Whether you’ve come to Southern Portugal for sunbathing, swimming or surfing, there is a slice of sand in Lagos with your name on it. This list brings together the very best beaches in Lagos, chosen for their accessibility, swimming conditions and breathtaking scenery.
Portugal’s Algarve coast is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places in the country. Whether you’re planning a couple’s getaway or visiting the Algarve with kids, the town of Lagos is the ideal place to base yourself for a picture-perfect beach holiday.
As much as the golden-syrup sands and blue-green waters draws visitors to this region, the impressive geological formations that define this section of coastline are equally as alluring. This part of Portugal offers countless memorable experiences, from caving and kayaking to snorkelling and diving.
Amber cliffs sculpted by relentless Atlantic winds, jagged limestone formations scarred by eons of erosion, and natural grottoes and sea arches – as far as coastlines go, it really doesn’t get any more picturesque than this.
Because of its location near the south-west tip of Portugal, there are both southern and western-facing beaches around Lagos. You can find everything from tiny coves hemmed in by looming rock walls, all the way to never-ending stretches of shoreline.
Whether you’re planning a short summer break or an epic Portugal road trip, here are the best beaches on The Algarve you can’t miss.
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Lagos essentials
GETTING IN: The closest airport to Lagos is Faro International Airport (1.5 hours by road). Faro is serviced by a number of airlines including budget carrier TUI, ideal because it offers direct flights from the UK and has a flexible exchange policy in case plans change. Learn more about the TUI cancellation policy. Search for flights to Faro here on Skyscanner.
GETTING AROUND: For the freedom to visit as many of these beautiful Portuguese beaches as possible, consider hiring a car. I recommend using the Discover Cars website to compare and book. Pick-up is available from Faro Airport.
WHERE TO STAY: There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Lagos, ranging from humble beachfront guest houses to luxury resorts. Some of the best places to stay in Lagos are private rental apartments and holiday houses – see specific recommendations for each of the beaches below.
TOP-RATED TOUR: Book a catamaran cruise in Lagos to visit some of the area’s most pristine beaches and take in stunning views of the coastline from the water. Check prices here on Viator.
1. Ponta da Piedade – the most beautiful Lagos beach
Located at the far-eastern tip of the headland, teetering on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the rugged and dramatic coastline at Ponta da Piedade (‘Piety Point’) consists of honey coloured sandstone cliffs, natural sea arches and caves. Shards of rock emerge from shallow waters, tinted a wild shade of emerald green.
This area is one of The Algarve’s most popular beaches and it’s not difficult to see why. Wonderful views of the coastline can be found from the scenic boadwalk atop the cliffs that edge the lower bay.
If you’re travelling in summer, it’s best to avoid this beach during the middle of the day as swimming is prohibited due to heavy boat and kayak traffic. Visit bright and early in the morning instead – or come by kayak from nearby Praia da Balança to see the scenery from a different angle.
Ponta da Piedade is located 3km south of Lagos. There are a few souvenir outlets and a restaurant at the headland where food and drink can be purchased. For more excellent views, head to Farol da Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and the signposted Ponta de Piedade miradouro (viewpoint).
Where to stay near Ponta da Piedade
This modern two-bedroom apartment in Villa Ancora is walking distance from Ponta da Piedade and Dona Ana, considered one of Europe’s best white-sand beaches.
Equipped to sleep up to six guests, the apartment features an open-plan living area, full kitchen for self-catering, a generous terrace and outdoor pool.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
2. Praia do Camilo – sheltered Lagos beach for swimming
Once you’ve managed to descend the 200 odd wooden steps to get to Praia do Camilo, only then will you realise that it was well worth the effort.
Another picture-perfect Lagos beach, this sandy slice of shoreline is small but exceedingly beautiful. It’s completely hemmed in by jagged rocks, giving it an intimate feel. There’s only enough space for a hundred or so umbrellas and towels – and it tends to get packed pretty fast during the summer months – so again it’s best to arrive early.
The rock formations at Ponta da Piedade safeguard Camilo beach from the harsh ocean waves and give the water a similar transparent green colour ideal, making this area ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There are several rental shops nearby where you can hire a kayak and glide right down to Ponta da Piedade, taking in the unreal sandstone rock formations as you go.
Where to stay near Praia do Camilo
Also located in Villa Ancora, this brand new apartment accommodates up to four people in two separate bedrooms. The ground floor position and pool access makes it ideal for young families.
Praia do Camilo and Ponta da Piedade are both an easy stroll away.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
3. Praia de Porto de Mos – best Lagos beach for surfing
Set beneath towering cliffs on Portugal’s southern shoreline, 4km (roughly a 10-minute drive) from the centre of Lagos, Praia de Porto de Mós is the second-largest beach in the region. Golden sands stretch out to the horizon, offering visitors plenty of room to spread out.
When conditions are right, this beach is a big hit with surfers as the south-facing shore catches some of the area’s largest waves. The surf is quite tame by some standards but don’t underestimate the rip tides, which may pose a challenge to beginners.
