About Lagos

Mary Lussiana
Mary Lussiana
Also writes for Condé Nast Traveller

Lagos is a captivating coastal destination in the Algarve, offering sunshine, golden sands, and a charming old town. Its atmospheric 16th-century cobbled streets are lined with pretty churches, while the best places to stay in Lagos are within easy reach of the town's many attractions. Small enough to explore on foot, Lagos has an appealing buzz, with a well-deserved reputation for excellent restaurants and lively nightlife.

What are the best hotels in Lagos?

There’s plenty of choice in Lagos, from impressive five-star resorts and spa hotels to chic boutique stays and stylish guesthouses tucked into the Old Town. Of all the hotels on our list, Casa Mae is our top pick for its relaxed, design-led feel, excellent restaurant and wonderfully central location. For something more intimate, Vivenda Miranda is hard to beat, with its colourful interiors, Atlantic views and peaceful setting near Praia do Porto de Mós. Whether you’re here for beaches, boat trips, food or simply a few days of Algarve sunshine, these are the hotels at the top of our list.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Lagos.

Mary's top tip: Check the tide times, as many of Lagos' best beaches shrink significantly during high tide (Praia do Camilo almost disappears at the tide's peak).

The Best Places to Stay in Lagos

For Seaside Style

  • Vivenda Miranda, a bright, bold little hotel with colourful painted interiors, boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Savour organic Mediterranean cuisine, bask in the sunshine by the pool, or unwind in guest rooms and shared spaces. A 17th century villa with stacks of charm.

For Boutique Chic

  • Dom Manuel I Charming Residence, a charming, adult-only hotel with palm-fringed gardens surrounding a swimming pool, is lovely. Cosy rooms feature traditional Portuguese tiles, communal areas are quirky and comfortable, and the atmosphere will delight laid-back romantics. A beautiful boutique escape.
  • Casa Mae, situated on a leafy lane in Lagos, has white-on-white interiors with wooden floors, big windows and lots of light. Expect an effortless fusion of classic and contemporary style, plus an exceptional eatery and great wine list. Chic and very romantic.

For a Rural Retreat

  • Vila Valverde sits on a hillside, surrounded by groves of olive and orange trees. The striking white building boasts impressive contemporary interiors, with light-filled rooms, four poster beds and double-height ceilings in shared spaces. Cool off in the swimming pool and savour regional specialities in the restaurant. Wonderful.

For a Private apartment or private villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Faro Airport and hop aboard a shuttle bus or train to Lagos. Alternatively, most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
  • The Algarve is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Visit during the summer months, with temperatures averaging around 23°C between June and early September. You'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals outside the school holidays, or in spring and autumn, when the weather is also slightly cooler.

Still not sure?

Weather

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

The Hotel Guru is a curated hotel recommendation platform that delivers expert-selected luxury and boutique properties straight to your inbox. No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.

The best hotels in Lagos

Casa Margo

Lagos (Portugal)

A stylish aparthotel in the heart of Lagos’ Old Town. Soft colours and contemporary touches give the 17th century building a relaxed feel. There’s a pool, sun terrace, kitchenettes, spacious living areas and free bikes for getting around. A handy base for the Algarve.

  • Beach Life - Meia Praia is just a 10 minute walk away, with surf spots, paddle boarding and boat trips along Lagos’ golden coast
  • Local exploring - Explore Lagos’ food market, kayak to hidden beaches, then cruise the coast or play a round of golf at Palmares
  • Great walks - Hit the clifftop paths around Ponta da Piedade for brilliant coastal views and a scenic walk from Lagos
  • Local markets - Browse Lagos’ regional food market for local cheese, honey, wine, fresh produce and wood-fired bread
from $125 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Editory by the Sea

Lagos (Portugal)

A smart five-star hotel in Lagos, a short walk from Dona Ana Beach. The decor is modern and understated, with sea views adding plenty of character. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with a hammam, a kids' club, and the Coral Restaurant and bar. A relaxed base for exploring the Algarve.

  • Local exploring - With Lagos on your doorstep, unwind by the sea after exploring nearby beaches, Aljezur Castle and the Algarve coast
  • Beach Life - Just 7 minutes from Dona Ana Beach, with sea-view balconies, a pool and fresh seafood
  • Spa - Sand Spa offers a sauna, hammam, facials, body treatments and a range of rejuvenating massages
  • Restaurant - Coral Restaurant serves contemporary Portuguese and Atlantic cuisine, including seafood
from $131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Agua Hotels Lagos Bay

Lagos (Portugal)

A boutique stay in the heart of Lagos’ historic centre. Art Deco touches and original wooden floors give it plenty of character. There’s an outdoor pool, sun terrace and pool bar serving drinks and light bites. A calm base for exploring the local area.

