Lagos is one of the Algarve’s liveliest coastal towns, with a laid-back feel, pretty old streets and some seriously spectacular beaches. Spend your days exploring the historic centre, wandering along the cliffs or taking a boat trip around the famous Ponta da Piedade. There’s also plenty of good food, bars and nightlife, without feeling too resorty.
Lagos has a great mix of different neighbourhoods, from lively and central to peaceful and beachside, so there’s an area to suit most types of holiday. The Old Town is the best choice if you want to be in the middle of things, with cobbled streets, restaurants and bars on your doorstep. It has the widest choice of boutique, design-led and mid-range hotels. For a more modern, waterside feel, stay around the Marina, where you’ll find smart hotels and apartments close to boat trips, restaurants and the waterfront. It’s also handy for the train station. Families and beach lovers should head to Meia Praia, where larger, family-friendly hotels sit close to a long stretch of golden sand. Dona Ana is ideal for a classic beach holiday, with the beautiful Praia Dona Ana right on the doorstep and several hotels, apartments and villas within walking distance. For something quieter, Porto de Mós has a relaxed, residential feel, with a beautiful beach and a handful of stylish hotels and villas. Lagos is fairly walkable, but taxis or a car are useful for exploring beaches beyond the centre.
Ideal for: Sightseeing, foodies, nightlife, historic stays, walking
Lagos' Old Town is the best base for first-time visitors and culture lovers, putting you right in the heart of things. Its charming cobbled streets are packed with colourful buildings, independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, while sights including the historic city walls, Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and Igreja de Santo António are all within easy reach. It’s also a great choice if you like to wander without a plan, with the waterfront and beaches just a short walk away. Come evening, the streets fill with a lively mix of locals and visitors, making this the place to stay if you want plenty happening on your doorstep.
Did you know? Lagos was home to Portugal’s first slave market, established in 1444 after the arrival of enslaved people from Africa. The Mercado de Escravos still stands in the Old Town today and is now a museum exploring this chapter of the city’s history.
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Ideal for: Boat trips, waterfront dining, nightlife, sailing
The Marina is a great choice for families, couples and anyone who likes being close to the water without staying right in the Old Town. Its waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes, while boat trips, dolphin watching and sailing excursions leave directly from the marina. It’s also just a short stroll across the footbridge to the historic centre, with Meia Praia nearby, so you get a quieter, more modern base without being far from Lagos’s main sights.
Did you know? Marina de Lagos opened in 1994 and has since welcomed more than 40,000 boats and 100,000 crew members from over 100 different nationalities.
Ideal for: Family holidays, beach days, water sports, long walks
Meia Praia is the go-to choice for families, beach lovers and anyone looking for a more relaxed Lagos escape. Its huge stretch of golden sand is the main attraction, with plenty of space for swimming, water sports and long walks, plus beach bars and restaurants dotted along the shore. The flat, easy access makes it particularly good for families with younger children, while the western end is close enough to the Marina and Old Town for exploring when you fancy a change of scene.
Did you know? Meia Praia is home to a 17th century fortress built to defend Lagos from pirates and other attacks from the sea. The Forte da Meia Praia still stands on the sand today, making for a rather unusual sight beside the beach.
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Ideal for: Beach holidays, snorkelling, coastal walks, families
Dona Ana and Porto de Mós are a great fit for couples, families and beach lovers who want beautiful scenery without staying right in the middle of Lagos. Dona Ana is the more dramatic of the two, with golden cliffs, clear sheltered water and rocky coves that are great for swimming and snorkelling. Porto de Mós is broader and more spacious, with a relaxed feel, beachfront restaurants and a clifftop route for coastal walks. Stay here for mornings spent on the beach, scenic walks and sea views, with the Old Town close enough for dinner and drinks when you fancy them.
Did you know? Dona Ana was named “Best Beach in the World” by Condé Nast Traveller in 2013, thanks to its golden cliffs, clear water and sheltered cove.
