The jaw-dropping beaches in Lagos Portugal can give any seaside destination in Europe a run for its money! You might be used to long sprawling sands and endless beach chairs on vacation. Yet, this part of the Algarve Coast is tucked away in small coves and surrounded by towering cliffs! So join us on a trip to the best beaches in Lagos… And get ready for an adventure!
Portugal Travel Inspiration
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- One Week Northern Portugal Itinerary: Amazing Lisbon to Porto Road Trip
- Fun Guide to Tomar Portugal: One Day Visit to the Ancient Castle & Town
- Visiting Nazare Portugal: Is it Worth Seeing Without the 100 Foot Waves?
- 8 Best Things to do in Lisbon Portugal on Your First Visit
About the Beaches in Lagos Portugal
There are so many beautiful beaches in Europe. So what makes this stretch of the Algarve Coach so special? Well, Lagos Portugal isn’t your typical beach town. The first time you lay eyes upon the towering cliffs and crystal clear water you’ll know what we mean!
One of the most unique things about Lagos Portugal is that you have to do a little exercise to get to the most beautiful places. In fact, some of the best beaches in Lagos are only accessible at low tide. There are even secret beaches you have to climb through rock wall passages to get to!
For us, this only added to the experience. We will start off explaining the Lagos Portugal beaches closest to town then take you on a scenic cliff walk down the Algarve Coast. Use this guide loosely to figure out where to go. Still, make sure to wander and find your own secret beaches in Lagos!
7 Best Beaches in Lagos Portugal
1. Praia da Batata
This is known as the “town beach” but don’t let that deter you on your trip to Lagos Portugal. Praia da Batata is probably one of the coolest and most beautiful town beaches in Europe! Just a short walk from the castle wall you’ll be relaxing in the crystal clear water in no time.
Praia da Batata is also one of the most accessible beaches in Lagos which means it can become quite crowded in the summer months. If it’s busy try walking down the whole stretch of beach and past the large rocks to the second cove! Not as many people venture all the way down so there’s typically more room to put down your towel and relax the further you go.
2. Praia dos Estudantes
Logistically, this is only the second beach from town so make sure not to miss it! To get to Estudantes beach go past Praia da Batata and the Mar Restaurant. Next, there will be a wooden set of stairs to your right.
This is a very short walk from the town beach, but usually it’s much more secluded! Once you’re on the beach you can stay and relax, or you have two other amazing options.
→ Praia dos Estudantes Location
Left Beach: Stroll to the left onto the small path formed by rocks for a glorious view and secret swimming spot. Even if you’re not going to jump down and swim in the deep blue water, definitely take the time to check it out. It really is amazing!
Right Beach: Head to the right and you’ll find your way into an open cave. At low tide, you can hop right over the rocks and be at yet another one of the best beaches in Lagos Portugal!
Note that at high tide it’s a little more difficult. At this time you’ll have to wade through waist-high water and battle the oncoming waves. Either way, it’s still totally worth it!
You even get this surreal view of a roman style bridge to gaze upon as you relax in the gorgeous water. This was by far our favorite out of all the beaches we hit on our visit to the Algarve Coast.
→ Lagos Portugal Roman Bridge Location
Cliff Walk to More Lagos Portugal Beaches
For the more adventurous travelers, there is an amazing walking path along the cliffs overlooking some of the smaller beaches in Lagos. So if you’re up for the challenge you’ll soon be basking in the sun on these stunning overlooks. Not to mention you will get some crazy photo opportunities along the way!
→ Not up for a cliff walk? Check out this boat tour that goes through caves along the Algarve Coast!
Like several of the other beaches in Lagos Portugal, Praia do Pinhao is made up of two smaller beaches connected with a crazy rock formation. Literally, the only way to get to these spots is by hiking along the cliff walk!
Walk down the wooden staircase and spend the afternoon surrounded by beautiful water and towering cliffs. To add to the WOW factor, the second hidden beach has a medieval staircase to climb up behind you.
4. Small Cave Beach
There is a stretch of beach between Praia do Pinhao and Praia Dona Ana that only appears at low tide. What makes this beach so awesome is that it’s made up of several small caves that are typically filled with water.
So if you’re looking for a place to admire the ocean, stay out of the hot afternoon sun, or even just a cool place to explore, this could be one of the best beaches in Lagos for you!
