Beaches in Lagos
Beach lovers value Lagos especially because of its incredible variety and number of beaches, and many people say that they are the best in the Algarve.
A highlight in the east of Lagos is the 4-km-long fine sandy beach "Meia Praia", which runs along a dune landscape. Further to the south-west, water enthusiasts will find numerous bays for swimming such as "Praia da Batata", "Praia do Pinhão", "Praia do Camilo", "Praia Dona Ana" and the larger bathing bay, "Praia Porto de Mós". Nowhere else does the viewer see the picture, which comes to everyone’s mind at the thought of Portugal: picturesque rock formations and a multitude of small grottos of orange-yellow-coloured sandstone.
All the beaches are marked with the blue flag. "Meia Praia" and "Praia Porto de Mós" are classified as "accessible beaches", recognisable by the white flag..
Meia Praia
The road from the station leads directly to Meia Praia beach, a 4-kilometre-long sandy beach with sand dunes, ideal for swimming, beach walks and water sports. Numerous beach restaurants, some open all year round, offer fresh fish and seafood.
Along the beach are numerous parking spaces, some of which are subject to charges. A bus runs every hour from the Avenida dos Descobrimentos to the eastern end of "Meia Praia".
If you want to reach "Meia Praia" on foot, cross the pedestrian bridge at the marina and follow the road past the station to the beach. Alternatively, from the promenade (Avenida dos Descobrimentos), you can take a small passenger ferry ("Vai Vem") to the western end of "Meia Praia" during the summer months.
Small passenger ferry, “Vai Vem”, that can take you to Meia Praia
Praia da Batata (Town beach)
Located directly next to the port entrance, and easily accessible on foot, is the Praia da Batata, also called the town beach. In the immediate neighbourhood is the Forte Ponta da Bandeira, a medieval fortress built to protect Lagos.
The "Praia da Batata" is pleasantly wind-sheltered in a small bay interrupted by rock formations. From here, daily water sports and kayak tours take off. The "Festa de Banho 29", a beach party organised by the town of Lagos, takes place every year on 29 August.
Praia do Pinhão
The small beach "Praia do Pinhão" lies hidden in a northerly direction below the cliffs in a small bay, which can be reached via some stone steps. The beach is not commercially developed, so it is still considered a small "secret tip" among bathers. From here, you have the same view of the famous rock formations as from the "Praia Dona Ana" beach, and the water is equally crystal clear. Ideal for snorkelling.
Praia da Dona Ana
The "Praia da Dona Ana" beach is sheltered from the wind and lies in the immediate vicinity of the "Ponta de Piedade" grotto, surrounded by luminous orange-coloured rock formations that rise up from the sea. "Praia da Dona Ana" is famous for its turquoise, crystal-clear water, which shimmers in countless colour shades due to the natural soil texture of the bay. It has been recognised by travel magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Access to the beach is via a wooden staircase, so it is not wheelchair accessible. There are some parking spaces right along the beach.
Praia do Camilo
If you turn towards Ponte da Piedade, Lagos's most famous rocky cliffs complete with lighthouse and grotto landscape, but turn left earlier, you will reach the "Praia do Camilo", one of the most beautiful beaches in Lagos. The views from above across scenic cliffs and the picturesque rock formations offshore are breathtaking. The beach is very sheltered from wind, and the waves are small because of the rocks, which provides ideal conditions for snorkelling and swimming. Through a small tunnel in the rocks, decorated with shells, you can reach an additional bay with an equally beautiful sandy beach, where you can still find a place to sunbathe at high tide.
The beach is reached via a wooden staircase with 196 steps, which you have to climb up again, unfortunately, in the evening! By the way, the beach takes its name from the "O Camilo" fish restaurant, which stands above the cliffs and offers a fantastic view of the coast towards Lagos. Parking is available in front of the restaurant.
Praia Porto de Mós
To the west of Lagos lies the sheltered beach Praia Porto de Mós in an elongated sandy bay with high ochre-coloured cliffs on either side. The beach is spacious and commercially developed. There are two beach restaurants with terraces and fantastic sea views, sun loungers, sun umbrellas and several providers of water-sports activities. The beach is classified as an accessible beach.
You can reach the beach by turning off at the roundabout and following the signs with the iron ball. Parking is available.