Lagos, Portugal Travel Guide

Updated 2026

Welcome to the Algarvian town I chose to call home for 4 years – Lagos. 

Lagos was the town my feet first landed in Portugal and it’s extra special to me. Even before moving to the town in 2016, I had visited several times, the earliest being in 2008. In 2020 after 4 years in Algarve, I moved to Cascais where I am still based today. I may now live 3 hours north but Lagos will own a tiny piece of my heart forever and I’ll never stop returning. I spent 4 years living in a small village on the outskirts of Lagos so I got to know the town on a deeper level. Of course it’s changed since then but I’m lucky to still have many friends based there, keeping me up to date with whats going on. I continue to return every year (often multiple times) without fail.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

Why Visit Lagos?

I’m confident you don’t need me to tell you why to visit to Lagos. After all, the town is one of the most popular destination for holidaymakers in Algarve, well-known and loved by many. But if you’d like a little bit of a push to make it happen and to get to know the town from a perspective of someone who lived there and still visits regularly I’m here to help.

When my travel planning guests tell me they want to visit Algarve, I almost always send them to Lagos for at least some of their trip. The medium-size coastal town has a buzz unlike any other place in the region. Lagos is one of the few places where you can spend a week within the immediate vicinity without getting bored. It’s fringed with some of the best beaches in the country, it has a whole host of outdoor activities (great for kids, teenagers and adults alike) and plenty of memorable restaurants for every budget and taste. Despite its growing popularity you can still find some great local meals in Lagos and the surrounding areas which is not so easy in other parts of the country. The historical centre is easy to walk around and offers plenty of glimpses of colourful façades and tiles and the sunrise from Meia Praia is golden.

Fun fact: This travel guide was one of the first I ever wrote. I originally wrote it back in 2018. Since then I update it (at least) once a year so you can guarantee it’s always up to date with the best activities, experiences and restaurants.

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Here is my complete local travel guide for Lagos, Portugal.

How to get to Lagos

Lagos is situated mid-way along the southern coast of Portugal, in the sunniest region – the Algarve. At only an hours drive from Faro’s international airport, Lagos is an ideal get away for many.

By Air

Lagos’ closes airport is Faro whic is 1h east. Faro international airport (FAO) has flights to more than 30 destinations worldwide. Alternatively Lisbon airport is a 2h45 drive.

By Car

Although Lagos itself can be explored without a car I would recommend hiring a car if you have time to explore the Algarve. The region is a perfect example of a place to explore in your own four wheels.

HOW TO HIRE A CAR IN PORTUGAL

I’ve been using Zest regularly for years now and I’m yet to have a bad experience. No excess insurance included and excellent customer service. Highly recommend.

Lover of road trips like me? Here are some memorable road trips in Portugal you don’t want to miss.

By Train

Lagos can be reached by train from both Faro (1H30) and Lisbon (3H30 via Tunes). The first class tickets from Lisbon are particularly good value for money. Tickets can be booked at stations and in advance from the official website Comboios de Portugal. Discounted rates are usually available when you book 2 or more weeks in advance.

ALGARVE BY TRAIN

By Foot (Hiking)

Lagos is the end (or start) of the Fisherman’s Trail Hiking Route, giving you access to some of Portugal’s best coastline.

FISHERMAN’S TRAIL ALGARVE

Where to stay in Lagos

Lagos has accommodation to suit most needs. Boutique hotels, apartments, villas, hostels, kid friendly options and even camping. Consider what you want out of your trip when deciding where to stay. I would recommend the Avenida as a central location to stay as you are close to both the town and Meia Praia. Use the map to zoom in and out to the different areas.

Boutique Hotels in Lagos

• Casa Mãe – ‘More than a hotel’. A gorgeous boutique hotel located in the centre of Lagos with stylish boho rooms, a pretty pool and an organic veggie garden used in their impressive menu on the onsite restaurant.
• Casa Margô Boutique feel apartments and studios in small complex with pool. Very central.
• Agua Hotels Lagos Bay On the Avenida, a shot walk to the historical centre. Nice rooms and rooftop pool.

