I know you don’t wanna miss out so let me give you my secrets on the best beaches in Lagos you must be checking out on your next visit to Portugal.
Isn’t it getting more and more common to go on a beach holiday just to realize that the mass construction has kinda taken over the place?
Not if you go to Lagos!
This little gem in the Algarve region of Portugal is definitely one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for small secluded beaches with clear blue water, fine sand and cliff views.
Go and see for yourself but I’m telling you, exploring the Lagos beaches is one of the best things to do in the Algarve because they’re so many that if you go for a week you can easily lay down your towel on a different one each day.
Just how cool is that?!
Now without further ado, here is my list of the best beaches in Lagos to try out:
Contents
Praia da Batata
Batata beach will most likely be the first beach you’ll see when you arrive at the shore in Lagos simply because it’s quite near the town center. With its decent-sized stretch of sand and handful of cliffs acting as the perfect shade from the roading sun, this is the perfect spot to lie down for a couple of hours if you’ve just arrived into town or have a moment to kill before heading out.
With its prime location, this beach is unsurprisingly the busiest but it’s also the place you’ll need to head down to if you wanna rent a kayak which honestly is the best way to explore coast! For the more adventurous, there’re also places to rent a stand-up paddleboard but bare in mind that there’re a ton of boats going up and down the ocean, so it does get quite wavy.
If you start walking from Batata beach towards the harbor, you’ll find what’s probably the liveliest part of Lagos with many tour companies welcoming you to check out their trips into the grottos.
Interesting fact: Did you know that the exact English translation of Praia da Batata is “Potato beach”? 😀 Yup, you read that right, A POTATO!
Praia dos Estudantes
Right next to Batata beach is the “Beach of Students”. This beach is perfect if you want to be super close to the town center but also to enjoy the peacefulness and quiet of a small secluded beach.
Here you can also see the famous bridge which connects the cliffs, offering a nice pathway to a stellar viewpoint where you can indulge in the view of the beach and the town at the background.
From here you can also go through the cliff to get to Pinhao Beach which is right next to it. As the name suggests, this place is a favorite among the youngsters so it tends to get busy but not to worry, if Praia dos Estudantes gets a bit cramped, just head over to Pinhão Beach which is equally stunning.
Right at the top of the cliff, there is also a restaurant if fancy a drink or just want to check out the views overlooking the beach and the bridge.
Praia Dona Ana
Dona Ana beach is a “golden middle” kind of a beach because it’s nice and long but still has secluded areas where you can use the cliffs’ shade to hide away from the sun.
It’s a popular pick since it’s only about 15-20 min walk from the town center but this shouldn’t put you off especially if you wanna meet some cool people.
Depending on what time of day you head to the beach, the shady bits are likely to be taken so plan well unless you wanna end up roasted like a shrimp from the burning sun 😀
One last thing, if you get super hungry and don’t fancy a walk into town to grab a sandwich, there is a little snack bar restaurant right on the beach which offers some pretty cool views. Could the perfect treat on your last day 🙂 (I, however, was well prepared with a packed lunch so I didn’t get to try it 😀 )
Safety tip: Be careful as you head down to the beach. There’re quite a few stairs which can get pretty sandy and slippery.
Praia Porto de Mos
Are you a fan of long beach walks?
Then you found yourself the perfect spot!
Porto de Mós is one of the longest beaches in Lagos but also the furthest to get to. It’s about a 30min from the town center which really isn’t that far but considering how close everything is, it tends to be overlooked.
Which is why it’s the perfect alternative if you want to get away from the crowds, read your book in the quiet, top up your tan or just have a beer.
Here you’ll find a couple of restaurants so it’s totally cool if you stay here for longer than expected! They’ve got your thirst and hunger well covered.
Praia do Camilo
Camilo beach is my most favorite Lagos beach.
I absolutely loved it!
It’s a bit further out, about 20 min walk from the town center, but trust me, the walk is totally worth it!
The beauty of this beach is so apparent as soon as you step onto the top of the stairs going down to the beach. I must admit that this was the clearest water I had seen in Lagos and quickly explained why this is the best spot for snorkeling around Lagos. The water is so shallow that you get to see diverse marine life the minute you step a few meters off the shore.
Grab a drink or an ice-cream from the top, sunbath or relax whilst watching the SUPs and kayaks passing by.
Praia Meia Praia
Stretching at a length of 4km, Meia Praia is the longest beach in Lagos.
It’s the ideal place for a morning run or a very long walk along the beach. If you just wanna hang out or try out some new water sports, there are a number of companies offering SUPs and kayaks and a decent variety of beach bars to pick from. Some are even doing live music which is just the perfect way to make some friends especially if you’re traveling solo.
But you thought that’s all?
You’ll be delighted to know that these are only a few of the many beaches you can check out whilst in the Algarve. There are others, bigger and smaller, so explore the shore and pick and choose which one you love the most. In any case, you won’t be disappointed with the breadth of choice, that’s for sure 🙂
Which beach sounds like your perfect fit?
or maybe you have a question.
Either way, leave a comment below right now.
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