Lagos
Lagos is a historic and characterful city that is situated on the beautiful Western Algarve. It is a city that boasts a rich seafaring heritage and a coastline of dramatic natural scenery, and today is one of the Algarve’s finest holiday destinations.
For a holiday, Lagos offers picturesque beaches, buzzing nightlife and outstanding tourist facilities. Thankfully, Lagos has not succumbed to mass tourism, and the city still retains its distinctive character and charm. Found within the historic centre is a proud Portuguese city, with cobbled streets, authentic restaurants, and an atmosphere which is relaxed and welcoming. Lagos perfectly combines traditional Portuguese culture, with beautiful beaches and modern tourist facilities
Lagos’ extensive history is reflected in the varied attractions which are found throughout the city; there are ancient Moorish walls, a 17th-century fort and extravagant Baroque churches. The focal point of Lagos is the pretty harbour estuary, which and this leads past the small fishing harbour to the modern marina complex.
To the south of Lagos is the Ponta da Piedade headland, a series of highly weathered cliffs that are lined with spectacular grottos, arches, sea caves, and are regarded as the finest natural feature of the Algarve. Extending to the east of Lagos is the 4km long Meia Praia Beach, the largest sandy beach of the western Algarve, while within the Ponta da Piedade headland are the picturesque cove beaches of Praia da Dona Ana, and Praia do Camilo.
There is a lot to see within Lagos, and the city is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip.
The extensive range of sights and activities means that Lagos is perfectly suited for a range of different visitors, and this includes families, couples or more mature visitors.
Visitors seeking a cultural holiday will be impressed by the number of historical monuments and the traditional heritage of Lagos, while younger couples will discover lively nightlife and numerous exciting activities.
Advice: Lagos is not suited for groups wanting to drink and party excessively (typically stag or hen do’s), for this head to the Strip in Albufeira.
The Ponta da Piedade
The Ponta da Piedade is a series of highly weathered cliffs that form the southern headland of Lagos. The powerful Atlantic Ocean has chiselled stone arches, grottos and sea caves into the colourful golden cliffs, and these cliffs are considered the best natural feature of the Algarve.
There are scenic hiking routes along the top of the headland, but a more enjoyable experience is to hire a boat and navigate the unique rock formations.
PRAIA DA MARINHA
This is the beach you see on almost every Portugal tourism guide — and for good reason, it’s take-your-breathe-away gorgeous.
BENAGIL CAVES
Down the road from Praia da Marinha, this secluded little beach is a good place to spend the day. Go at low tide and you can even swim to the famous cave — or take one of the many cruises to all the caves along the coast.
PRAIA DO CAMILO
Truly amazing to take a dip between the gorgeous rock formations.
PRAIA DO BARRILL
A sweet beach perfect for lounging all day. There are plenty of umbrellas if you’d like shade and beach bars if you get a tad thirsty.
PRAIA DO DONA ANA
Down the road from both Praia do Barrill and Praia do Camilo this is another beauty of a beach worth spending some time.
We will be diving into deeper to the local culture of the series of local Portugal experiences in the Algarve.
Tripo Team