Indeed the sea here can be quite rough, so it’s not always the place to swim. It’s better suited to sunbathing, relaxing by the beach bar, and water sports such as kayaking and pedal boating, which can take one all the way to Ponta da Piedade beach.
Where to stay near Praia de Porto de Mós
This typical Algarve villa sleeps four and features a generous private pool. Clean lines and new finishes extend from the sunny terraces to the twin bedrooms and full kitchen.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
4. Praia de Sao Roque
A short stroll from Lagos Marina and the centre of town, São Roque Beach might not be the prettiest beach in Lagos, but the ultra-soft sand, shallow waters and gentle waves make it ideal for paddling.
There’s plenty of space to pop a parasol on the large crescent-shaped swathe of fine sand or in the dunes beyond. This beach is clean and well-kept, with all amenities provided and lifeguards on duty. It’s great for kids, those with accessibility issues, and anyone who’s not a confident swimmer.
Because it’s so long and unsheltered, it does tend to get windy, so watch out for strong gusts that kick up the sand.
Where to stay near Praia de Sao Roque
This stunning top floor apartment offers 360-degree views over central Lagos and the ocean from the roof terrace. The interior of the condominium is sleek and functional, sleeping up to six people in two bedrooms.
Guests also have access to a jacuzzi, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
5. Praia dos Estudantes
Praia dos Estudantes (‘Students’ Beach’) is one of the most visually striking beaches in Lagos. That’s largely thanks to the Roman-style bridge, once part of a fortress, that stretches between two rock formations over the ocean.
Ponte Romana de Lagos, Lagos Roman Bridge, sits on a rocky offshore outcrop. The rest of Pinhão Fortress crumbled into the sea in the 18th century after an earthquake. Today the bridge is located adjacent to private property, but anyone is free to photograph it from afar, with excellent views from the shore of Praia dos Estudantes and from the water. It’s highly recommended to rent a kayak and view the bridge from below.
A favourite among young people because of its close proximity to Lagos’ bars and restaurants, Praia dos Estudantes is conveniently located a mere 10-minute walk via the main street of Avenida dos Descobrimentos. It may be petite, but the pocket of sandy shore and calm, sheltered waters are ideal for swimming.
This beach also features two man-made tunnels – the southern tunnel connects the two halves of Praia dos Estudantes, while another tunnel on the northern side of the beach leads straight to Praia da Batata.
Where to stay near Praia dos Estudantes
This efficient suite is perfect for a couple or budget traveller looking to take advantage of Lagos’ student beach. The central location is ideal for making the most of the food and nightlife scene, while both Praia dos Estudantes and Praia do Pinhão are footsteps from the front door.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
6. Praia da Batata
Due to its close proximity to the centre of Lagos, Praia da Batata (‘Potato Beach’) is extremely popular with first-time visitors. It gets very busy during the summer months as a result – but the southern end of the beach towards Praia dos Estudantes is a little quieter.
There are some major upsides to visiting Lagos’ busiest beach – it’s convenient to town, has great infrastructure (including public bathrooms), is monitored by a lifeguard, and it’s one of only a handful of Lagos beaches that is wheelchair-accessible. Additionally, the waters here are calm and the cliffs offer adequate shelter from strong waves, making this beach ideal for families and anyone with mobility concerns.
The 1690-built Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is located close to Praia da Batata and worth visiting while you’re in the area. The popular Mar restaurant, situated on the cliffs overlooking the beach, is a great lunch option.
This is a good place to embrace the crowds feel the pulse of Lagos – but if it gets to be too much, hire a SUP or kayak and take to the waters around the mouth of the Rio Bensafrim river to find some tranquility.
Where to stay near Praia da Batata
Like Praia da Batata itself, this two-bedroom apartment is located in central Lagos. Travel down a narrow alleyway to reach the front door and feel like a Lagos local as you watch the sun go down over the rooftops from your private enclosed balcony.
The all-white interior is cool and breezy – perfect for summer stays.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
7. Meia Praia
Running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, Meia Praia beach is an enormous stretch of sand 5km (around 15 minutes by car) east of central Lagos. Since the beach itself is over 4km (2.5 miles long), it’s never too hard to find your own space.
It’s vast and more remote, but this beach is not lacking in amenities – the nearby marina offers food, drink and accommodation options. While the southwest border is crowded with bars and restaurants, the beach gets quieter the further you walk.
The entire beach follows a sinuous curve, so you get wonderful views of the blocky sand-coloured cliffs from every angle. The upper south-west facing part of the beach is one of the best spots in the area to watch the sunset.
Popular hotspots in the area include the Clubhouse Onyria golf course and the Parque Aventura Lagos amusement park.
Where to stay near Meia Praia Lagos beach
This stunning Airbnb is set inside a typical Algarvian farmhouse and features sweet detailing such as a built-in wood fireplace and hardwood floors. Sleeping up to four people, it’s perfect for families.
The house is surrounded by a forest, making it feel extremely quiet and secluded. Meia Praia is just 300m away, and Lagos can be reached on foot or by a short drive.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
8. Praia do Pinhao
A hidden gem by Lagos standards, Praia do Pinhão is located between Praia dos Estudantes and Praia Dona Ana. Tucked beneath steep ochre cliffs, it’s partially shaded in the afternoon, making it a good spot to cool off out of the direct sun.
