Planning a 3-day visit to Lagos, a long weekend or a short break in the Algarve? Nestled on Portugal’s southern coast, this destination boasts spectacular beaches lined with golden cliffs and a historic center with authentic charm. With its relaxed atmosphere typical of the Algarve, we were won over by this seaside resort which combines culture, nature and relaxation to perfection.
In this article, we suggest a 3-day itinerary to discover Lagos at your own pace: between the must-see sites, panoramic walks by the ocean, excursions to the surrounding area and, of course, lazy breaks on its mythical beaches. 3 days of discovery and escape. Take advantage of our practical advice and our many photos to optimize your stay and fully experience this immersion on the shores of theAtlantic Ocean!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Lagos in 3 days
What can you see in Lagos in 3 days? Is it long enough?
Three days in Lagos is an ideal length of time for a first discovery of this pearl of the Algarve. You’ll have time to explore the must-sees of the historic center, admire the spectacular cliffs of Ponta da Piedade and enjoy some of the region’s most beautiful beaches. This short stay also allows you to savor the relaxed atmosphere of the city, between strolls along the seafront and stops at typical restaurants. Of course, you won’t be able to see everything, but this extended weekend in Lagos already offers a great overview of culture, nature and relaxation.
Map of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here’s our map of the main tourist attractions in Lagos:
Getting around Lagos
Getting around Lagos is easy and pleasant, especially in the city center, which is easy to get around on foot thanks to its pedestrian streets and low traffic levels. A car, on the other hand, is a convenient way to reach Ponta da Piedade and outlying beaches such as Praia do Canavial. Alternatively, you can opt for boat excursions from the marina. For a more fun way to get around, a small tourist train serves the city’s main sites – more info here. You can also use the city bus network or take a cab.
Where to sleep in Lagos?
WHERE TO STAY IN Lagos
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best hotel in Porto de Mós
Hotel Vivenda Miranda – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Ponta da Piedade
Cascade Wellness Resort Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Meia Praia
Aparthotel Palmares Signature – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in the old town
Hotel Lagos Avenida – See prices, photos and availability
Our ideal itinerary: 3 days in Lagos
Day 1 – Dive into the historic heart of the city
10h-11h30: Stroll through the old town and marina
Start your tour in the historic heart of Lagos. Narrow cobbled streets, white facades embellished with azulejos or colored earthenware, and lively little squares create a typical, friendly atmosphere. On the way down to the marina, we changed worlds with pleasure boats, modern cafés and the pretty promenade along the Ribeira de Bensafrim.
Take advantage of your exploration to quickly enter the Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos overlooking Praça Infante Dom Henrique. Continue under the Arch of São Gonçalo, a medieval vestige of Lagos Castle. From the Ponta da Bandeira Fort, contemplate the magnificent view of the ocean and coastline. Finish off with a quick stop at the Lagos Municipal Market to whet your appetite just before lunch!
11:30am-12:30pm: Visit the Museum of Lagos and the Church of Saint Anthony
Immerse yourself in local history at the Museum of Lagos! With its cabinet of curiosities, handicrafts and sacred art, the museum’s collections offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural identity of the Algarve. Adjacent to the museum, the Baroque nave of the Church of Saint-Antoine, with its wealth of ornamentation, is a highlight of the visit. We were won over by the venue’s clarity, meticulous staging and accessibility. In our opinion, it’s one of the region’s most comprehensive and enjoyable museums for understanding its history and know-how.
Depending on your interests, you can also visit the Musée de l’Esclavage. It raises awareness of a major historical subject through an educational approach. Although small, it houses a collection of period objects and documents that bear witness to the slave trade in the region. The exhibition is enhanced by digital tablets that make the visit more interactive and fun.
12:30-14:00: Lunch in a traditional restaurant
For lunch, we recommend Restaurant A Petisqueira in the old town. You’ll love the elegant, contemporary setting, where you’ll find fine, gourmet dishes, enhanced by a fine selection of Portuguese wines. Another excellent option is Restaurant O Mexilhão, also located in the historic heart with vegetarian options. We were impressed by their display of freshly caught fish and their Algarve wine list. Find more inspiration in our article on the best restaurants in Lagos!
