Popular Beaches in Lagos Portugal You Don’t Want To Miss
Discover the most popular beaches in Lagos, Portugal. Learn where they’re located, how to get there, and what to expect.
Lagos is a stunning coastal town in Portugal’s Algarve region. It is known for its breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
If you’re planning a trip to Lagos and looking for the best beaches to visit, you’ve come to the right place.
Staying in Lagos is a great alternative, as getting to its beaches is relatively easy, and you won’t need a car for most of them. However, this will depend on what part of town you are staying in.
We stayed inside the old town next to the city walls and main gate, which was the perfect location. We could walk to most of the beaches on the list and had easy access to Lagos’ new coastal boardwalk.
Furthermore, we decided not to rent a car, so we walked everywhere. Everything is close by, with the longest walk being around 20-25 minutes.
In addition, we also used Lagos’ trolley train, known as the “Comboio Turístico”. This train makes nine stops, starting at Lagos Marina, but you can hop on and hop off at any stop.
The train costs €4 per person for the entire tour without hopping off, which takes around 55 minutes. For €5.50, you can use the train all day and hop on and off at its multiple stops. Keep in mind that the train operates only during the summer months.
So, grab your sunblock, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a beach towel. Don’t forget to pack water and snacks, as there are limited places to buy food and drinks at some of the beaches.
Let’s dive in!
POPULAR BEACHES IN LAGOS
1. Praia da Batata
Location
Praia da Batata, also known as “Potato Beach,” is located right at the edge of Lagos’ historic town center.
The beach is located next to Fort Ponta da Bandeira, a small fort overlooking the harbor. The entrance to the beach is about a one-minute walk away.
Without a doubt, it’s the closest beach to the city center, making it an ideal spot for those who want to combine beach time with a stroll through the town.
How to Get There
Since Praia da Batata is located in the town center, it’s easily accessible by foot. From the main square, Praça Gil Eanes, it’s just a short walk.
If you’re driving, parking spaces are nearby, but during peak season, they can fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early.
What to Expect
Praia da Batata is a small, sheltered beach known for its calm waters and golden sands.
It’s perfect for families with children and those who prefer a more tranquil beach experience.
The beach is also great for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
There are facilities like beach bars, restrooms, and showers, ensuring a comfortable visit.
2. Praia dos Estudantes
Location
Praia dos Estudantes, or “Students’ Beach,” is located just west of Praia da Batata.
It’s a smaller, more secluded beach that’s easily accessible from the town center.
How to Get There
From Praia da Batata, you can reach Praia dos Estudantes by walking along the cliffs or through a short tunnel carved into the rock.
It’s about a 5-minute walk from the town center, making it a convenient spot for a quick beach visit.
What to Expect
Praia dos Estudantes is famous for the picturesque Roman-style bridge that connects the cliffs.
The beach is relatively small but offers a more intimate setting. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, swimming, and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.
Remember to bring water and snacks if you plan to stay at this beach for a couple of hours. Also, bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, as shaded areas are limited.
3.Praia Doña Ana
Location
Praia Doña Ana is one of the most famous beaches in Lagos, located about 1.5 kilometers south of the town center.
It’s often featured in travel magazines and is a must-visit for beach lovers.
How to Get There
You can reach Praia Doña Ana in multiple ways:
The first option is walking from the town center, which takes around 20-25 minutes.
Lagos has a new boardwalk along the coastline that starts near the firefighter’s station and extends all the way to Ponte de Piedad and the Lagos lighthouse.
The entire boardwalk is about 1.5 miles one-way, allowing you to stop at multiple beaches and viewpoints to take in the stunning views. Halfway along the boardwalk, you will encounter Doña Ana beach.
The second way to get to the beach is to drive and park in the nearby parking lot, or take a local bus or taxi. The beach is well-signposted, so it’s easy to find.
But our favorite way to get to Doña Ana beach is taking the Lagos “Comboio Turistico” – the tourist train.
What to Expect
Praia Doña Ana is known for its stunning cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and golden sands.
It’s a larger beach compared to Praia da Batata and Praia dos Estudantes, offering plenty of space to relax.
The dramatic rock formations provide natural shade and beautiful scenery. The beach is equipped with amenities like beach bars and restrooms.
4. Ponte da Piedade
Location
Ponte da Piedade is not a beach per se, but rather a headland with some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the Algarve.
It’s located about 2.5 kilometers south of Lagos town center.
How to Get There
You can reach Ponte da Piedade by car, bike, or on foot. The most scenic route to Ponte de Piedade is by walking the boardwalk along the coastline. If you’re driving, there’s a parking area nearby.
Apart from this, you can also take the Comboio Turistico train which has a stop in Ponte da Piedade near the lighthouse.
Alternatively, you can take a boat tour from Lagos Marina to explore the sea caves and rock formations from the water. Many boat tours offer trips to Ponte de Piedade and the Grotto, with options for both boating and kayaking.
