Lagos
My Algarve Life
Here is a Mini Guide on Lagos what to do, where to eat and drink
Mini Guide of What to do, where to eat and drink in Lagos, Algarve Portugal.
Lagos.
Lagos is where the cool kids go. The municipality includes the city of Lagos and several surrounding parishes: Barão de S. João, Bensafrim, Luz, Odiáxere, and Santa Maria and São Sebastião. It is a popular destination to both live and to visit, with its unique coastal walk, Ponta da Piedade, picturesque beaches, and its burgeoning cafe culture. As like many other towns with a marina, it has a large watersport and marine industry, which makes the town of Lagos full of visitors in the summer months.
But thankfully there are still spots you can hide from the crowds.. shall we explore them?
What to do…..
The main sites and attractions include;
Old Town Lagos
At the heart of the city lies Lagos’ Old Town, a maze of cobbled streets framed by whitewashed buildings, azulejo tiles, and lively cafés. Praça Gil Eanes and Praça da República, are two central town squares.
Ponta da Piedade
If Lagos has a signature image, it’s Ponta da Piedade. These dramatic limestone cliffs, carved by wind and waves, rise from turquoise water in a series of arches, grottos, and golden stacks. Walk the clifftop paths at sunrise or sunset for unforgettable views, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat or kayak tour to glide through the sea caves at water level. Most of the path is flat, but to access the beach there are quite a few stairs.
Lagos Beaches
Lagos is blessed with some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. But be warned, their beauty bring many visitors over the summer months, so get there early to secure a spot, and good luck parking!
Praia Dona Ana is famous for its sculpted rock formations and calm, clear water.
Praia do Camilo reached by a long wooden staircase, feels intimate and looks like a postcard.
Meia Praia stretches for miles, offering space, surf schools, and breezy beach bars — ideal for long, lazy afternoons.
Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
Standing guard at the edge of the old harbor, the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is a small but atmospheric 17th-century fort. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Lagos’ maritime past and lovely views back toward the old town and marina.
Mercado de Escravos (Slave Market Museum)
Lagos played a significant role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery, and the Mercado de Escravos offers a sobering look at that history. Housed in a historic building near the waterfront, it is widely regarded as Europe’s first slave market and now serves as an important museum and place of reflection.
Igreja de Santo António
Just steps from the fort, the Church of Santo António surprises visitors with its richly decorated interior. Gilded woodcarvings, blue-and-white tiles, and ornate altars contrast beautifully with the modest exterior.
Lagos Marina
Across the river from the old town, Lagos Marina offers a more modern vibe. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll, dinner by the water, or to catch a boat tour along the coast. From here, you get lovely views back toward the historic skyline.
The Walls of Lagos
Encircling parts of the old town, the “city walls” date back to the 16th century. Walking along them gives you a sense of Lagos’ strategic importance and offers quiet vantage points over the town and sea.
Where to eat & drink.… Onde Beber e Comer?
Feeling hungry? Lagos has a wide variety of food, ranging from Portuguese, to modern Mediterranean to Asian. It also has a very hip, and burgeoning cafe culture. I would say it has the most independent coffee shops of all of the Algarve.
But first coffee:
Abigail’s Cafe
Every Day People
The Sanctuary
Black & White
Coffee & Waves
Indigo Bar
Ready for the mains?
Cascade, Senses: Modern and I guess you could say “fancy” or upscale dining.
Monte Mar Lagos: same as above, a bit special.
O Camillo: set on the Ponte de Pipedad walk.
Bahia Beach Bar: Semi casual relaxed beach front dining.
Tasca Jota Lagos
Linda the Beach Bar: Semi casual relaxed beach front dining.
Lucas Rooftop Restaurant: Semi casual rooftop dining with sea view.
Illicit Burgers Poolside: Unpretentious tasty burgers.
Fluído, Italian Food and Wine: Italian food and wine, which I’ve been told is very good, but yet to try.
Restaurante Atlântico: Portuguese dining, in Luz.
Lattitude Tapas & Wine: Modern wine and food bar.
Fortaleza de Luz - Restaurant in an old fortress in Luz.
Zazu Beach Bar: water view casual dining in Luz.
Travia, Natural Wines & Food: Natural wine and farm to table casual dining.
Fancy a tipple?
Two notable wineries in Lagos:
Monte De Castelja
Falesia Wine