2pm-5pm: Enjoy the golden beaches of Lagos
After lunch, it’s time to relax on Lagos’ iconic beaches. Depending on your mood, you can opt for sunbathing and lounging, or try your hand at water sports. Praia do Camilo, nestled in the heart of ochre cliffs, is undoubtedly the town’s most beautiful beach, ideal for a swim in turquoise waters or a stroll on the sand at low tide.
Lagos is also one of the best destinations in southern Portugal for water sports. For example, you can try your hand at surfing the Atlantic waves, or go snorkeling along the rock formations to observe the colorful seabed. Whatever you decide, this afternoon will be an opportunity to take full advantage of the natural beauty of the coastline.
5pm-7:30pm: Relaxing at the hotel
After a day rich in cultural discoveries, we recommend that you take full advantage of your accommodation. The Lagos Avenida Hotel boasts a rooftop lounge with pool and bar, and a breathtaking view of the marina. It is also home to one of the city’s finest restaurants. – See prices, photos and availability.
TheAparthotel Palmares Signature, located on a golf course, offers an exceptional setting overlooking the Alvor Estuary and features a bistronomic restaurant and a Michelin-starred establishment for a memorable gastronomic evening. – See prices, photos and availability.
See our article on the best hotels in Lagos to make your choice!
7:30-10pm: Dinner in an exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant
After a well-deserved break at your hotel to shower and change into clean clothes, how about an exceptional gastronomic experience to round off a day of relaxation and epicurean delights? We warmly recommend Restaurant Al Sud, the best restaurant in Lagos, which offers refined cuisine in an elegant setting with, as a bonus, a view of the bay! This gastronomic evening is the perfect culmination to your ocean-focused day.
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)
Day 2 – Between golden cliffs and mythical beaches
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Stroll along the panoramic paths of Ponta da Piedade and swim
Start your morning exploring Ponta da Piedade, undoubtedly one of Portugal’s most spectacular natural landscapes. We were captivated by the panoramic views along the marked trails, between golden cliffs, rocky arches and turquoise waters. The formations sculpted by erosion offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for immortalizing your memories.
The wooden footbridges make the walk pleasant and safe, while preserving this fragile site where steep cliffs call for caution. If you want to extend the experience, some trails lead down to small, hidden beaches, such as Praia do Canavial. There’s nothing like a refreshing swim in this picture-postcard setting to start the day and soak up the Lagos spirit.
12:30-14:00: Lunch in a restaurant overlooking the ocean
For lunch, we particularly recommend Restaurant Luca’s Rooftop, with its exceptional panoramic view of the Praia Dona Ana. It is one of Lagos’ finest restaurants. We enjoyed their selection of fresh seafood, a perfect match for the idyllic setting. It’s the perfect place to take a gourmet break while contemplating the natural beauty you’ve just discovered from the cliffs.
2pm-5pm: Boat tour of Ponta da Piedade’s marine arches
In the afternoon, discover the rock formations from a totally different angle with a kayak or boat trip. This perspective from the ocean offers an even more immersive experience than the morning visit from the top of the cliffs. We were fascinated by the opportunity to get as close as possible to these natural arches and sea caves sculpted by the centuries. The play of light on the limestone walls creates an absolutely magical spectacle!
>> Book your boat trip to Ponta da Piedade now <<
5pm-7:30pm: Enjoy the exceptional setting of your hotel
Some hotels are ideally located just a few minutes from incredible beaches, as is the case with our two favorites. The Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda, perched on the cliffs of Porto de Mós, boasts a magnificent panoramic swimming pool with built-in jets and a charming garden overlooking the ocean – see photos, photos and availability.
The Cascade Wellness Resort overlooks the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, and we were amazed by its two spectacular pools: one with infinite curves overlooking the ocean, the other lined with fine sand like a beach. Take full advantage of these exceptional facilities – see photos, photos and availability.
