Praia do Camilo: complete guide to one of the most beautiful beaches in Lagos
Praia do Camilo is a small cove of golden sand between cliffs, right next to Ponta da Piedade, in Lagos. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve and a great example of the best of the Lagos coast. In this guide you will find out how to get there, when to go and what to see nearby.
Where is Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo is in the municipality of Lagos, on the western Algarve coast, a few minutes by car from the town centre and right next to Ponta da Piedade. It is a good option if you are staying in Lagos and want to spend the morning by the sea before exploring the coast.
Location: View on map (approximate coordinates: 37.0878, -8.6687).
What makes it special
The beach is small, but the setting is beautiful: golden cliffs, rocks rising out of the water and a sea in shades of green and blue. Nearby is Ponta da Piedade, where the golden cliffs reach around 20 metres in height, several caves can be visited by boat and there is a lighthouse built in 1913.
Getting there and parking
You reach it by car from Lagos, following the signs for Ponta da Piedade and Praia do Camilo. Parking is limited and fills up early in high season. From the top, a wooden staircase leads down to the sand, so wear comfortable shoes and allow for the climb back up.
Best time to visit
In summer the beach fills up and the sand is limited, so the best plan is to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In June, September and early October there is more room, pleasant temperatures and excellent light for photographing the rocks.
What to do nearby
- Ponta da Piedade: a classic Algarve viewpoint, with cliffs, arches and a lighthouse from 1913.
- Caves by boat or kayak: from Lagos there are departures to explore the caves of Ponta da Piedade.
- Praia de Dona Ana: another lovely beach a short distance away, with rock formations by the water.
- Lagos old town: streets, terraces and restaurants a few minutes from the beach.
Quick tips before you go
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
- At high tide the sand shrinks considerably, so check the tide before choosing your time.
- Do not sit beneath the cliffs or go near the edge, as there is a risk of rockfalls.
- Take your rubbish with you and respect the vegetation and the cliffs.
More beaches nearby
Where to stay and what to book near Praia do Camilo
Lagos and Praia da Luz are the most practical bases, with apartments, villas and holiday rentals close to the beach. To find accommodation and experiences in the region, such as boat trips, activities and guided visits, visit Algarve Férias, and to see the ratings of homes and experiences, Algarve Reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Is Praia do Camilo good for children? The sand is small and access is by a long staircase, so it suits children who already walk well. At high tide there is little sand available.
Are there restaurants or bars on the beach? The offer next to the sand is limited. For meals, the most practical option is to head back to Lagos, which is a few minutes away.
Videos from our channel
The Algarve Video channel has filmed this place. Watch it here:
