Lagos Beaches
Algarve

District of Faro

Lagos, Costa d'Oiro, Western Algarve

Beautiful beaches and Epic of the Discoveries

Starting point for various discoveries overseas, in the centuries of the Discoveries (14th and 15th centuries), nowadays, Lagos is a beach destination international one of the most appreciated on the south coast of Portugal.


Praia da Dona Ana em Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Algarve © Steven Fruitsmaak / CC
Praia da Dona Ana in Lagos, District of Faro, Algarve © Steven Fruitsmaak / CC



Lagos, Portugal - Lagos, is a small town and municipality (municipality) of the district of Faro, located in the beautiful Algarve Coast, south of Portugal.

Land of Navigators

Lagos, Land of Navigators, is one of the sixteen concelhos (municipalities) of the Algarve.


Coast of Lagos

The beautiful beaches of its jagged coastline are the biggest attractions of Lagos. They are km of coastline of great beauty, with cliffs of yellowish tones and golden sand - also known as Oiro Coast - from the southern region of Portugal.


Beach, sun and leisure
Lagos, whose beaches are postcards of the country, is one of the main destinations tourist attractions in Algarve and Portugal.


Top Beaches in Lagos

The Costa d'Oiro, as the Algarve coast in Lagos is known, is one of the paradises of the Algarve for vacationers, with beaches for all tastes.

"Do you like long beaches, where sand and sea define the horizon?
Do you prefer tiny sandy beaches between colorful rocks and isolated from the world?
Make your choice among the beautiful beaches of Lagos" [Turismo de Lagos].


• Meia Praia

Popular beach on the east coast of Lagos, which extends to the Ria de Alvor. The long sandy beach of Meia Praia and its beautiful calm sea attract vacationers for its proximity to the city and the facilities and conveniences offered.

See: Meia Praia

• Praia da Luz

Located in the parish of Luz, with beautiful colorful cliffs and the white houses of the old fishing village of Vila da Luz, this beach is a of the most cosmopolitan and renowned destinations in Lagos.
See: Praia da Luz

• Dona Ana Beach

Located on the Costa d'Oiro, in Lagos, with beautiful colorful cliffs and the white houses of the old fishing village of Vila da Luz, this beach is a of the most cosmopolitan and renowned destinations in Lagos.

• Ponta da Piedade beaches

Located in the parish of Luz, with beautiful colorful cliffs typical of the Costa d'Oiro, these small beaches are true paradise natural from the algarvian coast of Lagos: Praia da Balança, Praia da Boneca...
Unmissable boat trip from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade.


All Beaches in Lagos

Check below all the beaches of Lagos, on the Gold Coast, land of history, tradition and cosmopolitanism.

History, Beaches, Sun and Night

These are the ingredients of Lagos's recipe for success along with numerous Portuguese and European tourists who choose Lagos every year to enjoy the best season of the year, summer. Sunny, warm days and an inviting sea that pleases to big and small.


The Discoveries began here

Lagos played a key role in the epic of the Discoveries in Portugal in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

"From here Infante D. Henrique sent Caravelas in search of new worlds. Gil Eanes, the hero of Bojador. Here arrived the first riches of Africa. Gold, silver, ivory... Those were times of pomp and glory" [CM de Lagos].


The City of Lagos

One of the most charming places in the District of Faro (Algarve), Lagos combines history and entertainment (with its beautiful beaches), attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year.


View of the city and port of Lagos, District of Faro, Algarve © Carlos Afonso / CM de Lagos, illustration
View of the city and port of Lagos, Faro District, Algarve © Carlos Afonso / CM of Lagos, illustration



"Enclosed within its walls, Lagos is one of the most welcoming shelters in Portuguese coast. The walls (national monument), built in the reigns of D. Manuel I, D. João II and D. Filipe I completely surrounded the city to defend it from piracy and the hostile fleets" [CM de Lagos].


Beaches, Sun and Fun

In addition to beautiful beaches, sunny weather and fun for most of the year, Lagos is one of the four DOC (Denominations of Controlled Origin) of Algarve wines. The other three are Lagoa, Portimão and Tavira


Curious about the origin of the name?

Everything leads us to believe that the existence of several lakes in the area of the current county (municipality) was the origin of the name Lagos.

In 1249, these lands were "definitely integrated into Portuguese territory by D. Afonso III" [CM of Lagos].


