The 14 Beaches of Lagos, Portugal

I have sorted out all the beaches of Lagos, in Algarve according to their proximity to the old town center. From East to West starting with Praia Meia and ending in Praia da Luz. I'm going to tell you how each beach is like and at the end of the article I'll tell you which are my favorites.

Algarve Beaches Near Lagos Old Town

Praia Meia

Praia Meia is one of the largest and least explored beach in the Algarve. This was my favorite place to watch the sunrise when I lived in Lagos. The photos were taken with my drone.

Accessibility: It is an easily accessible beach. To get there it is necessary to cross the pier bridge from Lagos. If you go by car, you will enjoy the ample parking available. If you prefer public transportation, there are bus options from different points in the region, making your arrival easier.

Characteristics:

1. Length: With approximately 5 kilometers in length, this beach is one of the longest in the Algarve. It is perfect for walking, hiking or yoga at sunrise.
2. Tourist Influx: Although Meia Praia is a popular beach in Lagos, you will notice that it tends to be less crowded than others in the region because of its size. It is located in the heart of Lagos, and it is perfect if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Services: The beach offers sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. In addition, along the beach there are several restaurants and bars, where you can try everything from local dishes to international options. If you are into water sports, there are specific areas for activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Batata Beach

Praia da Batata is a popular beach in Lagos among tourists and locals alike. Often referred to as the "city beach".

Accessibility: It is a very accessible beach, especially if you are staying in the old town of Lagos. From the center of Lagos, you can reach by foot in 5 minutes. There are also parking lots nearby if you decide to go by car.

Characteristics:

1. Length: Despite being a one of the smaller Lagos beaches, Praia da Batata has something special, its tunnels, one of its unique features. It has a modest length compared to other beaches in the Algarve, but its cozy atmosphere and tunnels make it attractive to visitors.
2. Tourist Influx: Due to its central location, Praia da Batata tends to be a popular beach among tourists staying in Lagos. It is often visited by tourists who are going to spend the day in Lagos and see the old town.

Services: Despite its smaller size, Praia da Batata has essential services such as lifeguards.

Praia Batata is known for being a starting point for kayak tours and boat trips to the caves and grottos of Lagos. The tour I recommend is with Kayak Tour.The owners, Thiago and David are very nice, I leave the link below.

Praia dos Estudiantes

Accessibility: It's just right next to Praia Batata, in fact is accessed through the 2 tunnels of this beach. You can find it about 5 minutes from the center.

Characteristics:

1. Length: It is a small but iconic beach because of the famous rock bridge.
2. Tourist Influx: It is usually quite busy with tourists as it is a very photographed spot. Its proximity to downtown also helps to increase its popularity.

The rock bridge at Praia dos Estudantes in Lagos is known as "the Roman arch". It was part of the Pinhão Fortress, which collapsed during an earthquake in 1755. This bridge is one of the few remaining remnants of the fortress.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Pinhão Beach

Accessibility: This beach is located just next to the Lagos Fire Station. In addition, it is the beginning of the complete route towards Ponta da Piedade. It is accessed by vertical stairs.

1. Length: The beach is very small and disappears during high tide. But it splits in two, and after crossing a cave you will find a slightly larger bay.
2. Tourist Influx: It is very little traveled by tourists, It is a difficult spot to find if you are not a local.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Beaches of the Route to Ponta da Piedade

Praia Dona Ana

Praia Dona Ana is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the area. This beach is especially known for its natural beauty, surrounded by cliffs. It is also known for snorkeling and other water activities. I have a entire article dedicated to Praia de Dona Ana beach with detailed information about what to do in this beach.

Praia do Camilo

Accessibility: This beach is located on the wooden walkway on the way to Ponta da Piedade, just in front of O Camilo restaurant. The beach is accessible by a long staircase of wood of approximately 200 steps located on the top of a cliff.

1. Length: Although it is not a long beach, it is larger than it appears at first glance, as it extends across a cliff, connected by a tunnel. During high tide, much of the sand disappears, limiting the available space.
2. Tourist Influx: It is well known by tourists.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service beyond the restaurant you will find at the entrance, O Camilo.

Boneca Beach

This beach is characterized for being difficult to access and surrounded by high cliffs. The windbreaks, which offer protection from the wind and create an impressive backdrop for visitors.

Accessibility: The beach is accessible only through a tunnel and is located in a secluded corner of the Algarve.

1. Length: I recommend visiting Praia da Boneca during low tide, when the sandy strip is accessible. It is important to be cautious because of the possibility of rockslides and landslides, and to keep a safe distance from the cliffs.
2. Tourist Influx: It is not well known by tourists.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Praia dos Pinheiros

You can visit located between Praia do Camilo and the Ponta da Piedade. This beach is characterized by its shell-shaped sand that measures approximately 30 to 40 meters at high tide.

