Explore the Algarve With a Stay in Lagos’ Loveliest Neighbourhoods

With its golden beaches, majestic cliffs and wealth of history and culture, it comes as no surprise that the Algarve attracts over four million holidaymakers per year. Dotted with seaside towns and quaint villages, there are many options when it comes to picking a place to stay. Lagos is one of the best choices, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like coastal walks and surfing, or wander around town discovering fascinating architecture and history. There’s also the option of not doing anything at all, where the only decision you’ll have to make is which beach to choose from. If you’re thinking of a trip to Lagos, then you’re in luck, as our travel experts at Plum Guide have all the essential information on the area. Take a look at our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Lagos.

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For first-timers, a stay in the Lagos Marina area is a fantastic option as it offers a little bit of everything. It’s a popular choice for those who want to plan their holiday around water-based activities like surfing or wakeboarding. For something a little less adrenaline-filled, join a dolphin-watching trip, take a boat tour deep into magical coastal caves or kayak along the coast at your own pace. It may be smaller than other marinas like Vilamoura, but Lagos Marina never feels overcrowded, even during the peak summer months. There is a varied events programme throughout the year, so even if watersports aren’t your thing, there’s always something to see and do here. Food and art are particularly popular themes, with everything from wine tasting to exhibitions and drawing lessons.

Even if you spend the whole day exploring elsewhere in Lagos, be sure to return for sunset as the marina is a lovely place to end the day – grab a cold drink from one of the many alfresco cafes and enjoy views of the sun dipping below the waterfront. While it may be laid-back during the day, at night, the marina becomes a stylish destination with numerous bars offering cocktails and live music deep into the little hours of the morning.

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Just a ten-minute walk from the marina is Lagos’s vibrant Old Town. This historical centre has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, but much of the Old Town as we know it today was built during the 15th and 16th centuries. A stay here is like stepping back in time, where you’ll find picturesque views around every corner you turn. The best place to start your explorations is the impressive walls surrounding the town, originally built to keep out Moorish invaders – the best views are found from Avenida dos Descobrimentos and Estrada da Ponta da Piedade. Continue along the winding cobbled streets, passing the many photogenic landmarks such as Lagos Church with its intricate stone carvings and gilded altarpiece, Igreja de Santo Antonio with its ornate baroque architecture and the 16th-century Governor's Castle – a former royal palace which has been turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Lagos. On your walk, watch out for beautiful Portuguese tiles and striking street art, another feature of the Old Town.

As well as fascinating history, the Old Town is a buzzing district for nightlife. There is no shortage of places to eat, drink and party, with a wide array of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. If you’re celebrating, one of our favourite places is Restaurante dos Artistas – make sure you reserve a table on the terrace.

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Wondering where to stay in Lagos for a beach holiday? Batata Beach is a favourite for many sun worshippers who come for its clear turquoise waters, fine golden sands and chilled-out atmosphere, as well as its postcard-perfect views of the cliffs and rock formations surrounding the beach. Translating to ‘potato beach’, it’s thought that the name comes from a ship full of potatoes which sank off the coast, washing up a ton of potatoes onto the shores.

Batata Beach is the first of several gorgeous beaches stretching west of Lagos, forming the Costa d’Oiro Algarvia or Algarve’s Gold Coast. The sea here is calm with no currents, so it’s also an excellent place for families with little ones. When you’re not working on your tan, why not try water sports, with plenty of opportunities for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling and kayaking. The southern end of the beach is made up of majestic golden cliffs, and this is where you’ll come across the tiny Praia dos Estudantes beach.

You’ll find a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars close to the beach. For mesmerising sea views, Mar Restaurant is set high above the cliffs overlooking the beach. If you feel like venturing out, you’re just a short walk away from the Old Town and the marina.

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For travellers planning a surfing trip, Porto de Mós is the place to be. This village just outside Lagos has direct access to some of the best surfing beaches along the Algarve. Unlike other beaches in Lagos, Porto de Mós isn’t protected and is home to strong waves which come in from the Atlantic. While it may not be best for swimming, if you’re here for the surf, then you’re in luck.

For a break from the surf, take a hike along the cliff-top trails for panoramic views. At the top of the western cliff is the Atalaia Viewpoint which boasts a scenic view of the coast all the way to Sagres. Despite being so close to Lagos, you’ll find that it brings in fewer crowds than other beaches, and quiet spots are easy to come by.

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Those searching for somewhere to stay in Lagos that’s quieter may want to head out of the city to the charming seaside village of Alvor. It has a distinctive Portuguese ambience, with traditional whitewashed houses, winding cobbled streets, and fishing boats moored along the riverbanks. In spite of its modest size, Alvor has an excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and shops, which are mainly located in the town’s historic centre. This is also where you’ll find the remains of the medieval Castelo de Alvor, a fun day out for families with young children.

Alvor is home to two incredible beaches. Praia do Alvor is a long stretch of white beach within walking distance of Alvor’s historical centre. It’s a popular spot for beach sports like volleyball and football, and its cliffs and rocks are ideal for kayaking around. Slightly further east is Praia dos Três Irmãos, (three brothers’ beach), an extension of Praia do Alvor. This is a secluded beach with calm, shallow waters that entice you for a swim.

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Less than a ten-minute drive from Lagos is Praia da Luz. Curved around a picturesque sandy bay, this former fishing village is somewhere you come to relax and take it easy. Daily life centres around the beach, whether you’re into swimming, watersports or laying back with a good book. The sea is generally very calm here, making it a great option for families. Naturally, Praia da Luz can get busy during the summer months, but if you head further up the beach, you’ll find quieter spots to unwind. This section of the beach is a little rockier, ideal for snorkelling and rock pooling.

Behind the beach is a lively palm-lined promenade where you’ll find numerous cafes and bars offering cold drinks and local delicacies. If the most walking you’ve done is from bar to bar (no judgements here), there’s always the opportunity to head further out to uncover more of the Algarve coastline. Praia da Luz is located on the 230-kilometre-long Fishermen’s Trail, which usually takes twelve to thirteen days to complete. For a shorter version, take a day hike to Lagos (around three hours) or walk in the opposite direction to Salema past Burgau (two hours) for spectacular ocean views.

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Families looking for sun, sea and sand in Lagos should consider staying in Meia Praia, the largest beach in the Lagos region. Unlike the cliff-backed beaches of the Algarve, Meia Praia is backed by grassy sand dunes, giving it a more rural feel despite being less than a ten-minute drive from the centre of town. The water is relatively shallow and slopes down gradually, so swimming is safe.

Stretching over 4 kilometres, there’s more than enough room for everyone. The western end (which is lifeguarded) tends to be the busiest, but if you continue past the crowds, you’ll get to deserted stretches away from the hustle and bustle. Another draw for families is the range of activities on offer, like surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and sailing. There’s enough to keep the kids entertained for hours on end, but if you do start to hear complaints of ‘I’m hungry’, the promenade offers many options for food, drink and entertainment.

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