Lagos Beaches

The beaches in Lagos are some of the best in the Algarve! With fine golden sands, magnificent views and gentle waves, the beaches in Lagos can be appreciated by all ages. There are many beaches dotted around the centre of Lagos, of varying proximity, with tiny cove beaches in between, and your choice will ultimately be guided by where you are staying, whether or not you have a car and the facilities you desire. To be honest, which ever beach or cove you choose in Lagos, you can be assured that you won't be disappointed!

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Praia da Batata

Lagos "town beach"

Praia da Batata is the closest beach to Lagos town centre and consequently is known locally as the “town beach”. Historically guarded by the Forte Ponta da Bandeira, this forte still remains almost perfectly intact and offers a magnificent sight as you arrive at Batata beach.

Although a small beach, especially compared to Meia Praia, Batata beach is wonderfully sheltered and is divided into smaller coves by accessible holes in the rocks.

There is a beach bar at the main entrance to the beach and another further along, which is also accessible down steps (but just be warned, the steps are quite steep so if you’re with children it may be best to enter from the flatter main entrance next to the forte).

Praia da Batata also plays host to some fanstic beach parties throughout the year (particularly in the Summer), with famous DJ's and people arriving from the rest of the Algarve and from the rest of Portugal. Praia da Batata is supervised during the 'beach season'

Praia do Camilo

Praia do Camilo is simply beautiful! The view over the beach from the top is breathtaking and if you can make it down all the steps you will not be disappointed! Access to the beach was significantly improved in 2008, with new wooden steps and landings in between. The steps have made Praia do Camilo accessible to a lot more people, and have also made it a lot safer. Picturesque cliffs embrace the little beach and the rock formations are magnificent. When the sun is on the water, it is a wonderful bay for swimming and it is an ideal choice of beach for a breezy day.

For those however who appreciate a more relaxing day, staying at the top of the top of the steps can be just as fulfilling! There is a lovely restaurant, which is very popular with local residents, serving local dishes and specialising in freshly caught seafood. You can sit outside, look at the view and without even trying, relax!

Praia do Camilo is the beach after Dona Ana on the way to Ponta da Piedade and is the next turning on the left from Estrada da Ponta da Piedade. There is a small car park by the restaurant and the steps down are to the left. It is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Praia da Dona Ana

Praia da Dona Ana is embraced by the cliffs, which offer shelter from the sea breeze. Protruding rocks breaks up the sand and the sea is home to magnificent rock formations that offer a fabulous sight from the beach. There is parking behind the beach which quickly fills up t the height of summer but there is also space for parking along the roadside just past the turning for Dona Ana. Access to the beach is by way of wooden steps, so it's not suitable for disabled access.

It's quite an easy walk from town..start from the back of Praça da Republica at the traffic lights and follow the road up past the cultural centre (Rua Lançarote de Freitas) until it goes through the town walls. At the roundabout, keep left, walking past Camp site 'Trindade' and follow the road until you come to a road on the left (opposite 'Villas D.Dinis') leading down to Dona Ana. Alternatively, drive up the hill from the end of Avenida dos Descobrimentos, turn left at the 'ball' roundabout, straight across at the 'tulip' roundabout, then first left , right at the T-junction and first left to the car park. Dona Ana is supervised during the 'beach season'.

Meia Praia

Meia Praia is the most famous of the Lagos beaches. Its sheer size, wonderfully clean sand, lovely beach bars and proximity to the town make Meia Praia a perfect choice for relaxing into the beach life. Its amazing August 29th beach party, where literally thousands flock to listen to DJ’s and dance the night away has also helped in Meia Praia’s deserving reputation.

Starting from the east of Lagos, Meia Praia stretches as far as the eye can see. It extends over 4km up to the delta of the rivers Odiáxere and Arão and you can access it at many points along the way. At its closest point to Lagos town centre, you can access the beach from behind the marina, down past the railway station. It takes no more than 10 minutes to walk there from the edge of town.

Alternatively there is a water taxi ("Vai Vem") from the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, opposite the underground carpark, which drops off on the other side of the river giving direct access to Meia Praia.

There is plenty of parking behind the beach at various points along it's length. The nearest one just past the railway station has three of Meia Praia’s beach bars directly accessible by wooden walkways making easy access for wheelchair users. At this end of the beach there are also special beach wheelchairs (along with people to help) that can be used in the water as well as making travel on the sand easier. There are plenty of sun beds with palm shades to hire if you don’t want to take your own umbrellas with you (cost around €5 for the day), otherwise simply turn up with your bag packed and be spoilt for choice on this lovely wide beach and pick a spot somewhere between the waters edge and the soft sand dunes at the back.

Meia Praia is supervised during the 'beach season' with lifeguards at various points along the beach. It is also classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Praia do Porto de Mós

Praia do Porto de Mós is an easily accessible flat beach, with car parking just behind and a couple of restaurants at the entrance. Porto de Mós really is a beautiful beach. As with all of the Lagos beaches, the sand is soft and clean and it’s very safe for children to play. In summer time it is really popular with residents and tourists, but there is enough space for everyone to enjoy it.

In the winter months it seems even more beautiful; it’s wonderfully quiet, so you can simply stroll up and down, listen to the waves lapping, or sit in one of the restaurants and admire the view.

Porto de Mós is the beach furthest from Lagos town centre..to get there follow the Avenida dos Descobrimentos and go up the hill past the fire station. Turn left at the 'ball' roundabout, straight across the 'tulip' roundabout and keep going straight across the next roundabout, down the hill and you arrive at the car park for the beach. It would be quite a walk, so either get a bus or taxi if you're not driving. If you are feeling energetic and want a great view..walk up to the top of the cliffs on the western side of the beach...you can even walk all the way to Luz!

Porto de Mós is supervised during the 'beach season' and is classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.