Hotels on the beach in Lagos

• Iberostar 5 star with spa and huge pool area. 2 minute walk to Meia Praia beach.
• Vivenda Miranda Boutique hotel located on Praia de Mós beach, not central Lagos.

Mid to high-end hotels in Lagos

• Lagos Avenida -Attractive hotel, rooftop bar and pool overlooking the Marina. Short walk to historical centre and Meia Praia beach.
• The MN56 Adults-only hotel in central Lagos. Excellent reviews. Small rooms but gorgeous pool area.
• Palmares Beach House (adults only) 5 star hotel with sea-view pool overlooking Meia Praia beach
• Tivoli Well-known chain. The hotel rooms here are great value and the hotel is centrally based.

Apartments and Villas in Lagos

• The Salty Lodge Highly rated apartments in central Lagos
• Palmares Signature Apartments. 5 star apartments at the eastern end of Meia Praia (furthest from Lagos historical centre). Popular with golfers because of the course.
• Casa da Moura Beautifully decorated studios in the historical centre, next to the beach. Shared pool available.
• Villa Delphin Large 5 bedroom villa with pool, a 15. minute walk from historical center
• La Perla one bedroom “villa” in central Lagos with large roof patio
• Marina Park – Spacious, well-equipped 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with balconies, parking, onsite bar and a swimming pool. Located at the top of a hill but only 5 minutes walking distance to Lagos Marina and 15 minutes to Meia Praia beach. Family-friendly.

Budget-Friendly Hotels & Hostels in Lagos

• Marina Rio. Located right on the main avenida. Simple but comfortable rooms. Small rooftop pool area
• Olive Hostel Small hostel with some private rooms and original portuguese features. Historical centre, 10 mins from Batata beach.

I generally use Bookingcom for booking accommodation in Portugal as it has the biggest variety. Airbnb is worth a look too. Accommodation can get booked up months in advance for the summer season so book early if you are traveling between Easter and October. Always check reviews. Aim for listings that have more than 10 reviews. Be wary of brand new listings.

Best Experiences in Lagos

If you are coming to the Algarve but you don’t know where to base yourself I recommend choosing Lagos. It is fairly central for exploring. To the west you have Sagres and wild west coast. To the East a string of cute coastal towns like Ferragudo.

Lagos is perfect for outdoor activities and experiences. There are countless boat tours, SUP trips, surf lessons and more you can get involved in. Alternatively if you like to wander, the old town is perfect for that. You also have plenty of beaches and an attractive marina too. I lived here for 4 years so I may be biased but I have also travelled all over Algarve and there is nowhere quite like Lagos. Lagos is full to the brim with experiences, here’s the best things to do in Lagos.

• Wander through the colours and patterns of the historic old town, away from the bustle of the main strip
• Sunrise SUP with Nowhere2Far
• Ponta de Piedade for sunrise or sunset
• Hike the coastal trail to praia da Luz
• Fresh pastéis de nata from Pão d’Avó Maria bakery

If you enjoy unique experiences check our some of these unique things to do in Algarve
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH EXPERIENCES IN ALGARVE

Best Beaches in Lagos and Beyond

Lagos has no shortage of places to lay your beach towel. From hidden coves like Praia dos Estudantes to 5km stretches like Meia Praia you’ll find a beach to keep even the fussiest beach-goer happy.

• Meia Praia A 5km stretch of golden sand where even in the height of summer you can find some space. It also has a string of restaurants and bars for feet-in-sand beers and bites. The further east you go (away from the town centre) the quieter it is. Lifeguards at various points along the beach from Easter to October.

• Praia da Batata – Walking distance from the middle of Lagos, pretty caves and a few secret beaches to explore. Several activities including kayaking and SUP tours

• Praia do Camilo – The most well-known beach in Lagos. Immeasurably picturesque with ocean views that give Thailand a run for its money. Difficult to access due to its steep steps. If you are visiting in season get there early to nab a spot and prepare yourself for crowds.
• Porto de Mós (pictured)- Long beach backed by beautiful cliffs. Plenty of parking, restaurants and activities.