Accessibility: The access to Praia dos Pinheiros involves down steps carved into the rocks. However, these same rock formations offer protection from the wind. One of the rock formations houses a cave that leads to a subway river, adding to the beach's appeal.

1. Length: This Lagos beach is characterized by its shell-shaped sand that measures approximately 30 to 40 meters at high tide.
2. Tourist Influx: Not known by tourists, I highly recommend this beach if you are looking for privacy.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Balança Beach

Accessibility: It can be reached by climbing up a crevice from the top of the cliff or by boat or kayak.

1. Length: It is a small cove. It is important to be aware of the tide, the beach can be completely covered during high tide.
2. Tourist Influx: Praia da Balança is not usually crowded, which could be due to the difficult and potentially dangerous access.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Lagos Beaches West of Ponta da Piedade

Praia do Barranco do Martinho

Accessibility: Access to this beach in Lagos can be a challenge, as it involves a climbing descent. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear.

1. Length: It is a medium-sized beach.
2. Tourist Influx: It is not known among tourists. It is almost always alone due to the difficulty of access.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Praia do Canavial

Praia do Canavial is located east of Praia de Porto de Mós and west of Ponta da Piedade. During low tide, it is possible to walk from Canavial to Praia de Porto de Mós. It is important to note that the beach practically disappears during high tide, so it is advisable to visit at low tide.

Accessibility: The beach is relatively unknown and access is somewhat difficult.

1. Length: It is a relatively long but narrow beach. Located in a small bay and backed by large cliffs.
2. Tourist Influx: It is known for being a nudist beach. The water quality at Praia do Canavial is very good, being so clear that you can see underwater rocks.

Services: This beach does not have any type of service.

Porto Mós Beach

Accessibility: To get to the beach, you can drive from the center of Lagos, which will take you less than ten minutes, and you will find ample parking in front of the beach. Another option is to take the number 2 bus from the center of Lagos, which reaches the beach in about 20 minutes.

1. Length: The second longest in Lagos after Meia Praia. It provides plenty of space even on the busiest days. A walk from one end of the beach to the other, at a moderate pace, can take about 20 minutes.
2. Tourist Influx: Praia do Porto de Mós is less crowded than other beaches in Lagos. It is often visited by locals and Portuguese families, which generates a quiet and authentic atmosphere.

Services: During the bathing season, lifeguards are on duty and the beach is accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Praia da Luz

Accessibility: To get to Praia da Luz, you can take bus number 4 from Lagos bus station, with a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. If you are driving, the trip takes about 10 minutes, and free and paid parking is available near the beach. Although both of them can be quite crowded during high season.

1. Length: The beach is very wide, you can walk under the cliffs as well. One of the pictures was taken with my drone just above the cliffs.
2. Tourist Influx: It is known by tourists but not as well known as other beaches in Lagos.

Services: The central section of the beach has lifeguard surveillance and the possibility of renting umbrellas and sun loungers in summer.

In addition to enjoying the beach, it is recommended to explore the old fishing village, with its narrow streets leading to a 16th century church and a restored 17th century fortress. Near the beach there are also ruins of 2nd century Roman baths, although they are not currently open to the public.

Nudism in Lagos Beaches

In Lagos, nudism is tolerated on some beaches although they are not officially nudist. The Portuguese Federation of Nudism (FPN) recommends the following beaches beaches of Bordeira, Beliche, Zavial, Furnas and Cabanas Velhas on the Costa Vicentina.

Also recommended are the beaches of Canavial and Pinheiros in Lagos for the practice of nudism.

Beaches near Lagos in Algarve

Praia do Cordoama and Castelejo

These two beaches are located in the town of Vila do Bispo. They are ideal for a hike or to take some surfing lessons. I have a whole article talking about Castelejo beach here.

Boca do Rio Beach

It is also located in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, is a quiet non-touristy beach. The beach, of medium size and about 150 meters long. It is surrounded by cliffs and the landscape is practically virgin.

An interesting aspect of Praia da Boca do Rio is the presence of Roman ruins and the remains of a 19th century fish canning factory. In addition, part of the beach is formed by rocks.

The name of the beach translates as "beach of the river mouth" due to the mouth of the Ribeira de Budens river on the east side of the beach. Following the river inland, otters and cows can be observed.

To reach Praia da Boca do Rio, you can walk along the cliffs from the village of Salema in about 25 minutes. By car, the trip from Burgau takes 10 minutes and from Sagres about 20 minutes. Follow the N125 road, exiting at Budens and continuing towards the sea for about three kilometers.

My experience in Lagos Beaches

During my month living in Lagos, I had the privilege of visiting most of the beaches in Lagos. Each has its unique charm, but a few stood out especially for me. For sunrises, there is nothing like Praia da Batata and Meia Praia.

However, when it came to escaping the tourists and really enjoying the beach, Praia da Balança became my favorite. The combination of its natural setting, less saturated with visitors, and proximity to the town's amenities made it a perfect choice for quiet beach days.