5. Praia Dona Ana
Now here’s your first beautiful long sprawling beach! This is perfect if you like more room to move around or enjoy taking a long afternoon stroll on the beach. It’s typically the most crowded of the Lagos Portugal beaches, but hey… That just means that a lot of people know how amazing it is!
This beach is a beautiful ending to the cliff walk and the only one accessible by car. Many high-end hotels and resorts scatter the cliffs overlooking Praia Dona Ana, making it a very exclusive part of Lagos Portugal.
→ Praia Dona Ana Beach Location
Just Outside Of Lagos Portugal Town
Don’t let the distance deter you from these beaches in Lagos Portugal! Just because they’re situated a bit on the outskirts of town they are still well worth the effort.
6. Meia Praia
This GIANT beach is the go-to spot for surfers on the Algarve Coast. It may take some extra effort to get to, but it’s worth it if you’re hunting for waves.
In high season there will be a small boat ferrying people across the waterway from Lagos center. For a small price, you can be relaxing on the beach in minutes.
However, if the boats are not around (very common in low season) you’ll have to walk the pedestrian bridge and around the harbor. Plan for about an hour journey each way.
7. Praia do Camilo
If you’ve been looking at photos of the best beaches in Lagos, the extremely scenic Praia do Camilo is probably what you’ve been admiring. The set of two small coves that make up Praia do Camilo has gained much popularity over the last few years, and the installation of steps down to the beautiful beach has only increased visitors.
This beach can be found right before the popular lookout point of Farol da Ponta da Piedade, making it the perfect spot to cool down after hiking around the cliff tops! It’s the furthest beach from the center of Lagos, but this little gem is a must-see.
Try to hit it outside of the popular hours in the early morning or late afternoon. Due to its small size, even just a couple dozen people can even make it feel overcrowded.
Once you’re relaxing on Praia do Camilo, don’t make the mistake of not traveling through the small tunnel at the base of the cliff. You’ll stumble upon a second hidden beach that is just as beautiful as Praia do Camilo. If you haven’t learned this yet… Basically anytime you see a cave opening, just go for it in Lagos Portugal!
After exploring the beaches in Lagos you’ll be sure to have a new appreciation for the Algarve Coast. From hidden coves to long sprawling surf beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Our only recommendation is that you give yourself enough time to hit them all.
Did we miss any of the best beaches in Lagos Portugal? How about more of your favorite towns along the Algarve Coast? Comment below and let us know!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Lagos Portugal
Ultra Luxury (High End) – Cascade Wellness Resort – Beautiful apartments and villas set on a clifftop overlooking the Alrgave Coast. Just what you need for a luxury stay on your trip to Lagos Portugal!
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Lagos Avenida Hotel – Gorgeous hotel with a large rooftop pool overlooking the Lagos Portugal marina. All the amenities you’ll need and a great location close to the historical center.
Hostel Life (Budget) – Olive Hostel Lagos – Roomy rooftop lounge with a warm atmosphere. Set in a local house with both dorms and private rooms available. Even comes with free olive oil and spices in the community kitchen!
For more places to stay on your trip to Lagos Portugal you can explore the latest prices here!
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Portugal Travel Planning
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. Book a sunset Sailboat tour in Lisbon, go Wine tasting cruise of the Douro Valley from Porto, or explore the Ponta da Piedade on a boat trip in Lagos!
Flights: We always find great flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to rent vehicles on our travels. In Portugal, you will want a set of wheels to get to all the beautiful castles, cities, and towns.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Thanks for replying! 🙂
You missed Praia da Luz, Porto de Mós,Burgau just on the outskirts of the city of Lagos but still part of it.
Wasn’t sure if we should count those as Lagos. All amazing though! 😊
Hey, that is a seriously awesome post! I’ll only be in the Algarve area for a day or two, but your list seems completely managable in two days:) Just a question- did you walk to all of those places? I’m wondering if we need to rent a car, so if all of those are within walking distance, that is even better! Also, where does the walking path that leads to Praia do Pinhao begin? I hope you have a chance to reply, thanks in advance!:)
Hi! Yes we did this walking path in one day! No car needed. It might be easiest to take a bus or taxi out to the furthest point then walk back but up to you! To find Praia do Pinhao is a little confusing. You have to follow the coast up from the main beach then cut down the first random small road on your left. The problem is that there are no signs. It’s not far, but if you miss the turn you’re in trouble. Maps are all over the town of Lagos. My advice would be just to grab one and ask! Have fun, you’re in for a treat!