If you have the luxury of a car while in Lagos I recommend getting out and about and exploring the beaches on the south and west coast. Here are a few of my favourites.

• Praia do Burgau Burgau is a small town with a beuatiful beach (my favourite in Algarve). It’s more developed than it used to be but managed to hang on to its fishing village charm still. There are some fantastic restaurants here too. Rammed in the summer, recommend visiting out of season.
• Praia do Zavial Popular surfing beach with a lot of sand at low tide. One beach restaurant. Great spot for summer but arrive early to park.
• Praia da Ingrina Another favourite, and fairly unknown beach (apart from the van crowd) Ingrina is super a pretty cove with rocks for snorkeling around and a great beach restaurant. Order the prawns and devour under the palms!

Where to Eat and Drink in Lagos

Although Lagos’ ‘main strip’ has a lively atmosphere and an abundance of places to eat; generally speaking we have found that the really special places sit just outside of this main tourist area. For a greater variety of options and better value take a wander a few streets back from the buzz and look for the unassuming spots. I update this frequently. Here are the best restaurants in Lagos.

Typical Portuguese Restaurants in Lagos

• Cervejaria Ferradura – this local favourite serves up delicious bar snacks. Try the camarão com alho (garlic pawns) or chouriço assado (flaming chorizo).
• Casa do Zé – Tasty dishes such as Portuguese fried pork which can be washed down with a jug of vinho tinto. Located on a busy corner with great atmosphere and super friendly staff.
• Tasca de Lota – When I say unassuming this is exactly what I mean. This canteen style restaurant serves up a fresh fish and grills it in front of you. Nothing fancy to see here, just good, honest, fresh food. Located at the back of the marina next to the boat yard.
• Adega Típica A Forja (the blue door restaurant) – also featured in the Lonely Planet so booking in advance is recommended
• Casa Chico Zé – Without out a doubt, my favourite restaurant in Algarve. Only a 5 minute drive from Lagos in Torre, this Portuguese BBQ restaurant is a foodie experience not to miss. Popular with both locals and tourists in the know. Chico Zé is a well-established lunch only restaurant (open 12-3pm) and closed on Sundays. At Chico Zé fish is king – try the BBQ sardines or whole Dourada and a carafe of vinho verde (local wine made from young grapes). If fish isn’t your thing the mixed kebab and piri piri chicken is also very good. It is not uncommon to have to wait 20 minutes plus for a table so if you’re not a fan of queueing aim to arrive for opening at midday.

 Top Tip: Most restaurants will bring couvert (bread, olives, cheese etc) to your table on arrival. Unless it is included as part of a prato de dia (plate of the day) menu you get charged for what you eat. Usually this is very reasonably priced and a lovely addition to your meal.

Other Restaurants in Lagos

• Mullens – Cosy cave restaurant, with intimate atmosphere and the best steak in town.
• Alma Lusa Mediterranean restaurant out of the main tourist centre. Bring a friend and split a cataplana.

Vegetarian / Vegan Restaurants in Lagos

Its no secret that typical Portuguese cuisine isn’t vegetarian or vegan friendly (even the green vegetable soup has chorizo in it) so it can be difficult to find local style restaurants that cater for vegetarians and vegans. The Portuguese are generally very friendly so don’t be afraid to ask if they can edit a dish for you.

There are still plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in town though. Sunrays is one of the best spots to pick up a vegan or veggie dish made with love. Why not try vegan toast makers Cafe Goldig for breakfast, Goji Lounge for an alfresco lunch, Beats + Burritos for veggie and vegan friendly Mexican (meat options too!) or  La Estrella for a tasty dinner.

