the limestone cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland. If you\u2019re looking for a beach where you can spend a day of relaxation and sunbathing with little to no distractions, then this is the one for you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layered with golden sand and calm turquoise waters, Praia Dona Ana offers plenty of beautiful, picture-perfect natural scenery. By the way, this beach is also great for families as it has great amenities including beach restaurants, showers, a lifeguard and shops. Like most of Lagos\u2019 beaches, this one can be accessed by a stairway as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>If you love collecting unique, intricate shells, Praia Dona Ana should be on the top of your list, as it\u2019s one of the few beaches around that has a real abundance of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>4 – Meia Praia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Meia Praia<\/a> (literally meaning \u201cHalf Beach\u201d because Odiaxere River divides it into two zones) is the largest of the beaches in Lagos, with around a 4 km stretch of continuous soft white sand. This beach has managed to maintain a low-key atmosphere all-around, but you can also find some small beach cafes, restaurants and bars placed around the edge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the area this beach covers, it doesn\u2019t tend to get overcrowded even during peak times, so there is usually always a spot where you can unwind and relax. Meia Praia is also a great spot for sports and water sports – anything from kite surfing to volleyball or even sailing and jet skiing. Plus, plunging into the cool water is welcomed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP: <\/b>If you\u2019re a shade lover, know that you can rent beach loungers and parasols on the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>5 – Praia da Batata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Praia Da Batata<\/a> (\u201cPotato Beach\u201d is such a funny name!) is based at the mouth of the Rio Bensafrim River, this beach is closest to the town centre (just a short walk away from it), making it a popular place for visitors to spend the day. It\u2019s highly likely that this is the beach that most visitors find first, so it can get a little busy at times, especially during high season. But Potato Beach makes an excellent choice if you only have a short time in Lagos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favourite thing about this beach is the way that it is etched into the rocky cliffside. Little tunnels lead between each section of the beach and at its end, you\u2019ll find a picture-perfect arched bridge perfect to swim through! Talking about amenities, this beach has everything from public restrooms and showers to restaurants and bars. There are also lounges and umbrellas to rent here (15\u20ac for 2 people), as well as the possibility to do some SUP (15\u20ac\/hour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>This beach along with three others (Meia Praia, Porto de Mos and Luz) are the only wheelchair-accessible beaches in Lagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP: <\/b>If you\u2019re looking for the quieter part of the beach, head to its southern end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>6 – Praia Grande<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Although not as easily accessible as Praia da Batata, Praia Grande<\/a> (\u201cBig Beach\u201d) is a wonderful place to relax, surrounded by orange cliffs and beautiful, soft sand. Despite its name, Praia Grande is not that\u2026 grande, after all. It\u2019s quite small and secluded and the perfect place to go if you want to feel like you have the entire beach all to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best things about this beach is that you can snorkel here – happy exploring! There are many coral reefs to be found and admired!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>Wondering how to get to Praia Grande and why I\u2019m implying it\u2019s a bit more challenging? Don\u2019t stress too much, as the process is not that complicated, you just need to be a little more\u2026 adventurous, let\u2019s say. It takes around 10 minutes to get there, but the catch is that you\u2019ll have to descend from the cliff walls with the help of a rope. No worries, it\u2019s safe and people do it daily! As a safer alternative, you can also get there by boat\/kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>7 – Praia de Porto de M\u00f3s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Praia de Porto de M\u00f3s<\/a> is the second largest beach in Lagos (after Meia Praia), located about 4km to the south-west of the main tourist centre. Spoiler alert: it\u2019s probably the best beach in Lagos for surfing! Due to its south-westerly direction, Praia de Porto de M\u00f3s is the only beach in Lagos that isn\u2019t sheltered from the powerful Atlantic Ocean. This makes it a great spot for those who love catching waves. Surfers and bodyboarders \u2013 I\u2019m talking to you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occasionally, this beach is hit with strong winds, but if you like your beaches emptier and waters rougher, this praia is always a lot quieter and less crowded than other beaches in the area. Just be ready to replace a gentle breeze for a blast of wind. Luckily, you won\u2019t need to replace the limestone cliffs, as they\u2019re present here as well! And, to top it off, restaurants and cafes can be found here too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>8 – Praia do Pinh\u00e3o<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A small paradise on Earth! Praia do Pinh\u00e3o<\/a> is among the nice beaches in Lagos, with crystal-clear waters, imposing cliffs and soft sand. It\u2019s squeezed between Praia Dona Ana and Praia dos Estudantes (more info below) and it can be accessed, in the traditional manner around Algarve, by descending the cliffs by a stairway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main areas that form this beach – one closer to Praia dos Estudantes, which is more laid-back and family-friendly, and one closer to Dona Ana, which is a bit busier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>Praia do Pinh\u00e3o is not \u201crich\u201d in beach amenities (at all), so I recommend bringing your own umbrellas, snacks, drinks and towels too. Being such a secluded beach, there are no kiosks, loungers or restaurants around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>9 – Praia dos Estudantes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If I think about it, I think Praia dos Estudantes<\/a> (literally meaning \u201cStudent\u2019s Beach\u201d) is probably my personal favourite of the beaches in Lagos. It\u2019s a tiny, calm but charming beach, accessible via a stairway or a man-made tunnel from Praia Da Batata<\/a>. One of the special things about this beach is the arch bridge connecting the main land to the rocks formations – it\u2019s really pretty and super photogenic! This bridge plays a big role in Praia dos Estudantes\u2019 history and it was once part of Pinh\u00e3o Fortress. The former fortress was completely destroyed in 1755 – except for the bridge, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another advantage of this beach is the calm waters, which make for the perfect swimming paradise for all travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>As it happens with Praia do Pinh\u00e3o, there aren\u2019t any beach amenities here either. But the good thing is that this beach is extremely close to the city centre, so you can stock up on drinks and snacks on the way there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>10 – Praia do Canavial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If you go west to Lagos\u2019 most famous beach (Ponta da Piedade), you\u2019ll reach Praia do Canavial<\/a>, a long and very special beach. One of its best advantages is that it\u2019s more isolated than other beaches in Lagos – and it\u2019s a real joy to the eye! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s different here? The superb cliffs remain, but the much-photographed arches are no longer here. You\u2019ll get a long, narrow strip of beach instead, unsheltered from the wind, which means you\u2019ll get big waves, ideal for surfing. Canavial Beach is accessed by a scenic pedestrian trail, really easy to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/b>As the beach strip here is long and narrow, it\u2019s not recommended to go during high tide, as that\u2019s when the beach sands will really\u2026 disappear! I advise going during low tide instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>BONUS: Practical information about Lagos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Now that you know my complete list of beaches in Lagos that are totally worth visiting, let me tell you one or two practical things that will come in very handy while you\u2019re planning your holiday here. Let\u2019s see:<\/p>\n\n\n

