Lagos: the old town, the marina and the Ponta da Piedade caves
Lagos is one of the most visited towns in the Algarve, and for good reason. It has a walled old town with cobbled streets, a busy marina, and, a short walk away, Ponta da Piedade, where the sea has carved caves and arches into a golden cliff.
The old town
Inside the walls, the centre of Lagos is made for walking: narrow streets, squares with outdoor cafés, and churches that tell the story of a city that was once an important departure point for the voyages of the Age of Discovery. It is worth stopping at Praça Gil Eanes, at the former slave market (now a small museum space about that period of the city’s history), and by the stretch of wall that still stands.
The marina and Ponta da Piedade
Lagos marina sits between the old town and the river mouth, with boats of every size and a row of waterfront cafés and restaurants. From there, or on foot from the centre, you reach Ponta da Piedade, a run of caves, arches and limestone islets with a viewpoint by the lighthouse. It is also the usual starting point for seeing the caves by boat or kayak.
Beaches near Lagos
The municipality has beaches for every taste: Meia Praia, long and open, east of town; Praia da Batata, a short walk from the centre; and, closer to Ponta da Piedade, small coves between cliffs such as Praia do Camilo and Praia de Dona Ana. All are easy to reach from town, on foot or by car.
Food in the area
The Lagos area is known for grilled fish and seafood, served on terraces overlooking the marina or in the streets of the old town. It is worth trying cataplana, a fish and seafood stew cooked in the copper pan of the same name, typical of the whole Algarve.
Getting there and parking
Lagos has a train station and a bus station, connected to the rest of the Algarve. By car, there are paid car parks near the centre and the marina; in summer, it is worth arriving early or parking a little further out and walking in.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn bring milder heat and fewer people in the streets and at Ponta da Piedade. In summer, the old town and the marina fill up in the late afternoon, and boat trips to the caves are worth booking ahead.
Where to stay and what to book
Lagos has accommodation for every budget, from the old town to the quieter areas near Meia Praia. To find accommodation and experiences in the region, such as boat trips to the caves, visit Algarve Férias, and to see the ratings of homes and experiences, Algarve Reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth seeing Ponta da Piedade by boat? Yes, it is the only way to see inside the caves; on foot you only see the top of the cliffs and the viewpoint.
Is Lagos a good base for exploring the rest of the Algarve? Yes, it sits halfway between the Costa Vicentina and the centre of the Algarve, with good road connections.
Videos from our channel
The Algarve Video channel has filmed this place. Watch it here:
