Things to do — Lagos

Lagos organises its experiences naturally around two complementary poles: the coast and cliffs on one side, the town and hinterland on the other.

Ponta da Piedade and sea excursions are the absolute priority. The kayak tour (departing from Lagos harbour, 2-3 hours, €30-45) is the finest way to discover the formations: you enter caves, pass through tunnels and land on beaches unreachable from the cliff paths. Inflatable boat (zodiac) tours (1.5h, €25-35) cover more ground, going as far as Praia da Marinha and the Benagil cave. For confident swimmers and freedivers, the caves at Ponta da Piedade can also be explored from the water at the base of the staircase.

The beaches around Lagos offer very different experiences. Praia da Dona Ana (cliff-framed coves, bar in season) and Praia do Camilo (cliff staircase, intimate) for spectacular scenery. Praia de Porto de Mós (3 km away) for a larger and less crowded beach. Praia da Meia Praia (north of the harbour, summer ferry connection) for families and long beach walks. Praia do Camilo also works for beginner surfing on small-wave days.

The old town takes 2-3 hours to explore properly. The Mercado de Lagos (covered market, 19th century) is the best place to buy fresh fish, fruit and local specialities in the morning. The Igreja de Santo António (18th century) is a masterpiece of Portuguese baroque with its azulejo panels and gilded altarpiece — often overlooked by beach-focused visitors. The Forte da Ponta da Bandeira on the harbour (17th century) offers a good view over the Ribeira de Bensafrim estuary. The lanes around Praça Gil Eanes and Rua da Barroca have the best local restaurants.

Ginja and Portuguese coffee. Lagos is a coffee town: start every day with a bica (espresso) and a pastel de nata in one of the cafés on Praça da República. In the evening, ginja (bitter cherry liqueur) is drunk in the small bars of the old town — a Portuguese tradition that comes into its own in this setting.