Where is Lagos?<\/h3>\n\n\n

Lagos is a charming coastal town in the southern part of Portugal, in a region called Algarve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When should I go to Lagos?<\/h3>\n\n\n

The high season in Lagos takes place during summer, naturally, with the biggest crowds of tourists arriving there in June, July and August. If you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the best that Lagos has to offer, I recommend going there during September-October or April-May.<\/p>\n\n\n

How to get to Lagos<\/h3>\n\n\n

FROM LISBON. <\/b>The total road distance between the two is around 300km. The most popular way of getting from Lisbon to Lagos is by bus (3h40\u2019) or by train (5h). The prices are pretty much the same, ranging from 15 to 25\u20ac depending on when you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FROM FARO. <\/b>Faro Airport is an international airport located in Faro city, the capital of Algarve, 92 km away from Lagos. From there, you can take a train (1h 45min) for the price of 7.40\u20ac or a bus (a little bit more than 2h) for around the same cost.<\/p>\n\n\n

How to get around Lagos<\/h3>\n\n\n
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One of the best things about Lagos is that many of the beaches are located close to the city centre and most of the accommodations and resorts as well. If you\u2019re all for relaxing in Lagos, you\u2019ll be just fine by walking around from the town!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, you won\u2019t necessarily need to rent a car while you\u2019re there, unless you want to do some day trips in the neighbouring towns to explore their beaches as well (totally recommended and strongly advised by\u2026 me!). And no, I\u2019m afraid the public transportation system won\u2019t do in this part of Europe, unfortunately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which takes me to our next point…<\/p>\n\n\n

What day trips can I take from Lagos?<\/h3>\n\n\n

Some of the most popular day trips departing from Lagos include Praia da Luz, Burgau, Alvor and Sagres. You can read more about these places in my post about Where to stay in Algarve – 7 Best Towns<\/b>. All these 4 destinations are located less than 30 km away from Lagos so it\u2019ll be super easy to reach them if you rent or have your own car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what if you don\u2019t want to rent a car or you simply can\u2019t? I have a solution for you too: organised tours! There are plenty of trust-worthy, exciting options out there, the most challenging part would be to simply\u2026 chose. Here\u2019s a few I selected for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n