Nestled in the heart of theAlgarve, Lagos is an ideal base from which to explore the region’s wonders: sculpted cliffs, golden beaches, picturesque villages, wild landscapes and ancient remains. On foot, by car or by boat, excursions around the seaside resort offer a rare diversity and unforgettable panoramas. We loved exploring the area around Lagos and had some great surprises!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Lagos, to help you make your choice.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Lagos
Lagos is perfectly situated for exploring the sea and countryside. To simplify your visits, you can opt for guided tours. Here are our 3 favorites:
- Explore the caves and coves of Ponta da Piedade: by kayak, catamaran or small boat – see prices, availability and bookings
- Discover the spectacular Benagil Cave by speedboat – see this excursion
- Visit the village of Sagres and Cape St Vincent – see prices and book here
1. Sailing in Ponta da Piedade
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just a few minutes from downtown Lagos, Ponta da Piedade boasts a coastline sculpted by the ocean. Golden cliffs, natural arches, sea caves and turquoise waters make for a picture-postcard setting. Exploring this site from the sea is an unforgettable experience. A small motorboat takes you to secluded coves. By kayak, we paddled as close as possible to the rock formations, entering secret caves accessible only by sea. The catamaran is perfect for a relaxing swim.
What you will see
- Ponta da Piedade’s arches and tunnels
- Caves accessible only by sea
- Secret coves with translucent waters
How much time should I allow?
Excursions last between 1h15 and 3h. Departure from Lagos marina. We recommend booking in advance, especially in summer.
>> View available options and book now <<
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
2. Sailing to the Benagil cave
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Benagil cave is one of the natural gems of southern Portugal. From Lagos, speedboats take you along the Algarve’s iconic ochre cliffs. We loved this excursion, which combines exploration of the sea caves with a spectacular approach to Benagil’s famous circular vault. Along the way, you’ll see dozens of amazingly shaped natural formations, and maybe even some dolphins!
What you will see
- The Benagil cave and its skylight
- Other little-known sea caves
- An emblematic stretch of coastline between Lagos and Carvoeiro
How much time should I allow?
Excursions generally last between 2h30 and 3h from the Lagos marina. In summer, remember to book in advance!
>> Boat tour with a marine biologist <<
>> Outboard option <<
3. Visit the village of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
Why do we recommend this tour?
At the south-western tip of Europe, Sagres and Cape St. Vincent impress with their isolation, sheer cliffs and mystical atmosphere. We loved the simplicity of the village, its fortress, its fishing port and the views from the cape lighthouse. It’s also a place of legends and history linked to the great Portuguese discoveries.
What you will see
- Cap Saint-Vincent and its emblematic lighthouse
- The imposing silhouette of the Fortress of Sagres facing the sea
- Endless panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day or even a full day. We recommend booking in advance, especially in summer. Here are our 2 favorite excursions:
>> Half-day tour of Sagres and the Cape <<
>> Day trip with west coast beaches <<
4. Explore Portimão and the charming village of Ferragudo
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just a 30-minute drive away, Portimão combines urban bustle with seaside charm. We loved strolling through the historic center with its colorful streets and mosaic-decorated buildings. The walk along the Arade River is also very pleasant. Just opposite, Ferragudo is a small fishing village with white houses and cobbled streets. It’s the perfect duo for a day of culture and relaxation. If you’re less interested in the heart of the city, both destinations boast magnificent beaches topped by impressive ochre cliffs.
What you will see
- Downtown Portimão and its Zona Ribeirinha
- The quiet streets of Ferragudo
- Emblematic beaches: Praia da Rocha, Praia dos Três Castelos, Praia do Vau.
How much time should I allow?
One day is ideal for visiting downtown Portimão and Ferragudo. If you also want to enjoy the beaches, plan for 2 or even 3 days. A train serves the center of Portimão in 20 minutes from Lagos, but to explore the surrounding area (beaches and Ferragudo), the car is much more practical.
>> See our guide to Portimão <<
5. Stroll through the village of Alvor and enjoy its superb beach
Why do we recommend this tour?
Halfway between Lagos and Portimão, Alvor is a small seaside resort with character. We loved its tranquil atmosphere, cobbled streets and seafront. Its main beach, Praia de Alvor, is one of the longest in the region, lined with dunes. Accessible via wooden footbridges, it’s a really pleasant place to stroll. It’s the perfect place for walking, sunbathing or water sports. The Alvor Estuary is also very popular with kitesurfers!
