If you are looking for unique (and fun!) things to do in Lagos, Portugal you are in the right spot.
I fell in love with Lagos (and the entire Algarve) this past summer.
Our family spent a week in Lagos during our 5-week family holiday in Portugal. And I could have stayed longer.
Lagos far exceeded our expectations. I had heard such great things about the Algarve, Portugal. But the Algarve beaches are really unmatched. Lagos is very family friendly. It has a ton of character. And there are many unique and fun things to do in and near Lagos.
I am thrilled to share with you our family travel adventures. And the experiences that made our time in Lagos so special.
Traveling to Lagos, Portugal with kids?
We traveled to Lagos with our two kids, ages 7 and 9. Because of that, you will find that our favorite things to do in Lagos can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Whether you are traveling with kids or just with adults, I really do believe our list of favorite things to do in Lagos leads you to truly experience Lagos in the best way.
I am so excited to share with you the best things to do in Lagos, Portugal.
1 - Explore the Lagos, Portugal Caves at Sunrise
The best way to explore the Algarve coastline is by kayak and paddleboard. Hands down.
However, where you go and when you go will make or break your experience.
If you plan to visit the famous Benagil Cave midafternoon, you are going to be disappointed. There are loads of kayak and boat tours at Benagil Cave. And trying to navigate amongst everyone can be quite challenging. And stressful.
Tips for Exploring Benagil Cave by Kayak
Go in the Morning - If you want to go to Benagil Cave, go in the morning!
Let me share a story...
Our kids wanted to sleep in and have a relaxing morning. I obliged. But didn't want to miss the opportunity to kayak Benagil Cave, as we were planning. I had heard the Benagil Cave kayak bookings sell out. So, I drove from Lagos to Lagoa (and back again) first thing in the morning to reserve our kayaks for the day.
It was empty. We would have had the caves to ourselves.
When we returned early afternoon there were tours, kayaks, and people everywhere. Including big boats. It was hard to enter the cave without running into boats and other kayaks.
I am very much a glass half full kind of person, but it was almost not worth it.
The parking lot was full in the afternoon, as well. Another reason to go in the morning.
I did ask the kayak rental agency if they do often sell out mid-summer, and they said not always, it depends on the day, and it's not always predictable.
Rent your kayak by the beach
There is only one kayak rental right down by the beach - Taruga Benagil Tours
If you rent from one of the rentals on your way down to the beach, you will have to carry your kayak down a huge hill to the beach and back up that huge hill to return it. No thanks.
Bring a waterproof bag to hold your phone and valuables
You can rent them from the kayak rental down by the beach if you don't have one
The waves are a bit rough when entering the caves so anything you have with you will get wet.
Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a trail that runs along the coast, at the edge of the cliffs, on top of the caves.
I found this Seven Hanging Valley's Trail Guide from Stingy Nomads extremely helpful when planning our trip.
If you are staying in Lagos, a kayak or paddleboard tour in Lagos is much more convenient. And less busy. And though it does not include the Benagil cave, it does include other great caves.
If you have limited time in Lagos, exploring Lagos caves is a great way to save time.
If you have a full week in Lagos, like we did, I'd recommend visiting the Benagil cave and Seven Hanging Valleys Trail one day and the Lagos caves another day.
Check out my tips for exploring the amazing Lagos, Portugal caves.
Tips for Exploring Lagos, Portugal Caves
Explore Costal Caves near Lagos
There are many Algarve caves to explore other than the Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is epic, but
it is a 40-minute drive from Lagos
parking is challenging
Benagil Cave is very busy if you don't go first thing in the morning
Take a Sunrise Paddle Board Tour near Lagos
At sunrise, the caves, beaches, and grottos of Ponte de Piedade are empty.
Watching the sun rise, while on a paddleboard, inside a cave is quite epic. Worth the early morning wake up call.
Kids need to be a certain age to paddleboard.
If you have younger children, kayaking may be a better fit.
Take a Kayak tour of Ponte da Piedade
Unfortunately, you are unable to rent kayaks in Lagos for personal use (ie without a tour) like you can by the Benagil cave. You must take a tour.
However, tours are really the way you to go. These tour guides know all the secret spots and fun facts which make your experience that much better.