7.30-10pm: Dinner in a French restaurant
After several meals of Portuguese dishes, you’re in the mood for a change of flavour? We recommend Restaurant Amorizade, run by a young French couple. This address particularly appealed to us for its ability to blend French influences with local products. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover creative cuisine in a warm atmosphere, for an evening of conviviality and gastronomy. This is one of our favourite restaurants in Lagos!
Day 3 – Between Portimão and the charming village of Ferragudo
10am-12.30pm: Tour of downtown Portimão
This morning will take you to Portimão, about a 30-minute drive from Lagos. We recommend you visit the tourist center and walk along the Zona Ribeirinha, which offer an authentic glimpse of this dynamic port city. Check out our article on the resort’s must-do activities for inspiration! It’s best to bring your own vehicle to visit Ferragudo on the same day, to simplify your travel arrangements.
If you don’t have a car, Portimão railway station is close to the center. The Lagos-Portimão train journey takes around 20min – find out more about the CP rail network here. Then take the local bus to Ferragudo and its beaches. From Portimão city center, the 110 bus stop “Ferragudo (Largo do Regato)” serves the charming village of Ferragudo.
12:30-14:00: Lunch in Portimão or Ferragudo
Depending on how long it takes you to visit the city center in the morning, we offer two lunch options. You can have lunch directly in Portimão at Restaurant Mãe Terra for its healthy, vegetarian cuisine, or check out our selection of the best restaurants.
Alternatively, cross the Ponte Velha to Ferragudo. Restaurant Benjamim Bistro or Restaurant O Barril are two establishments that perfectly embody the Portuguese art of living. These addresses offer authentic cuisine in a relaxed, friendly setting. You can enjoy your meal on the terrace while observing the tranquil pace of local life.
2pm-3.30pm: Stroll through Ferragudo’s historic center
The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the historic center of Ferragudo, a charming village that seduced us with its flower-filled cobbled streets and preserved authenticity. You’ll stroll through typical little streets where every corner holds a surprise, between traditional whitewashed houses and colorful gardens overflowing with bougainvillea. This peaceful stroll will allow you to discover the true soul of the Algarve, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
3.30pm-6pm: Hiking or lounging on the beach
For this late afternoon, we offer two options to suit your mood. If you’re looking for relaxation, the Praia Grande, located not too far from the center of Ferragudo, offers the ideal setting for lazing around with its calm waters and golden sand. If you’re in the mood for a bit of sport, we recommend the cliff-top hike from Restaurant O Molhe to Praia dos Caneiros, a coastal path offering exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean and the destination’s finest beaches.
Alternative 1: Visiting Lagos with the family
If you’re visiting Lagos with children, we’ve put together a selection of activities to delight young and old alike. Here are our suggestions for family attractions:
Lagos Zoo
Located around 12km from Lagos, the zoo is a great day out if you’re traveling with the family. The area is well planted with trees, making it pleasant even in the hottest weather, with plenty of shade and picnic areas. What’s surprising is the layout: few cages, real proximity to the animals, sometimes within arm’s reach! There’s a great variety of birds, some mammals and a beach shared with turtles and penguins – swimsuits recommended. It’s easy to get to by bus from the city center, and reasonably priced for a great half-day out in nature. – book your ticket here!
Parque Aventura de Lagos
Lagos’ Parque Aventura will appeal to intrepid children and adrenaline-seeking adults alike. With courses suitable for beginners to advanced riders, we particularly appreciated the balance between fun and challenge. There are also several picnic areas where you can enjoy a pleasant break in the shade of the tall pines. In our opinion, this is one of the best family activities in Lagos!
Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
The Musée des Sciences Vivantes succeeds in making complex subjects such as navigation, exploration and marine science accessible to the public. It’s clearly designed with children in mind: the exhibits are interactive, fun and adapted to the youngest visitors, with lots of games, experiments to handle and even a large outdoor play area. The location is pleasant, even in midsummer, and ideal for an outing with family or friends. This is one of the best cultural activities in Lagos, and a must if you’re staying in the city for several days!
