Lagos – About the city
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.
The region surrounding Lagos offers varied and exciting activities, along with many fascinating day trips. If you crave more than just beautiful beaches and glorious weather for your holiday, then Lagos is the ideal holiday destination for you. Lagos is equally suited as a family holiday destination, there are safe and sheltered beaches for your children, while thrill-seeking teenagers will adore the theme and water parks.
What is there to see in Lagos?
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, whichand 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 is 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.
How long to spend in Lagos?
Lagos is ideal for a 1-week holiday. A week in Lagos could combine time on the beaches with excursions to the towns of Sagres, Silves, Praia da Luz and Portimão. As Lagos is a major city, there is a wide selection of restaurants and bars, and it is easily possible to eat (and drink!) somewhere completely different every day.
If you are touring southern Portugal, you should plan to spend at least two days in Lagos. The first day would explore the historic sights of the town and the second day would visit the dramatic Ponta da Piedade cliffs and the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, Lagos could be used as a base from which to explore the Western Algarve, as the city is the main transport hub for the region.
Who should visit Lagos Portugal?
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.
Lagos for 2019
The Algarve and Lagos are experiencing massive growth within tourism; the low-cost airlines are adding new routes to Faro airport, new business are opening, and the peak season is extending. This increased popularity is great for the economy of southern Portugal, but it does mean demand for certain tourist services, especially accommodation, outstrips availability.
Our advice to you is, if you are seriously considering a holiday to Lagos, book your flights and accommodation now, as prices will rise and then sell out.
