Lagos holidays

With 300 days of sunshine a year and some of the region’s most glorious beaches, it's easy to see why Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most popular cities. On your holiday to Lagos, you’ll discover a charming Old Town and plenty of opportunities for surfing, hiking and dining along the gorgeous Atlantic coastline.

Lagos holiday highlights

Praia do Camilo

Historic landmarks

Discover the city’s deep-rooted history with a visit to its 16th-century walls, the 17th-century ‘Forte da Ponta da Bandeira’ (Lagos Fortress) and the ‘Igreja de Santo Antonio’ (Church of St Anthony). Take extra time to visit the ‘Mercado De Escravos’ (slave market), which highlights the harrowing injustices of the transatlantic slave trade.

Outdoor adventures

Even on a short break to Lagos, there’s no better way to spend your time than enjoying the city’s Atlantic coast. With golden beaches, magnificent rock formations and water sports like kayaking, surfing and boating, you can experience plenty of outdoor fun. Hike from Praia da Luz to Lagos via Ponta da Piedade for amazing cliffside views of the coast.

Food tours

Take a big bite out of the Algarve on a local food tour. Wander bustling markets like Mercado Municipal de Lagos, where you can watch fishermen unload their daily catch and sample traditional bites. Try making ‘pastel de nata’ (Portuguese custard tarts) in a cooking class. Or venture into the Algarvian countryside to taste delicate white wines and velvety reds grown under year-round sunshine.

Lagos: Know before you go

Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST)

High season

June – August

Low season

November – March

Find the best time to go to Lagos

Weather in Lagos

March – May: With mild temperatures and minimal rain, spring days were made for enjoying the Algarve’s great outdoors. Hike the Ponta da Piedade trail or cycle the Barão de São João National Forest.

June – August: Summer weather is warm but rarely too hot thanks to ocean breezes. Slip from beach days into long, balmy evenings at outdoor bars and restaurants.

September – November: Temperatures stay warm well into October, with occasional showers. Autumn is also the prime time to watch migrating birds.

December – February: Days are mild, but nights can get chilly. So pack layers. Winter is a good time to see the local side of Lagos, with fewer tourists and plenty of traditional Christmas festivities.

Events in Lagos

Carnaval Loulé (February or March): Dating back more than a century, this vibrant festival in the nearby city of Loulé features costumed performers and decorated floats.

Festival MED (June): Enjoy world music, dance performances and street theatre at this cultural festival held in Loulé over a weekend in late June. Come hungry to make the most of the global food stalls.

Olhão Seafood Festival (August): Feast on the Algarve’s famed oysters, shrimp, clams and more at this multi-day food fest in Olhão.

Paderne Medieval Festival (December to January): Step into the Middle Ages with four days of historical re-enactments, jousting tournaments and a medieval market in the nearby village of Paderne.

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The best neighbourhoods in Lagos

Lagos Old Town

Surrounded by 16th-century walls, the Old Town is Lagos’s beating heart. Explore cobbled streets lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and take a stroll through ‘Parque da Cidade de Lagos’ (Lagos City Park). The Old Town is also within easy walking distance of Batata and Estudantes beaches, making it the best neighbourhood to stay in Lagos for first-time visitors.

Good for: History, beaches, restaurants

Meia Praia

If lounging on the beach all day is your idea of a dream holiday, head to Meia Praia, where you’ll find the largest beach in the city, with plenty of swimming areas and water sports. After soaking up some sun on the golden sands, stroll along the promenade to find a good selection of restaurants and casual beach clubs.

Good for: Beach, water sports, scenic walks

Porto de Mos

With its unprotected coastline attracting strong Atlantic waves, Porto de Mos is a surfer’s dream. When you’re not hanging ten, explore the neighbourhood’s clifftop trails and admire the scenery from the Atalaia Viewpoint. Its location slightly further away from the city centre makes Porto de Mos where to stay in Lagos to escape the crowds.

Good for: Surfing, hiking, clifftop views

Things to do in Lagos

Praia do Camilo

Family friendly things to do

Some of the best things to do with family in Lagos involve exploring the city’s coastline. Take a dolphin-watching cruise, go kayaking or book a surf lesson to make the most of the ocean. Prefer to stay on dry land? Have an afternoon of fun mini-golfing at Pro Putting Garden, or visit the Centro Ciencia Viva de Lagos, an interactive science museum.

