Planning a getaway to the Algarve? Open your eyes wide and visit Lagos to discover its must-sees!
Just a few hours’ flight from major French cities, Lagos offers a sunny interlude. A short stay is all it takes to visit the Algarve town. The perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Lagos reveals its assets to curious travellers. Let yourself be transported by the beauty of the old town, the bustling port and the sublime beaches. Like a mermaid, the coastal city bewitches you with its gentle songs.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, read our selection of must-sees in Lagos!
1. The old town
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Subodh Agnihotri
The historic memory of Lagos, the old town is teeming with architectural nuggets to be discovered on a stroll. Take the Infante Dom Henrique square as your starting point. Here you’ll find the Santa Maria de Lagos church and the former slave market. The latter houses a small museum retracing a dark page in the city’s past. In 1444, Europe’s first slave market was held here.
As you continue along the cobbled streets, you’ll come across some beautiful traditional houses. They lead you to the medieval ramparts and the Governors’ Castle. Along the way, take a look at the São Gonçalo gate. The heart of the town hides a marvel, the Santo António church. This 18th-century edifice adopts a Portuguese Baroque style, with its gilded ornamentation and azulejos, the famous earthenware tiles. Finally, head for the port and stroll along the marina.
2. Fort da Ponta da Bandeira
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / PIXEL to the PEOPLE
On the harbour side, there’s another monument that should catch your eye. The Fort da Ponta da Bandeira stands out against the peaceful backdrop, its massive silhouette flanked by four watchtowers. Built in the 17th century, the military building protected the harbour entrance from Moorish and pirate attacks. At the time, Lagos was still the capital of the Algarve, attracting a great deal of interest. It relinquished its title to Faro in 1756, after the Lisbon earthquake.
Start your brief visit by crossing the drawbridge into the inner courtyard. Permanent and temporary exhibitions take you through the history of the fort, the navy and the city. Then, admire the small chapel decorated with azulejos. The highlight of the show is the view of the port and ocean from the terrace.
3. The market
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / The Picture Studio
One of the most enjoyable activities in Lagos is a trip to the market. Located right next to the fort, the 1924 building can be spotted by its attractive white and grey facade. Enter this three-level covered municipal market.
On the first floor, stalls abound with fresh fish. That is, if you’re up early. Please note that the market is open Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note that you won’t find fish on Mondays. The second floor is dedicated to fruit and vegetables, cheeses and regional products. You’ll be able to shop for souvenirs such as Portuguese wines, jams and honey. Conclude your gourmet tour on the second floor. There’s a restaurant on the market’s roof, where you can enjoy an incomparable panorama of the port.
4. Centro Ciência Viva
Photo Credit: Facebook / Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
To see Lagos from every angle, don’t stray far from the market: the Centro Ciência Viva is just a few steps away. This space dedicated to science and technology is a delight for the curious. Discover the exhibitions, attend lectures or have fun with the activities on offer. Various workshops are organized to deepen your scientific knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. And there’s something for all ages.
Are you particularly fascinated by the stars? Astronomical observations are also on the program. After your visit, don’t leave just yet. The center boasts a garden with a breathtaking view of the bay.
5. Portuguese specialities
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Nae Sansanakul
Because travel is a sensory adventure, enjoy a tasting of Portuguese specialties. The region has a thousand and one delights to surprise the taste buds. Located by the ocean, Lagos is stocked with fish and seafood. Try grilled sardines, cod fritters(pataniscas de bacalhau), razor clam rice(arroz de lingueirão) and clam cataplana. You’ll easily find them on the menus of taverns, brasseries and restaurants. Wash down your meal with a young, green wine. It can be red or white, with a refreshing acidity.
In the mood for something sweet? Almonds are a key ingredient in the Algarve. For example, Dom Rodrigo, originally from Lagos, is a small pastry made with almonds. Almond tarts and pastes are also a great success. Even more surprising is the carob tart, which bears a striking resemblance to a chocolate tart. At least, visually.
6. Boat trips
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Landscape Nature Photo
Climb aboard a small boat and follow in the footsteps of great navigators such as Gil Eanes. You won’t have to go far, as the companies offer you the chance to approach the cliffs just a few minutes from the port. Make your way to the marina and set sail for Ponta da Piedade. This headland abounds in sea caves and caverns, accessible only by boat or kayak. Let your pilot tell you all about the Algarve coast.
Other excursions invite you to meet the dolphins. Aboard catamarans, you can discreetly observe the seabed from specially designed platforms. Visiting Lagos from the water is sure to delight parents and children alike.
7. Paradise beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Simona Bottone
If there’s one thing to do in Lagos, it’s enjoy the beaches! A path links Lagos to the various spots. A 3-hour round-trip walk takes you to the main stretches of sand. Praia dos Estudantes, Praia do Pinhão, Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Barranco do Martinho and many others leave no traveler indifferent. Succumb to these idyllic settings. Steep cliffs, golden grains and emerald waters combine to create little corners of wild paradise.
Meia Praia, on the other hand, is more popular and more accessible, with its 5 km of gently sloping beach. Sports enthusiasts will certainly fall in love with Praia do Porto do Mós. A 40-minute walk from the town center, this beach is hit hard by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Nightlife
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Radu Bercan
Wondering what to do in Lagos in the evening? Although it’s a city prized for its tranquility, it’s no less festive. Particularly in summer, when vacationers and surfers gather on the south coast. A quick bite to eat as an aperitif or a meal in a restaurant opens the evening. The Portuguese eat around 8 pm.
Then it’s on to the typical Portuguese or trendy bars! Enjoy wines, cocktails and local beers in historic settings. If you want to continue the evening, head for the dance floors. You’ll be able to sway into the wee hours and enjoy the first rays of sunshine on the beach.
How to get to Lagos
From France to Faro
The best way to get to Lagos is by plane. Many airlines connect major French cities with Faro, the capital of the Algarve. If you fly direct from Paris, you’ll reach Faro in 2 hours 40 minutes. If you’re looking for the best fares, use Ulysse: the flight comparison service selects the best fares according to your dates and other criteria.
Once in Faro, there are various means of transport to Lagos, 90 km to the west:
- By car: the fastest way to get to Lagos is by car. Rent a car from one of the agencies at Faro airport and reach your destination in 1 hour. Just take the E01 and then the A22 freeway, with tolls.
- By train or bus: Faro airport is not directly connected to the train. You’ll need to board a cab, an Algarve Transfers Direct shuttle or the n°14 and n°16 buses. They will drop you off at the bus or train station, depending on which option you choose. Buses and trains leave for Lagos several times a day. Allow around 2 hours for both journeys.
Where to stay in Lagos?
The Portuguese city is easily explored on foot, and everything is within easy reach. So where you stay depends on your personal preferences. To visit Lagos and enjoy the festive evenings, book your accommodation in the city center. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for peace and quiet, a pied-à-terre by the ocean is ideal. Are you more of a hotel person? Find the perfect place to stay on an online hotel comparator, or choose a more atypical accommodation with Airbnb.
Now you’re ready to visit Lagos! And what are your good addresses?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Algarve