2 - Spend a Day Surfing Algarve
The Algarve beaches offer some of the most beautiful beach landscapes in Europe. But surfing in the Algarve?
Generally, the Lagos beach waters are relatively calm. However, there are some great surf spots near Lagos. If you know where to go (keep reading!).
My 7-year-old daughter, Veronica, had been dreaming of surfing in the Algarve. She had taken surf lessons a few times before our trip to Lagos, Portugal. And was ready to hit the waves again.
When we arrived in Lagos, we found a surf shop and stopped to chat with the owners. They strongly recommended a local surf school, called them up, and booked my daughter for surf camp later that week.
Veronica spent a day with ASA Algarve Sea Adventures Kids and Family Surf School.
We met the ASA group at their headquarters, just 10 minutes from Lagos. Veronica was fitted for a wet suit. They loaded the van, surf boards on top, children piled inside, and drove about 30 minutes to the West coast of the Algarve.
The secret surf location? Praia do Castelejo (map link).
The drive to Praia do Castelejo is absolutely stunning. As you approach the beach, you drive through the Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
If I had been better prepared, I would have brought shoes for hiking. And snacks! There is one restaurant, but it wasn't open in the morning when we were there.
Veronica had a blast surfing in the Algarve. Her only complaint? She wished it would last longer.
3 - Go Karting in Portimão
Even with all the beautiful Lagos beaches, go-karting was a highlight of our time in the Algarve.
If you are a fan of Formula 1 Racing (or other motorsports), you likely are familiar with the Portimão Circuit.
Good news. The Portimão Circuit (Kartodromo Internacional Algarve) is just 20 minutes from Lagos.
Even better news. They have an excellent go-karting track.
It has become a tradition to go go-karting on my son's birthday. No matter where we are in the world. Last year we happened to be in Lagos, Portugal. Which means we went karting at Kartodromo Internacional Algarve.
Karting at Kartodromo Internacional Algarve was an awesome experience. Perhaps one of the best karting experiences we have had, actually.
Review of Kartodromo Internacional Algarve
Karts are fast and fun (270cc karts)
Kids Mini Karts are also available
Multiple circuits to race
Adults and kids can race at the same time
This is important to us, really makes for a fun family experience when we can race each other
Offer 2-seater karts
Great for use with my daughter who is not yet tall enough for her own kart
Allows child to steer, but adult to control the gas/breaks
Seriously, the best set up we have had!
Cafe on sight for food and drink in between races
Viewing deck for those who are just watching
4 - Find the Secret Coves at Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana is one of the biggest and most popular Lagos beaches. And for good reason! It is truly something special.
The sandy Praia Dona Ana beaches are surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. Beautiful cliffs jutting out of the water. Not one, but two secret coves. And a secret cave.
When planning our trip, I chose Lagos as our home base because Old Town Lagos seemed to have it all. I figured we would have to drive for the epic beaches I saw pictures of online.
Boy was I wrong. One visit to Praia Dona Ana and my kids didn't want to go anywhere else.
Secret Cove #1 - West Side of Praia Dona Ana
It took us a few visits to Praia Dona Ana to realize that people were climbing over big rocks on the far west side of the beach.
One day, we climbed the rock to peek over and see where the others were going.
It was a secret little cove. With tall limestone cliffs and a natural limestone arch. When you walk under the arch, ducking down to make it through, there is a little beach with small caves to explore.
The swimming in this cove is not the easiest since it is a little rocky. But it is beautiful. And magical. And fun to explore.
Secret Cove #2 - East Side of Praia Dona Ana
We also (accidently) found another secret little cove.
The first day we visited Praia Dona Ana, we visited in the evening. When the tide was low.
During this visit, we made our way to the far east end of the beach. On the opposite side of a large limestone rock. Simply seeking shade.
The next day when we visited during the day. And the tide was high.
To access to our little spot with the shade, we had to wade through thigh deep water.
And we did. Beach bag over head. This secret little spot not only boasts shade, but less crowds. Plus, it is super fun to have to wade through the water, dodging waves, to get your spot at the beach.
Secret Cave - East Side of Praia Dona Ana
Speaking of the tide being down in the evening.
There is a third secret at Praia Dona Ana. If you visit in the evening when the tide is low.
There is a cave on the far east end of the beach. When the tide is low, you can swim through this cave. Swimming here is prohibited during the day, however, when the tide is higher.
