Lagos- idyllic town of Algarve by amazing cave beaches

05.07.2021.

One of the most popular town of the portuguese coastal region of Algarve is a fabulous wonder called Lagos. Its beaches are the slice of heaven, the unique opportunity to catch a moment between amazing rocks and caves that shape the appearance.

Lagos is only 2,45 h from Lisbon, easily reachable by bus. This awesome hilly town will give a fulfillment to all tastes as you can enjoy climbing, water sports or cultural and historic discoveries. Algarve is definitely the most popular destination in Portugal, after Sintra.

What to do in Lagos

What makes lagos beaches just enchanting are the narrow passages through the caves, amazing rocks and the fact that they’re located so close to the town. Just sitting hidden in the caves, searching the shells feels so cozy and easy to make people.

One of the best way and most affordable to see the beaches around is taking a boat ride. You can just appear at the dock and the driver will give you stories about rocks and the similarities they put on.

Many water sports are popular here specially kayaking.

Amazing beaches

Praia do Camillo- located 4 km south of the town lying next to Dona Ana this is the fantastic beach of the travel brochures of Lagos. Perfectly secluded this quiet little bay is extremely popular with locals and very picturesque. 200 wooden steps beautifully frame this iconic spot. Praia do Camillo is pretty safe for swimmig because of the massive cliffs that surround it.

Praia de Dona Ana- is nestled among the amazing seaside colours and sheltered rocks Praia de Dona Ana is often described as the best beach of Lagos. Surrounded by lovely restaurants and caffe bars this beach is also reachable via the long staircase.

Praia do Pinhão- is a hidden corner untouched of civilization and touched by the crystal clear water.

If possible, take a chance to see:

Praia Grande, Praia dos Estudantes, and Praia Batata.

Ponta da Piedade is the beautiful viewpoint where golden rocks shine in the distance. It can be reached by boat or kayaking tours or by walking.

Exploring the Old town

The very centre is quite picturesque and alive, full of alive music and street vendors. The most popular craft products are made of the oak so everywhere in Algarve you can buy awesome oak stuff from the shoes, hats till wallets and home decorations.

Igreja de Santo Antonio is lovely discovery specially at its interior where blue and white tiles interwine divinely. The shining gold at its altar is pretty outstanding at this remarkable buiding from 18. century.

Town Walls of Lagos is a marvellous testimony which collect the history from Phoenicians, Romans and Moors where the Romans played the significative role. Fort of Ponte de Bandeira and Porta de Sao Goncalo as the arched entrance into old town offers the captivating views within its towers.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take much photos of the city centre itself but hopefully I will be back soon.

Museums

Science Museum is lovely but small museum located in central Lagos surrounded by fantastic views. It’s a pretty attractive item for adults and children alike with great outdoors design.

Slave Market Museum captures the stories from the African slaves brought to Lagos, it’s one of the oldet buildings in Lagos built in 1444.

Wax Museum dedicated to the maritime local figures is a treasure of a historical Lago located at the lovely Marina.

Lagos Marina

Lagos Marina can be a relaxing place to watch boats or just visit some restaurants, bars or shops. It’s located close to the train station so it’s easily reachable. Various happenings attract the visitors like water events, art programms among which drawing lessons. Events dedicated to the Portuguese cuisine can also happen sometimes.

Day trips from Lagos

Benagil Cave

One of the most fascinating sights of the Algarve is the Benagil cave that is only 15 minutes by car from Lagos. But since you cannot enter the cave by foot, it would be the best to take a boat trip or trip kayak trip from the village of Benagil.

Silves Castle

Silves Castle is located 30 minutes by car from Lagos, easily reachable by the train. Placed at the top of the hill it speaks the story from its Arab origin from the 8th century. Silves town is a lovely place rich in history.

Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente- offer the stunning cliff views at the distance of 30 km from Lagos. Legendary Cabo de Sao Vicente is the most south-western point of Europe.

Hiking Seven Hanging Valleys

This is one of the most adorable hikes near Lagos, located at the 40 minutes drive from the town itself. Breathtaking views including the Benagil cave lead from Praia do Marinha till Praia de Vale Centeanes.

The trail is very rocky and sometimes very windy so take care about that.

Carvoeiro boardwalk

Within the distance of 35 km from Lagos Carvoeiro boardwalk is a charming promenade, only 800 m long. It’s specially attractive for bird watching.

Where to stay

Hostels:

I stayed in the Suite Things Hostel, that is temporarily or forever closed. Picture below.

Bura Surfhouse– hostel on the hill with the vibrant vibes and pool;

Sol A Sol Hostel– lovely central location with amazing social atmosphere;

Boutique Tag Hostel– lovely sea views near the marina of Lagos;

Hotels:

Dona Ana Garden– lovely central location near Dona Ana beach and only 10 minutes from thwe Old town this is

a charming hotel with two pools;

Belma Resort Lagos– located just next to the ocean and wonderful pool;

Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve– just near Meia Praia it’s a wonderful 5 star hotel;

Conclusion

If you’re choosing only one place to visit in Algarve, definitely decide it to be Lagos. Though entire Algarve coast deserves a closer look. Some of the most fascinating beaches I saw in Europe are placed here.

It definitely needs to be explored beyond the surface and beyond the beaches.

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