We recommend
Recommendations and things to do
We have been visiting Lagos as a family for over 17 years now and we are still always finding new things to do and places to explore. We have put together some recommendations and information to share with you that we have gathered along our way.
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We would recommend LUZ cars , who are always very reliable and competitive. You can book a car to be collected at Faro airport or once you are in Lagos at their main office in town
www.luzcar.com
Tel: 00351 282 761 016
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Taxi Arade 00351 282 460 610
Ubers are a cheap and easy way to get around too.
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Yellow Fish Transfers
www.yellowfishtransfers.com
Premium Transfers
Tel : 00351 965 359 923
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Dona Ana Beach (Praia Dona Ana)
It’s one of Algarve’s most famous beaches and the reason is its spectacular ochre cliffs. They offer shelter from the winds and stunning views from the top. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town but can also be reached by bus.
Praia do Camilo
This beach is reached via a staircase where everyone takes selfies of the outstanding views. There’s a perfect view over the different rock formations and the usually calm and crystal-clear water. It’s the best beach for snorkelling, It’s about a 20-minute walk from the centre of town.
Meia Praia
Lagos' largest beach stretches for over 4km (2.5 miles). Backed by dunes, it offers space for everyone, even in the high season. It stands out for being accessible to the disabled and suitable for water sports. It’s located a short walk from the train station, but if you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking
Praia da Batata
This small beach is next to the 17th-century fort right in the centre of town. Many of the kayak tours around the coast depart from here. The cliffs shelter it from the wind and separate it from the neighbouring Praia dos Estudantes, but a tunnel connects the two.
Praia dos Estudantes
It’s a small beach but its central location and iconic arch has made it one of Lagos’ most famous.
Praia do Porto de Mós
It’s located outside the centre, so this sandy beach has more locals than tourists. Many of them are surfers, as this is where you’re more likely to have the best waves. It’s Lagos’ second-largest beach, stretching for over one kilometre and guaranteeing enough space, even in July and August. You need to walk for about a half hour from central Lagos to reach it, or to take a bus. If you’re driving, you may park at the large car park.
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Day Trips
For those who wish to meet whales and dolphins up close, there are guided dolphin and whale-watching cruises departing from the marina several times a day. Kayaking adventures and boat Cave tours are also a popular choice here.
ZOO
Another of Lagos attractions for the entire family is Parque Zoológico de Lagos. This zoo is famous for its impressive collection of bird species, but there are also many species of mammals, reptiles and fish.
Explore the historic centre
Apart from the beautiful beaches and the unique features of its surrounding area, the city of Lagos itself is full of fascinating cultural and historical attraction. One of them is Igreja de Santo António, a baroque church built in 1707. Near the church is Mercado dos Escravos, Europe’s first slave market, while outside the city walls lies Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a maritime fort which was an important part of the defences of Lagos.
Try the local food and drinks
Even though it’s not a typical tourist city, Lagos has a very wide selection of bars and restaurants, which cover every taste and cuisine style. Whatever your preference, we highly recommend trying the local cuisine, especially the featured meals of the day, which often include fresh seafood dishes.
Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
A science centre themed around Portuguese maritime discoveries. It’s a great alternative activity for the entire family, especially one of the best things to do in Lagos in the case of bad weather.
Parque Aventura Lagos
This adventure park located near Meia Praia , offers high ropes climbing and paintball.
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Slide & Splash
Slide & Splash is located in Estômbar on the edge of Lagoa . It’s also the most convenient for the western Algarve including Lagos. It is one of the larger water parks in the Algarve and offers a great choice of attractions for children of all ages.
Aqualand
Aqualand is located right in the middle of the Algarve in Alcantarilha , so is within easy reach of lots of resorts and towns. Aqualand is a popular water park in the Algarve that has been around for more than 20 years and will suit the whole family. In this water park you can find the highest water slide of Portugal.
Aquashow
Aquashow is located in Quarteira . It is the largest water park in the Algarve. The park has more than enough water slides and outdoor attractions to keep you entertained for a full day.
The Algarve isn’t that big and all 3 of the parks are near the main N125 and A22 roads which means they are all within 30mins of each other.
Zoomarine
Zoomarine is famous in the Algarve for being able to swim with dolphins. You can also find an amazing aquarium with sharks, various habitats, 4D Cinema, numerous water attractions and amusements and fabulous Dolphin and Sea lion shows.
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The Algarve has some of the best surf in Europe and even gets summer swells which are great for learning how to surf.
No trip to the Algarve is complete without visiting Sagres, especially if you are a surfer or a person looking to fully experience the nature of the region.
Located at the westernmost tip of Algarve, the town has an end-of-the-world feel with its dramatic cliffs battered by huge waves.