  • Local exploring - Stay in Lagos’ historic centre, with cobbled streets, cafes and sights right on your doorstep
  • Beach Life - Enjoy outdoor swims, sea views and Meia Praia Beach just an 8 minute stroll away
  • Sights nearby - Wander Lagos’ cobbled old town, dipping into historic churches, squares and local cafes
  • Kayaking - Paddle by kayak through Ponta da Piedade’s sea caves, arches and hidden coves
from $164 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Dom Manuel I Charming Residence

Lagos (Algarve)

A charming adult-only hotel with outdoor pool in a tropical palm covered garden. Traditional Portuguese tiles adorn cosy bedrooms and colourful communal areas. Enjoy drinks and bar snacks by the pool or explore the many bars and restaurants nearby. Just 500m from one of Lagos' best beaches.

  • Romantic Break - No children means total relaxation and a romantic stay
  • Beach Life - A short walk from one of Lagos' best beaches
  • Sailing - Sail at the nearby beaches
  • Tennis Court - Tennis courts nearby
from $181 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos (Portugal)

A modern waterfront hotel in central Lagos, overlooking the marina. The vibe is relaxed and bohemian, with wicker, wood and soft furnishings. There’s a rooftop infinity pool and bar, plus a seafood focused restaurant. A smart base for exploring Lagos.

  • Beach Life - Rooftop infinity pool, sea views and Meia Praia just a short stroll away make beach days easy
  • Local exploring - Stay central for easy walks to Santa Maria Church, Lagos Live Science Centre and the marina
  • Restaurant - Globally inspired cuisine using local produce, with a strong focus on Algarve seafood, premium meats & creative tasting menus
  • Sights nearby - Wander Lagos’ old town, dipping into its historic streets, lively cafes and atmospheric squares
from $205 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Palmares Beach House Hotel

Lagos (Portugal)

An adults-friendly boutique hotel in Lagos, Algarve, overlooking Meia Praia and the Atlantic. Its calm, contemporary feel comes through in soft natural tones and spacious, light-filled rooms. There’s a pool, golf, Mediterranean dining and a relaxed lounge bar. A quiet coastal escape.

  • Back to Nature - Wake to Atlantic views, wander coastal trails and unwind amid the Algarve’s wild, peaceful landscape.
  • Beach Life - Free beach shuttle, ocean view balconies and Meia Praia just 700m away make beach days super easy
  • Restaurant - Elegant Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with fresh local seafood and regional flavours, complemented by panoramic views
  • Spa - Wellness area offering mani-pedis, beauty services, relaxation areas and a range of rejuvenating massage treatments
from $205 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Vivenda Miranda

Lagos (Algarve)

Intimate 17th Century villa resting in luscious tropical gardens, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Organic Mediterranean food, made with fresh local produce. Comfortable rooms surround the pool and bask in the undisturbed ocean view. A charming resort with Provencal style rooms.

  • Spa breaks - Pampering spa with extensive choice of organic, ethical and sustainable treatments, sauna, steam room, foot spa and hot tub.
  • Romantic Break - A secluded paradise on the Atlantic- plenty of opportunities for romance with sunset walks and candlelight dinners for two.
  • Local markets - The summer months see the streets filled with trinkets, however the Fish Market in the early morning is worth a visit.
  • Restaurant - Good meat and fish meditteranean dishes with home grown and locally sourced produce.
from $242 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

MN56 Hotel

Lagos (Portugal)

This four star boutique hotel sits in central Lagos, in a restored 18th century manor. Contemporary design meets subtle retro touches for a relaxed, characterful feel. There’s a rooftop pool, restaurant and laid-back lobby bar. A stylish base for exploring Lagos.

  • Restaurant - Modern Portuguese-inspired cuisine, with fresh seafood, quality meats, creative desserts and regional cocktails
  • Great walks - Walk the clifftop trail to Ponta da Piedade, stopping at Dona Ana and Camilo beaches along the way
  • Kayaking - Kayak through Ponta da Piedade’s sea caves and arches, with turquoise water all around
  • Sights nearby - Step inside the ornate Church of Santo António to see its gilded Baroque interior
from $231 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Casa Mae

Lagos

A striking white property standing tall in the historic streets of Lagos. Find a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary design throughout with white on white hues, wooden floors and plenty of glass. An excellent restaurant serves up traditional healthy fare and a choice selection of wines.

  • Local exploring - Well located to explore the historic city and access the beautiful beaches.
  • Kayaking - Kayak along the coast to marvel at the natural arches and explore the caves.
  • Sights nearby - Admire the stunning frescoes in the Igreja de Santo António.
  • Great walks - Wander through the historic streets of Lagos.
from $251 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Vila Valverde

Lagos

Lavish accommodation surrounded by orange groves and olive trees. Contemporary white building with lots of natural light, huge terraces, and beautiful views over the grounds. Portugese specialities in the restaurant and lovely swimming pool. A real hideout in supreme comfort.

  • Total relaxation - Crafted for relaxtion, with comfortable suites, massage treatments, sauna and laid back atmosphere.
  • Great walks - Explore the Monchique hills on foot, the hotel will provide a light packed lunch.
  • Fishing - The hotel will organise big game fishing trips on request.
  • Restrictions on children - This is an adults only property
from $375 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia