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24 of the Best Beaches in Lagos
Chances are if you're visiting Lagos then you will be looking forward to spending a good deal of time on the beach - in which case you won't be disappointed. Lagos is in fact home to some of the very best beaches the Algarve has to offer. Not only are there great beaches right on the town's doorstep, there are a number of beaches to choose from, all offering something different. From the cozy intimate coves of Praia de Dona Ana and Camilo with their spectacular rock formations to the seemingly endless stretch of fine sand at Meia Praia.
Many visitors to Lagos don't feel the need to explore further than the town beach of Praia da Batata - which is within easy walking distance of Lagos. However, those who do will be rewarded with some of the Algarve's most pristine and alluring beaches such as the wide sandy Porto do Mós. This is a great option during the peak summer months when the beaches closest to Lagos can become rather busy.
Wherever you head be sure to pack your sunscreen and a word of warning; the sea temperature at this end of the Algarve tends to be surprisingly cold year round due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the Best and Closest Beaches to Lagos?
Showing 1 - 10 of 24
- Lagos
Jose ManuelPraia da Dona Ana is often cited as the best beach on the Algarve, in fact it was even described as the 'best beach in the World' by magazine Condé Nast Traveller. That's quite a lot to live up to! Dona Ana beach is the classic Algarve cove; nestled between the sandstone cliffs on the eastern side of Ponta da Piedade, it is sheltered from the breeze but catches all the day's sun. This section of coast is sometimes referred to as the Costa d'Ouro (Golden coast) on account of the yellow/red...
- LagosManuelvbotelho | BY-SA
Literally translating to 'half beach', this vast expanse of sand near the interesting old town of Lagos wraps itself around one of the biggest bays in Europe. The wide bay offers protection from rough seas, which makes this long beach of soft, white sand particularly popular with families.
Meia Praia is dotted with snack bars and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for those of you who enjoy long, sandy walks, while the absence of rocks under...
- Lagos
Along with neighbouring Praia Dona Ana, the beach of Camilo is Lagos' (if not one of the Algarve's) iconic beach. Whilst Dona Ana may have the slight edge when it comes to outlandish, cohre rock formations and grottoes, Praia do Camilo shares the same golden sand and crystal clear, azure waters.
To reach the beach involves negotiating the 200 wooden steps which wind their way down the orange cliffs. These same cliffs offer shelter from the ocean winds making Praia do Camilo a...
- LagosJose A. | BY-SA
Technically speaking Praia de São Roque doesn't exist as a beach in its own right and is generally considered to be part of the vast crescent of sand that is Meia Praia. The beach is still referred to by its old name by some locals though.
Historically Praia de São Roque and Meia Praia were two separate beaches divided by a stream. However, over the years the course of the stream has changed and no longer exists. The name itself comes from a...
- Lagos
Along with the neighbouring Praia do Cais da Solária, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to Lagos' town centre. Just a few minutes walk from all of the town's amenities this is the easiest option around. On the flipside this means it does tend to get busy fairly quickly during the summer months.
The beach is just across the main Avenida dos Descobrimentos from the town and can easily be spotted by the large plaza with a statue of São Gonçalo of Lagos that stands overlooking the ...
- Lagosdronepicr | BY-SA
To describe the little cove of Praia do Pinhão as a hidden gem might be going a little to far, but it is certainly a gem, and by Lagos standards somewhat hidden.
Tucked away at the bottom of the steep ochre cliffs that stretch along the coast towards Ponta da Piedade the beach at Praia do Pinhão is only really obvious to those who are looking for it. It is accessed by a steep stone stairway that makes its way down the cliff in a series of terraces.
Whilst the little beach here...
- LagosWilliam Warby | BY-SA
Praia dos Pinheiros is another of the amazing Lagos beaches which lie in the shelter of Ponta da Piedade. This is probably one of the most secluded little coves along this stretch of coast and access is courtesy of a steep stone stairway hewn into to the sandstone cliffs.
The high ochre cliffs here provide plenty of shelter from the wind and divide the beach up into a number of little coves. All around are the weird and wonderful rock formations that are the trademark of the Ponta da...
- Lagosmuffinn | BY-SA
Praia do Canavial sits just to the west of Lagos' famous Ponta de Piedade. This is the other side to all the much-photographed and well known coves with their iconic rock formations and calm, crystal clear waters.
Canavial is a very different beach to its neighbours to the east; whilst it shares the same sandstone cliffs the similarities end there. You won't find any rock arches and stacks, just tall yellow cliffs. And this is quite a long beach as opposed to the tiny coves over the...
- LagosLacobrigo | BY-SA
Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the longest beaches in the Lagos area, stretching for well over a kilometre; only Meia Praia on the other side of the town is bigger. This is yet another fine Algarve beach and provides a quieter alternative to Lagos' often busy beaches. Here you will find the same golden sandstone cliffs, fine sand and clear blue sea. There is even a choice of beachside cafes and restaurants along with all the facilities one would expect from a Blue Flag...
- Lagosian_woodhead1 | BY-SA
The little cove of Praia da Balança lies just within the shelter of the rocky Ponta da Piedade headland. This whole stretch of coast is defined by the eroded sandstone rocks which have been moulded into a variety of shapes over the milenia. Sometimes referred to as the "Costa de Oura" (Golden Coast) there are any number of rock arches, sinkholes, pinnacles, caves and grottos between here and the harbour at Lagos. This area is where all the guide book cover photo of Lagos are taken.
It...
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Lagos travel guide »
One of the most popular tourist destinations on the Algarve and certainly one of my favourites, Lagos is a bustling town full of activity, nightlife and modern attractions. However, it is also a town full of history and the monuments...