Coffee, breakfast + brunch in Lagos

When I first moved to Lagos in 2016, finding speciality coffee in the Algarve was almost impossible, Not anymore. If you want to eat as the locals do pick a little snack bar away from the main square and order ‘torrada’ (toast and butter) or a ‘tosta mista’ (ham and cheese toastie) with a ‘bica’ (espresso). If you want to live your best brunch life these are my favourite options below.

• Coffee + Waves – Excellent speciality coffee, acaí bowls, tasty snacks and all the chilled out vibes Our favourite for a relaxed atmosphere and an early morning coffee.
• Black & White – Expect to queue if you’re here for the brunch. Or use order from the take-away bar next door.
• Alex Fantastic speciality coffee at very reasonable price. Also serves brunch. Small but bright space. Close to the bus station.
• Sunrays – Out of town but worth the trip. Great coffee, and beautifully prepared snacks and dishes.
• Goji Lounge – Pancakes, smoothies and some veggie/vegan options too. Centrally based with plenty of space to enjoy your brekkie alfresco.
• Abigail’s Cafe –  Coffee, smoothie bowls and croissants with both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoors features great views of the Santa Maria church.
• Padaria Central – Grabbing breakfast on the go? Head to this photogenic bakery in the middle of town and stock up on sweet + savoury treats for the day.
• Orta Restaurant (Casa Mãe) – Excellent speciality coffee, beautiful space. Not only is it one of the prettiest boutique hotels in Lagos but it also boasts a cracking brunch menu including the the best speciality coffee in the Algarve. The best part is you don’t have to stay here to dine here. Order ‘The Epicurean’ and arrive hungry! 

For more… BEST COFFEE IN LAGOS

Best Bars in Lagos

Again, Lagos is not shy when it comes to bars. There is everything from dark dens, to rooftop hangouts to swanky wine bars. 

Top Tip: When visiting the local bars have a look at their petisco (Portuguese tapas) menu and you’ll find everything from sheep’s cheese to flaming chorizo. 

• Mimar – Tapas bar with outdoor seating
• Cervejaria Ferradura – More touristy these days but still a great experience. This is the spot for a few cold beers and some salgadas (salty snacks) Try a flaming chouriço or a bifana.
• Mar d’Estórias – If you could pick only one bar for a cocktail while you’re in town make it Mar d’Estórias. This interesting building features a shop, cafe and restaurant but the biggest draw for me is the cosy but open rooftop terrace. The terrace offers a range of drinks including a small cocktail menu, each with a Portuguese twist. Without a doubt the biggest reason to visit is the stunning views over the old town, red top roofs and most prominently the Santo António Church.
• Forbidden Door (Open Thu – Tue) Gimiky? A little. Fun place for a cocktail after dinner? Absolutely. Lagos is now home to a speakeasy if you fancy something a little different to the usual Portugal bar.
• Bon Vivant – 2 level bar smack bang in the middle of main strip but this one has a rooftop bar overlooking the pretty Portuguese rooftops. Party vibes if you’re into that.
• 2 irmãos – enjoy a lunch time beer and couvert (the garlicky carrots are delicious) with views of The Santa Maria church.

Bars on the Marina

• The Quay – This bar/bistro is one of the more pricier spots on the marina but if you can grab one of the outside chairs at the front in time for sunset you’ll be in for a treat! Popular with the expat crowd.
• Lazy Jacks – Also located on the Marina with plenty of outside seating for that sunset. Lively atmosphere with great live music on a Sunday afternoon.

Bars on the Beach

We couldn’t leave you without a couple of beachside thirst quenchers so try grabbing a beer from some of my favourite beach bars Por do sol or Linda’s on Meia Praia. If you are looking for a beach bar close to town try Cafe do Mar at Praia da Batata with stunning cliff-edge views.

Thanks for making it this far. I hope you’e found a few useful tips for your upcoming trip to Lagos in Portugal. I visit the town multiple times of years so this travel guide for Lagos is updated regularly.

*Some links included in this guide are affiliate links. This means if you book through this link I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only include links for products and services I love and use regularly. Using these links helps me to build my small business and maintain this travel blog