One more tip. If you visit in the evening, when the tide is low, the rocks jutting out in the water have lots of little cracks and crevices for the kids to explore. Worth a visit.
5 - Collect Seashells at Praia Dona Ana
You already know, I love Praia Dona Ana. Lagos' local beach.
And I'll give you just one more reason why. But first, a story.
It was one of our first days in Lagos. We had been traveling with the kids now for 4 weeks. This was our 5th and final week in Portugal. The kids were a bit tired. We hadn't made it to the local beach yet.
I asked the kids if they wanted to go swimming at the beach. They both, shockingly, declined. I wanted to go, however, so I did a little research to see if there was any way I could entice them.
I found something that mentioned that our local beach, Praia Dona Ana, had beautiful seashells.
I went back to the kids and asked if they wanted to go search for seashells at the beach, just 5 minutes away. They were excited, but insisted there would be no swimming. In fact, they wore their clothes.
We showed up at Praia Dona Ana, shocked at its beauty. We descended down the stairs and started to hunt for seashells. Within minutes, both kids were in their underwear, swimming in the ocean. Exploring the crevices in the large limestone rocks jutting out in the water. And begging me to go back to grab their swimsuits and goggles.
The shells at Praia Dona Ana are colorful and beautiful. Perfect for collecting to decorate your sandcastle.
6 - Water Parks
As you walk around Lagos, you will see ads for waterparks everywhere.
This wasn't on our itinerary when we came to Lagos, but the kids left me no choice. Ha!
There are three water parks in the Algarve.
Aquashow Park
25 Water Rides
3 Dry Rides
3 Animal shows
Indoor Waterpark - 11 Water Attractions
Aqualand
14 Water Rides
Slide & Spash
24 Water Rides
3 Animal shows
Zoomarine
Marine park with seal & dolphin shows
Aaquarium
Sandy beach with slides & a wave pool
We ended up at Aquashow. And we had a really great time. The rides are very fun. There are a lot of options for rides, but we had enough time to hit up our favorite rides multiple times.
Aquashow was quite busy in July. Even still, we waited in line 20 minutes or less for most rides. There were a few lines that were 30-45 minutes. The line I waited the longest in was the food line. Maybe just bad timing on my part.
We went to Aquashow for the kids. But, at the end of the day, we all had a lot of fun.
If you have at least 4-5 days in the Algarve and have kids that are tall enough to ride rides, I would include a waterpark in your Algarve itinerary.
What You Need to Know When Visiting Lagos
Best Restaurants in Lagos
There are a ton of restaurant options in Lagos.
We were there for a week, so we only scratched the surface. We did however find some favorites we went back to more than once.
Be sure to save this blog post to reference back during your time in Lagos, Portugal.
Best Breakfast/Brunch in Lagos
Best Restaurants in Lagos
Best Gelateria in Lagos
Gelateria Pinocchio (map link)
Portuguese Sayings
This will save you a few days of trying to figure out common Portuguese sayings and pleasantries.
To hear how the word is pronounced in Portuguese, click on the (pronunciation) link and find the megaphone icon.
Hello - Ola (pronunciation)
Bye - Tchau (pronunciation)
Depending on where in Portugal you are and/or who you are speaking with, you may also hear people say adeus (pronunciation) which, I was told by a local, is a more formal/permanent goodbye, like you won't ever see the person again
Good morning - Bom Día (pronunciation)
Good evening - Boa Noite (pronunciation)
Please - Por Favor (pronunciation)
Thank You - Obrigada/o (pronunciation)
If you are a female, you say obrigada, no matter who you are talking to
If you are a male, you say obrigado, no matter who you are talking to
Thank you very much - Muito obrigada/o (pronunciation)
You're Welcome - De Nata (pronunciation)
Sorry - Desculpe (pronunciation)
Excuse Me - Licenca (pronunciation)
One, Two, Three - Um, Dois, Tres (pronunciation)
Check - Cheque (pronunciation)
Getting Around Lagos
Walkable
Old Town Lagos is very walkable. If you are staying in Old Town Lagos, you can get almost everywhere you need be to by walking.
However, if you plan to leave Lagos, you will likely need a car. Read below for more on this.