Alternative 2: Experience the ocean in Lagos
A seaside resort par excellence, Lagos invites you to experience the ocean at its fullest, with marine encounters and thrills. Here are our 3 favorite activities:
Observe dolphins in their natural environment
Watching dolphins in the wild was one of the most moving moments of our stay in Lagos. We embarked from the marina for a sea excursion, accompanied by enthusiastic guides. We were soon lucky enough to come across a school of dolphins, which followed us for thirty minutes. It was magical to see them evolve in their natural habitat, without artifice. An experience we recommend with your eyes closed!
>> Book your dolphin-watching tour in Lagos now <<
Surfing the waves of the Algarve
Located in the south of Portugal, Lagos is without doubt one of the best surfing destinations in the Algarve. Its sunny climate, wild landscapes, spectacular cliffs and, above all, beaches with consistent waves make it a true surfer’s paradise. Whether you want to learn to surf, progress or push your limits, you’ll discover a wide range of options. The town itself has a relaxed atmosphere, typical of surf towns, which we loved.
>> Book your surf lesson in the Algarve now <<
Kayaking along the Algarve’s golden cliffs
Kayaking along the cliffs of Lagos was an incredible adventure. We paddled in small groups at the foot of golden rocks, slipped into caves and crossed natural arches. The experience offers a totally different view of the rock formations, far more immersive than from the trails. A must if you want to combine sport and nature!
>> Book your kayak trip to Ponta da Piedade <<
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
Alternative 3: With more excursions in the region
Nestled in the heart of the Algarve, Lagos is an ideal base from which to explore the region’s wonders. Here are a few additional suggestions to tailor your itinerary to your desires:
Sea trip to the Benagil cave
Would you like to discover one of the Algarve’s most emblematic sites? The Benagil cave fascinated us! This natural cathedral of impressive dimensions is only accessible by sea. This boat trip allows you to admire the coast’s spectacular geological formations from the ocean, offering a unique perspective on these wonders sculpted by marine erosion. The circular opening at the top of the cave creates an absolutely magical play of light.
>> Book your boat trip to the Benagil Grotto now <<
Immersion in the wild west coast
This day will be dedicated to exploring the wild west coast and Europe’s famous “end of the world”. You can opt for a guided excursion with pick-up from your hotel in Lagos: it includes a visit to the village of Aljezur and its panoramic castle, the discovery of the unspoilt beaches of Montes Clérigos and Carrapateira, lunch in a typical village, then the afternoon in Sagres to explore the fortress and contemplate the spectacular cliffs, before finishing at Cape St. Vincent at sunset.
>> Book your guided tour of the West Coast <<
Taking in the sights at Monchique
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.
>> Opt for a guided tour in a small group <<
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What you need to know for your trip to Lagos
The weather in Lagos
Lagos can be very hot in summer. We recommend that you visit us in spring or autumn. You can even look forward to winter, when temperatures remain mild. A more temperate climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities and beautiful scenery without suffering from excessive heat. This flexibility in choosing when to visit is one of the advantages of the region.
The crowds in Lagos
Lagos is a popular tourist destination not only in the high season, but also in the low season. We noticed that Ponta de Piedade, which is particularly well known, attracts a huge number of visitors. To make the most of your stay, you’ll need to plan ahead. The city’s growing popularity requires a certain amount of organization. A word of advice: book your boat trip to Ponta de Piedade now!
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
Although rare, rain can sometimes be a problem during your visit to Lagos. In this case, we suggest museums such as the Lagos Museum, the Slavery Museum or the Museum of Living Sciences. Historic churches also offer an interesting cultural haven. Take the opportunity to discover the stores of small local craftsmen, particularly those specializing in traditional Portuguese ceramics, a veritable treasure trove of regional craftsmanship. Or visit modern, welcoming places like Mar d’Estórias, a craft store, café-restaurant and rooftop bar in one!
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