What to Expect
Ponte da Piedade is also famous for its towering cliffs, sea arches, and hidden grottos.
While you won’t find a sandy beach here, the views are spectacular, and it’s a popular spot for photography.
There are walking paths along the cliffs and steps leading down to the water where you can explore the caves and rock formations by kayak or paddleboard.
5. Praia do Canavial
Location
Praia do Canavial is a secluded beach located to the west of Praia Dona Ana and Ponte da Piedade.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, offering a more tranquil and less crowded experience.
How to Get There
To reach Praia do Canavial, you’ll need to walk along a cliff path from Praia Dona Ana or Ponte da Piedade.
The walk takes about 15-20 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastline.
Alternatively, you can drive and park in the vicinity, but the final stretch will still require a walk down to the beach.
What to Expect
Praia do Canavial is a hidden gem known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The beach is backed by steep cliffs and has soft golden sands.
It’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Due to its more remote location, there are no facilities, so be sure to bring everything you need for a day at the beach.
6. Praia do Camilo
Location
Praia do Camilo is located near Ponte da Piedade, about 2 kilometers south of Lagos town center.
It’s one of the most picturesque beaches in the area, known for its clear waters and stunning rock formations.
How to Get There
You can reach Praia do Camilo by car, bike, or on foot. The Comboio Turistico also stops near the Praia do Camilo parking area.
There is a small parking lot at the top of the cliffs, but it can fill up quickly during peak season.
From the parking lot, you’ll need to descend a long wooden staircase to reach the beach.
What to Expect
Praia do Camilo is a small, sheltered beach surrounded by high cliffs. The beach is divided into two sections connected by a tunnel through the rock.
The waters are crystal clear, making it a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkeling.
There is a small restaurant at the top of the cliffs where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
7. Meia Praia
Location
Meia Praia is the largest beach in Lagos, stretching for over 4 kilometers along the eastern side of the town.
It’s located about 1.5 kilometers from the town center, on the other side of Lagos Marina.
How to Get There
Meia Praia is easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. There is plenty of parking available along the beach.
During the summer months, you can take a ferry from Lagos Old Town, the price is €1 per person.
On the off-season, you’ll have to walk over the pedestrian bridge to the Lagos Marina and follow Estrada de São Roque Street till the end.
Alternatively, you can take a local bus or the tourist train to Meia Praia station, which is a short walk from the beach.
What to Expect
Meia Praia offers a vast expanse of golden sands and is ideal for long walks, beach sports, and sunbathing.
The beach also has a boardwalk where you can walk, run, or cycle. The boardwalk is 3 km one way.
The beach is equipped with various amenities, including beach bars, restaurants, restrooms, and water sports facilities.
It’s a great spot for families and those looking for a lively beach atmosphere.
8. Bengali Cave
Location
While not located in Lagos itself, Bengali Cave is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the Algarve.
It’s situated near the village of Benagil, about 30 kilometers east of Lagos.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Bengali Cave is by car. From Lagos, take the N125 road east towards Lagoa, then follow the signs to Benagil.
Once you arrive, you can take a boat tour, rent a kayak, or paddleboard to explore the cave.
Since we stayed in Lagos and didn’t rent a car, we took a guided boat tour from Lagos Marina. In the summer months, many companies offer tours to Bengali Cave, with tours departing hourly throughout the day from the marina.
We booked our boat tour with Seafaris. Once you arrive at the Marina, head to the Seafaris kiosk to check-in. They provide you with a red windbreaker in case you get wet or it gets windy on the boat.
The boat tour lasts about an hour. They take you to the Bengali Cave, where you can’t get off the boat due to regulations, but you are inside the cave for about 10-15 minutes.
On the way back, the tour stops at multiple caves and stunning grottos, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
What to Expect
Bengali Cave, also known as Algar de Benagil, is a stunning sea cave with a large domed ceiling and a hole that lets in sunlight, creating a magical atmosphere.
Inside the cave, you’ll find a small sandy beach. The cave is best visited by boat or kayak, allowing you to appreciate its beauty fully.
It’s a must-see attraction if you’re in the Algarve region.
Tips for Visiting Lagos Beaches
- Arrive Early: During peak season, the beaches can get crowded, especially the more popular ones like Praia Doña Ana and Praia do Camilo. Arriving early in the morning can help you secure a good spot.
- Pack Essentials: While some beaches have facilities, it’s always a good idea to bring essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, and a beach umbrella.
- Respect the Environment: Lagos’ beaches are known for their natural beauty, so be sure to take your trash with you and respect the local wildlife.
- Stay Safe: Pay attention to the flags on the beaches, indicating the water conditions. Always swim in designated areas and be cautious of the tides and currents.
Lagos, Portugal, offers some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the Algarve region.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach with plenty of amenities or a secluded spot to unwind, there’s something for everyone.
From the picturesque Praia Doña Ana to the tranquil Praia do Canavial and the breathtaking Bengali Cave, your beach adventures in Lagos will be unforgettable.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the stunning beaches of Lagos!