You likely won’t have to jostle with large crowds for a spot on the sand, which is a nice change from some of the other Lagos beach listings here. The compromise is that infrastructure is limited, so you’ll need to come prepared with your own supplies, including towels and plenty of drinking water.
There is a cliff top trail connecting Pinhão to Praia da Batata. At low tide, you can also walk between the two beaches via a tunnel. Just watch the water levels as the tunnels flood when the tides rise.
The shore is accessed via a steep cliffside staircase split over a set of terraces. Come here for peace and solitude – don’t forget your book.
Where to stay near Praia do Pinhao
This condo for six boasts incredible views from its clifftop location right on the coast above Praia do Pinhão. In case you don’t feel like wandering down to the beach or into town (just a short stroll away), there’s also a swimming pool on the premises.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
9. Praia do Barranco do Martinho
Located on the western side of the peninsular near Ponta da Piedade, this beach is more secluded than most. That’s because it requires a spot of climbing to get to. For this reason it’s best to come prepared with enclosed shoes. If you’re claustrophobic or afraid of heights, this might not be the best beach for you!
But if you’re up for the challenge, the scenery in this area is breathtaking. Once you reach the compact beach, you’ll notice that Barranco do Martinho Beach is guarded from the usual ocean swells for the most part, meaning the waters here remain calm and clear – perfect for swimming.
Patches of green atop the rocky cliffs give this section of the coast a unique profile. Parking is informal and there are no lifeguards onsite, so take care when summiting the cliffs and swimming.
Where to stay near Praia do Barranco do Martinho
Located near the tip of the peninsula, this two-person villa comes with access to a glorious shared pool and garden. Tiled floors throughout are cool in summer.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
10. Praia de Dona Ana – sheltered Lagos beach for swimming
Dona Ana is easily one of the most picturesque beaches in the Algarve – and it’s conveniently located only 10 minutes from the centre. The orange cliffs here form a natural bay, encasing a protected swimming area with timid tides and crystal-clear waters.
The calm ambiance and excellent infrastructure makes Praia de Dona Ana ideal for families with small children. But, since the beach can only be accessed via a series of steps, it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues.
It’s wildly popular with tourists and locals alike – so much so that authorities had to extend the beach to increase its capacity. Due to its popularity, nearby parking fills up very fast in the summer, so it’s advisable to come by bus or taxi instead.
Where to stay near Praia de Dona Ana
Live the Lagos life in this spacious apartment with a beautiful terrace that directly overlooks the cliffs around Praia Dona Ana. This is surely one of the best views in the Algarve – and to top it off, the Old Town is only a short stroll away.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
11. Praia do Canavial
Sandwiched between Praia de Porto de Mós and Praia do Barranco do Martinho, Canavial Beach is south-facing and so experiences rougher seas than the east-facing beaches closer to town. If you’ve come to Lagos to surf, this is another beach worth testing your metal at.
The shoreline is much longer than other beaches in the vicinity, so you won’t feel cramped. On top of that, Prai do Canavial usually sees far fewer visitors because of the challenging hike required to get up and down from the water’s edge (it starts off as a wooden path, but requires veering off onto a dirt track).
It’s quite exposed and thus gets very windy here, so it’s best to visit in the morning around low tide. There are no picturesque arches or rock stacks in this area – just vast sculpted cliffs, which have their own special beauty.
Contrary to some online reviews, this is not a designated nudist beach, but naturalists do visit the far end of the beach. If this isn’t your scene and you’ve come overdressed, stay close to the entrance point.
Where to stay near Praia do Canavial
This easy breezy suit for two is comfortably furnished and includes access to shared pool and garden. Located in the centre of the peninsular, Praia do Canavial and Praia do Camilo are both an easy stroll away.
Check prices and availability on Airbnb.
Tips for visiting these Lagos beaches
- It’s best to visit these beaches around low tide – be aware that caves and tunnels can flood at high tide, cutting off some areas
- Some beaches are only accessible via rugged paths and steep staircases, so it’s a good idea to bring enclosed shoes
- Many of the cliffs along the coast are unstable and not protected by safety rails – take extra care when walking and taking photos
- Only a couple of these beaches in Lagos are accessible – I’ve included more information below
- Some of the more remote beaches don’t have facilities, so remember to bring your own beach towel, umbrella, drinking water and food provisions
- Remember these are cold water beaches and can be very chilly, even in the middle of summer!
- Not all beaches have a lifeguard station – if you have young kids or you’re not a confident swimmer, stick to the busier beaches closer to town (see more details below)
Portugal essentials
- Prefer a hotel?: Browse accommodations on Booking.com.
- Hire a car in Portugal: Use Discover Cars to find an affordable rental in Lisbon or in the Azores Islands.
- Book Portugal city tours & day trips: Find the best itineraries and local guides on Get Your Guide.
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- First-timers guide to visiting Lisbon (written by a local)