Shopping

A holiday to Lagos isn’t complete without some retail therapy. Shop for fresh produce at the Mercado Municipal de Lagos, then hop across the street to Mercado Paseo Maritimo to buy locally made souvenirs. Shopping in Lagos for a new holiday outfit? The boutiques along Rua Candido dos Reis have you covered.

Take in the culture

When you’re not making the most of the beautiful beaches, spend some time exploring the museums in Lagos. The Old Town’s Museu Municipal Dr Jose Formosinho is the place to go to learn about Lagos and the Algarve region. Or visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira — this 17th-century fortress provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean.

Nightlife

Hit up the nightclubs and bars for an energetic night of dancing and partying in Lagos. Or head to one of Lagos’s beachside bars for cocktails and people-watching. Looking for a romantic evening or simply want to see Lagos from a different angle? Book a sunset cruise from the Lagos Marina on a catamaran or yacht.

Places to eat

You’ll find fresh seafood and Portuguese flavours are the order of the day in the restaurants in Lagos. Feast on Algarve favourites like ‘bacalhau a bras’ (salt cod, potatoes, onions and eggs) and ‘cataplana’ (a seafood and pork stew). Don’t forget to try authentic piri-piri chicken. Craving something different? You’ll find plenty of Indian restaurants in Lagos.

Beaches

Lagos features a great choice of beaches along its shimmering coast. Join local surfers at Praia do Porto de Mos. Or descend the long set of stairs to snorkel in Praia do Camilo’s crystal-clear waters. Looking for the perfect photo op? Praia dos Estudantes is one of the most photographed beaches in Lagos thanks to its iconic Roman-style bridge.

Plan your holiday to Lagos

Budget

It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday in Lagos. Visit during the shoulder season, use public transportation, and grab picnic supplies from local markets. You can get a cheap meal for around 13 euros (€). But save more by eating at ‘tascas’, small, local restaurants serving daily specials. A beer or a coffee usually costs around €3 or less.

Day trips from Lagos

Lagos is perfectly located for exploring the Algarve, with many great day trips possible by public transport. A short bus trip gets you to Sagres, known for its rugged coastline and epic surfing waves. Or take the 40-minute train to Silves, a medieval town with cobbled streets and a Moorish castle. And Portimão’s gorgeous beaches are just a 20-minute bus ride away.

Getting around Lagos

You’ll only need a car here if you plan on exploring the wider Algarve region. Lagos is a small city, so the best way to get around is on foot. Onda bus services go to popular beaches like Meia Praia, Porto de Mos and Praia da Dona Ana. You can buy tickets onboard. Or use taxis and hire bicycles during your stay.

FAQs about Lagos holidays

You'll be using the euro (EUR) for payments during your trip to Lagos. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, but have some cash as a backup for places where card payments aren't an option.
Your city break in Lagos can differ in price based on anything from your trip length to travel dates. To find a great deal on Lagos flights and hotels, be flexible with when you go and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
With an average rainfall of 7 cm, March is the wettest month to go on a Lagos holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.
The hottest month in Lagos is August, when temperatures peak at 32ºC (90ºF).
While on your city break in Lagos, most people you'll meet will be speaking Portuguese.
A short break to Lagos is great for seeing the city’s sights and visiting its beaches. Aim for a three or four-day stay to make the most of your time here. Special holiday deals to Lagos keep costs down.
January brings the coolest conditions for a Lagos holiday. You can expect lows of 7ºC (45ºF).
Lagos is a safe city with low crime rates. Take common-sense precautions like keeping an eye on your personal belongings in crowded and tourist-heavy areas, and you’ll have a worry-free holiday in Lagos.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Lagos. From Praia Do Maryi to Hiking from Praia da luz to Lagos and more, this city is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
For the perfect combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, plan your holiday to Lagos for late spring (May and June). High hotel prices coincide with the summer months (July and August), so if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Lagos, consider timing your stay outside the peak season.

Plan your holiday to Lagos