Things To Consider If You Do Not Have A Car in Lagos
Old Town Lagos is very walkable, essentially all pedestrian streets
Walk to Lagos Beaches is 20-25 minutes - in the mid summer heat, this can be brutal
Don't have to worry about limited parking at the beach if you walk
If you plan to leave Lagos, you will likely need a car
Taxi/Uber
Old Town Lagos is very walkable. If you are staying in Old Town Lagos, you can get almost everywhere you need be to by walking.
Things To Consider When Getting Around Lagos
Taking a cab from Old Town Lagos to the beach is a good idea, will save you the hassle of parking
You have to walk to the edge of Old Town to catch a cab
If you are planning to visit another Algarve town during your time in Lagos, having a car is a much better option, not sure you could get a cab to take you that far
Rental Car
If you are planning to visit other Algarve towns while in Lagos, you will likely want a rental car. There really isn't a convenient or reliable way to travel between towns other than by car.
Things To Consider If You Have A Car In Lagos
If you have a car in Lagos, you must park it on the outskirts of Old Town.
Finding parking was relatively easy when we parked in garages.
If you are staying outside of Old Town Lagos, even if relatively close by, having a rental car also makes it easier to go to and from Old Town Lagos. It was way too hot in July to walk the 15 min to and from Old Town from our apartment.
Having a rental car also allowed us to do activities outside of Lagos. It allowed us to go surfing, go to the water park, kayak at Benagil cave, and not walk with 2 kids in the hot sun to get to the local beach.
Having a rental car is expensive, but it allowed us to do a lot on our trip and I was glad we had it.
Metro
You can travel from from Lisbon to Lagos by train.
You can also hypothetically take a regional train to connect the towns between Faro and Lagos. However, after reading and speaking with locals, this is a pretty slow and inconvenient way to travel around the Algarve.
There is only one metro stop in Lagos, so metro is not a way you would get around Lagos.
Where to Stay in Lagos
We stayed in about 5 minutes outside Old Town Lagos in a brand-new modern apartment. Though we had to drive to and from town, the apartment was great, it was much cheaper than staying in Old Town Lagos, and we had a car to get around.
Old Town Lagos - Our Favorite
If you can find an Airbnb in Old Town Lagos, this is likely the most convenient and charming place to stay in Lagos.
You will spend all of your time in Old Town Lagos and at the beach. So either of these options are ideal.
Unless your place comes with a parking spot, you will likely need to pay for parking in the parking garage. Something to consider and ask your host.
Near Praia Dona Ana
While in Lagos, you will spend most of your time either at the beach or wandering around Old Town Lagos.
Staying near Praia Dona Ana would allow you to go to and from the beach without having to drive to and from your place.
Major bonus, not having to find parking when you come to the beach. Which can be challenging.
It is about a 20 min walk to Old Town Lagos from Praia Dona Ana, so you would likely want to drive if you are there in the summer while it is hot.
Outskirts of Old Town Lagos
We stayed in a brand new, modern apartment about 5 min drive outside of Old Town Lagos.
Not only was it cheaper to stay outside of Old town, the apartment was much nicer than anything we found in Old Town.
We did have to drive to both the beach and Old Town. But we had a car and really didn't feel inconvenienced by this. It was about a 5-minute drive to both.
So, I leave you with this.
If you are looking for the best European beach, the beaches in Lagos, Portugal may be it. They are truly something special.
If you are planning a trip to Portugal, Lagos is worth some of your time. Lagos is full of character, plenty of adventure activities to do, and of course, has amazing beaches..
A wonderful 10 days in Portugal could look like 3 days in Porto, 4 days in Lisbon (including day trips to Sintra and Obidos), and 3 days in Lagos.
But if you are lucky enough to linger in Lagos like we did, a week in Lagos is not too long.
If you have been to Lagos, Portugal, tell us, what were your favorite things to do? Comment below!
Welcome! We are the Ramirez family.
Just your average family, based in Nashville, with a love of culture, togetherness, and making memories. Oh, and international travel.
We are here to document our family travel adventures. To share our stories and our travel experiences. And, perhaps inspire others, who find joy the same way we do, to take the trips. I don't think you will regret it.
Thank you for checking out our blog. Please reach out to say hello and share your stories!
Cheers,
Katie (mom), Roberto (dad), Roberto (2013), and Veronica (2015)
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