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Lagos - A Paradise in Portugal

Holidays in Lagos

If you have chosen to have your holidays in Lagos, you made a wise decision. You will find everything you need to know about this little paradise in Portugal.

Lagos is an old historic town rich in history and beauty you are about to discover.

At one point, it was from here that the Portuguese ships sailed for discovery.

 

Where is Lagos located?

The world hosts two very different cities with the same name: Lagos. Probability tells us that the most widely recognized one is in Nigeria, where Lagos is one of its largest cities. 

However, we believe that is because you have yet to visit Lagos – A paradise in Portugal. But before we get into the Lagos location in Portugal, you may be wondering how the two cities got the same name. It surely is no coincidence.

Back in the 15th century, Portugal was at the beginning of its maritime empire. Alongside the discovery of India and Brazil, Portuguese sailors also discovered most of the African coast. Naturally, this includes Nigeria, where most probably the city may have been named after the maritime port from which expeditions used to set sail. You guessed right: Lagos.

Located in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, Portuguese Lagos is a city that sits between the mouth of the Bensafrim River and the Atlantic Ocean. Although its population is under 50,000 citizens, the truth is these numbers soar at the end of springtime and the beginning of Autumn, due to the arrival of visiting tourists and seasonal residents. Particularly during the summer months. 

 

What to do in Lagos?

There are many things to do in Lagos. After all, this is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve! To summarize what to do in Lagos, we divided its variety into three main categories: history, entertainment, and sightseeing.

Further below, we will also dedicate ourselves to the four most unforgettable beaches. But first, other interesting details.

Charming may be the perfect word to describe the Old Town of Lagos. Both charismatic and delightful, this is where you will find beautiful historical tiles and Lagos hotels and buildings, from residential homes to cafes and small local shops.

 

 

If exploring and strolling around is your way of spending a good time, then your holidays in Lagos are perfect. 

And with these, we move into the sightseeing portion of Lagos. A few “can’t miss” include the Ponte da Piedade, where you can witness the most astonishing sunset (or sunrise!); the slave market museum; and the Ponta da Bandeira Fort; as well as the many churches sprinkled around town.

In Lagos, you can end every day with a night out, exploring the bars and restaurants the town offers you. One thing is for sure: it will not rain... Probably.

 

Lagos Weather

The weather in Lagos is much the same as the rest of the Algarve region of Portugal: warm year-round weather, and always sunny during the Summer. 

Alongside the many things you can do in Lagos, this is one of the main reasons why the city is so sought after. However, these characteristics can also be found in many other places, right?

What makes Lagos truly special are its beaches.

 

 

Beaches in Lagos

As it sits along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos has dozens of beautiful beaches nearby. There are so many, that you can visit a new beach every single day, while you spend your holidays in Lagos.

Nonetheless, four beaches are mandatory for their beauty and relaxing vibes, Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, Praia dos Estudantes and Praia da Batata.

Let’s briefly explore each of them.

 

Praia do Camilo

Praia do Camilo in Lagos involves descending through a 200 steps stairway, to enjoy its sands and the ocean water. Before the descent, visitors will be dazzled with a truly stunning view of the cliffs, and the never-ending ocean.

Praia do Camilo is close to the Ponta da Piedade, a must-see regional landmark best enjoyed on an excursion boat – which you can easily find.

 

 

Praia Dona Ana

Like Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana also welcomes you with a sight worth appreciating. But alongside its natural beauty, you will also find strange rock formations which are home to several local faunae, such as herons or herring gulls.

Down by the sea line, Praia Dona Ana presents itself with many sheltered spots for swimmers, and a colorful world to discover under the sea, which you can explore in a snorkeling expedition.

Praia Dona Ana is very popular and a world-renowned beach, considered one of the best in the world by the dedicated press.

 

Praia dos Estudantes

Relaxation is what defines Praia dos Estudantes. On this beach the rock formations continue into the water, cutting through the waves, instead of ending near the ocean.

At Praia dos Estudantes beach, you will find two hand-carved tunnels. The south one allows you to discover different organisms such as anemones, mussels, or shrimps. The other tunnel connects you to the fourth must-see beach in Lagos: Praia da Batata.

 

Praia da Batata

Praia da Batata is situated close to the center of Lagos. Ideal for those who want to remain close to town, a few minutes away from many restaurants and bars. 

Naturally, this is also the beach with the best infrastructure support. In Praia da Batata, it is not uncommon to witness different sports championships, such as boat races or beach volleyball.

 

How to go to Lagos from Quarteira

If you have visited Portugal before, you already know how small it can be. You can cover the whole country from top to bottom in as little as seven hours by car. It means you can calmly wake up in the morning in the northernmost part of Portugal and still be able to watch the sunset in its southern part.

A good reason why you should choose to stay in Quarteira when visiting the Algarve region. Located in the center of the southern coastline, it allows you to visit several different places during your holidays instead of remaining still. 

There are many options you can take to go from Quarteira to Lagos. By train, for example, it can take a couple of hours. You can even bike there in a little over three hours. However, the fastest way will be by car. It will take approximately one hour to get there, allowing you to get the best of Lagos and save money on your Algarve Accommodations. 

Are you looking for what to do near Lagos?