Réplica de uma Caravela no porto de Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Algarve © Lacobrigo / CC
Replica of a caravel in the port of Lagos, District of Faro, Algarve © Lacobrigo / CC



From Fishing to Tourism

In times past, fishing was the main economic activity of its people. Including, Lagos had an important fish canning industry, mainly sardines.

Currently, the beautiful beaches of its coast - the Costa d'Oiro - attract numerous tourists who make tourism the main economic activity of the population.


Area and Population

With an area of 213 km², the municipality (municipality) of Lagos currently has a population of 33,583 inhabitants (INE, 2021).

The city of Lagos has just under 28,000 inhabitants (idem).


Location

The municipality (municipality) of Lagos is limited to the north by Monchique, to the east by Portimão, to the west by Vila do Bispo, to the northwest by Aljezur and to the south with the Atlantic Ocean.


Praia em Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Algarve © José Manuel / RTA / Images of Portugal
Beach in Lagos, District of Faro, Algarve © José Manuel / RTA / Images of Portugal



What to see in Lagos

With a rich historical, cultural and religious heritage, there are many and varied attractions in Lagos. Starting, as expected, with its beaches incredibly beautiful. Some of these, Praia da Dona Ana and Praia da Ponta da Piedade, among the most beautiful in Europe! Coast framed by beautiful and colorful cliffs, calm sea, blue or slightly greenish, sunny and warm weather for most of the year...

Learn more: Attractions in Lagos


Where to stay in Lagos

Lagos offers a variety of accommodation options to its many visitors: good hotels, houses and apartments for seasonal rent, accommodation with the inhabitants, budget hotels.
As advised for the entire Algarve coast, it is always good to research and book in advance for better choose the most convenient option for you.

Find out more: Where to stay in Lagos


Praia da Dona Ana em Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Algarve © Carlos Afonso / CM de Lagos, ilustração
Praia da Dona Ana in Lagos, District of Faro, Algarve © Carlos Afonso / CM of Lagos, illustration



What to do in Lagos

Visit its varied natural and historical heritage, walks, excursions, water sports and others, taste the delicious Algarve cuisine, enjoy the lively nights. There are many options for supporters of active holidays.

Learn more: Activities in Lagos


Beach, sun and leisure

Lagos, whose beaches are postcards of the country, it is one of the main tourist destinations in the Algarve and Portugal.

With many restaurants, bars and cafes, you will live unforgettable moments with your friends (or new friends) and will take good memories of the days spent in Lagos.


Attractions in Lagos

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Lagos has a rich and varied natural, historical, cultural and religious. The main attractions of Lagos are:


Learn more: Attractions in Lagos


Ensopado de peixe, Cozinha de Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Algarve © Francisco Castelo / CM de Lagos, ilustração
Fish stew, Lagos cuisine, Faro District, Algarve © Francisco Castelo / City Council of Lagos, illustration



Gastronomy and Good Wines

During your stay in Lagos, be sure to taste the delicacies of the Cuisine and Gastronomy Algarve. Abundant in seafood and fish, this Mediterranean cuisine conquers the palate of visitors so much with their mouth-watering specialties as well as snacks, sweets and desserts.

The good wines accompany these dishes with the flavors and smells of the good land of the Algarve.

Learn more: Gastronomy in Lagos


Where to eat in Lagos

The Algarve Coast is rich in fish and seafood, starting with the famous sardines - a staple in Portuguese cuisine - and mussels. But meat, poultry and game is also very popular in the region. At the south of Portugal, Mediterranean cuisine has many fans. Enjoy your stay to taste the best of this kitchen. A cosmopolitan place, in Lagos you can also enjoy the gastronomy International.

Learn more: Where to eat in Lagos


Campos de Golfe em Lagos, Distrito de Faro, Algarve © Tee Times Golf Agency / ilustração
Golf Courses in Lagos, District of Faro, Algarve © Tee Times Golf Agency / illustration



Sports in Lagos

Paradise for water sports, in Lagos visitors can also practice your favorite sport. From cycling to golf, sailing, diving, tennis or horse riding.

Learn more: Sports in Lagos


Lagos Marina

The new Marina de Lagos is located in the Bay of Lagos, with 460 places for boats for travelers who come and discover Lagos by sea. Several services available in the immediate vicinity.


Parishes of Lagos

The parishes of Lagos are as follows:






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