What you will see
- Alvor village center and main church
- The Praia de Alvor and its golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see
- The Ria de Alvor nature reserve, a haven for birds
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day to a full day. Alvor is a 30-minute drive from Lagos.
6. Taking in the sights at Monchique
Why do we recommend this tour?
Looking for fresh mountain scenery? Direction Monchique, a picturesque village nestled between 2 wooded peaks. Its colorful houses, thermal baths, fountains and artisan atmosphere provide a counterpoint to the coastline. We enjoyed the artistic touches that punctuated our exploration of the alleyways: original sculptures, brightly colored murals, charming little craft stores. From Mount Fóia, you can contemplate the Algarve’s most beautiful mountain panoramas.
What you will see
- Monchique’s historic center, both artistic and traditional
- Alto da Fóia, a peak perched 902m above sea level
- Spectacular views of the Algarve’s lush countryside
How much time should I allow?
Ideal for a half-day, or even a full day if you come on your own. Allow a 45-minute drive from Lagos.
>> Opt for a guided tour in a small group <<
7. Hiking between the wild beaches of the Costa Vicentina
Why do we recommend this tour?
Discover the spectacular landscapes of the South-West Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Here, one beach follows another, alternating between vast stretches of sand as far as the eye can see and intimate coves bordered by high cliffs of schist or limestone. This stretch of coastline is one of the most unspoilt in southern Portugal, with its dark cliffs, wave-beaten shores and untamed nature. From Praia do Amado, this hike takes you away from the hustle and bustle to breathtaking vantage points where you can feel the raw energy of the Atlantic Ocean!
What you will see
- Amado Beach and Murração Beach
- Steep cliffs and deserted coves
- Typical flora of the Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Southwest Natural Park
How much time should I allow?
The guided tour is a full-day affair, but you can choose to go on your own. About 40min drive from Lagos.
>> Book a private guided tour <<
8. Visit the Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar
Why do we recommend this tour?
A 30-minute drive from Lagos, the Alcalar Megalithic Site plunges you back into the third millennium BC, into the mysterious world of the prehistoric communities that populated the region. This tour will particularly appeal to archaeology and ancient history enthusiasts, as you’ll need to think ahead. The remains are visually unspectacular. A small, slightly dated museum near the ticket office features a reconstruction video and a number of useful explanatory panels to help visitors better understand the site. A cultural break off the beaten track!
What you will see
- The 2 main funerary temples, impressive examples of prehistoric architecture
- The 19th-century lime kiln, an ingenious construction that demonstrates the site’s continuity of occupation
- A small introductory museum
How much time should I allow?
Allow 30min to 1h for the simple visit. However, to enrich your experience and better understand the daily life of prehistoric populations, the Portimão Museum offers several educational activities at the Alcalar site. It’s a great way to make your visit more lively and immersive!
>> Find out more about the Alcalar site <<
9. Enjoy the dynamic seaside resort of Albufeira
Why do we recommend this tour?
A 45-minute drive away, Albufeira seduced us with its golden beaches, picturesque historic center and lively atmosphere day and night. Once a fishing village, now one of Portugal’s most popular destinations, the town offers a fine balance of nature, relaxation, culture and entertainment. Here you’ll find magnificent beaches nestling at the foot of cliffs, whitewashed houses and a wide range of water sports.
What you will see
- Albufeira’s old town
- The beaches of Praia do Peneco, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia da Oura
- Evening street entertainment
How much time should I allow?
A full day is ideal for exploring the city and enjoying the beaches. Allow 2 or 3 more days if you also want to enjoy the nightlife, as this is a very popular party destination.
>> See our guide to visiting Albufeira <<
10. Visit Faro and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
Why do we recommend this tour?
Located 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Lagos, Faro is much more than just a point of arrival by air. We were charmed by this capital of the Algarve, which skilfully blends historical heritage with a seaside atmosphere. You’ll discover a preserved historic center, interesting museums and a fascinating multicultural heritage. Its proximity to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and its fine sandy beaches make it a destination that is both urban and natural.
What you will see
- Faro city center and its Arco da Vila
- The Ria Formosa and its islands accessible by boat
- The peaceful atmosphere of the marshes
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day from Lagos, or even 1 day more to explore the destination in depth. Many excursions leave from the port to discover the Ria Formosa by boat.
>> See our detailed article on Faro <<
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages (coming soon)
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
