22 TOP Things to Do in Lagos (Free & Paid Activities)
Hello travelers! Are you planning a trip to Lagos, Portugal, and wondering how to spend your time there? If so, you’ve landed in the right place! In this post, I am going to tell you about the 22 top things to do in Lagos to have the holiday of a lifetime.
I currently live in Portugal, and I’ve visited Lagos multiple times, so I can share my favorite experiences with you! I’ve done quite a few of the things you’ll find recommended on this list, but I also added a few extra things that are still on my bucket list.
If possible, I recommend doing all of the things recommended here. But even if you don’t, you can pick and choose your favorite things; just keep in mind that you need to book the guided activities in advance. Lagos is a popular destination, and the top-rated activities are quick to sell out – make sure you don’t miss out!
Let’s get started!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
You don’t want to miss out on the best guided (and paid) activities in Lagos, so book them as soon as possible!
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Boavista Golf & Spa, Solar de Mos, LC’s Guesthouse
1. Explore Old Town Lagos, Portugal
The first thing to do once you arrive in Lagos is to explore Old Town Lagos (map). This is the town’s historic center, featuring cobbled streets, impressive architecture, and some of the top Lagos attractions.
The Old Town Lagos is relatively small, so you can easily explore it on foot! One of the main landmarks here is the Igreja de Santo António (map), a Catholic church recognizable for its Baroque architecture, but there are plenty of other cool buildings – take your time and just walk around the Old Town!
2. Take a boat cruise to Ponta de Piedade
The Ponta de Piedade (map) is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions in Lagos! This consists of impressive rock formations just off the coast of Lagos, as well as a system of caves and grottos.
The best way to experience the full beauty of Ponta de Piedade is by taking a boat cruise, which will allow you to admire the rock formations, caves, and secluded beaches from the water. Plus, your guide will share some cool insights about Ponta de Piedade, so you should definitely pay attention.
NOTE: You can also hike to the top of the Ponta de Piedade! There’s a designated trail (see map) you can take to get to the top and enjoy the stunning views over the water. However, if you’ve never seen Ponta de Piedade before, I recommend the cruise – it gives you a better perspective!
PRICE: €22.50/person
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3. Spend a relaxing day on the beach
Lagos is a popular destination for a beach holiday, so you have to spend at least one day on one of its most impressive beaches. Recently, I spent a day at Meia Praia (map) and had a great time. It has nice golden sand and is super family-friendly!
Other great beaches you should check out in Lagos are Praia Dona Ana (map) and Praia do Camilo (map). Both of these beaches are backed by cliffs and a bit more secluded, making them the ideal choice for windy days! Lagos does see some windy afternoons, so in these instances, it’s good to be at a secluded beach.
4. Admire the views from the Viewpoint Praia da Luz
Another thing I did on my last trip to Lagos was go up to the Viewpoint Praia da Luz (map)! The view from up here is absolutely stunning – I could see the beach spread out beneath me and the sea stretching into the distance.
It’s possible to hike up to the viewpoint, but I don’t recommend it. The road is quite uphill, and even though the climb might not be so difficult, the descent definitely will be. I went up to the viewpoint by car, and I suggest you do the same – unless you’re feeling adventurous or you’re an experienced hiker (and have the right shoes for it).
5. Embark on a dolphin-watching tour
Would you like to see some dolphins? If so, there’s no better spot for it than the coast of the Algarve, and there’s no better way to see dolphins than joining a dolphin-watching tour led by marine biologists.
The tour is done by speedboat and departs from the Lagos Marina. During the 1.5-hour tour, the marine biologists on board will tell you how to identify the dolphins and teach you about the conservation efforts that are in place.
PRICE: €40/person
6. Go on a speedboat adventure to the Benagil Caves
The Benagil Caves (map) are possibly the most stunning natural attractions in the Algarve, and you shouldn’t miss seeing them while in Lagos. If you decide to visit the Benagil Caves, book a guided speedboat tour that will take you along the Algarve coastline and inside the caves.
The tour guide will talk to you about the area’s natural history and tell you about each of the caves you visit. Just keep in mind that the tour schedule will depend on the tide and the sea conditions, which may affect the caves you visit. In any case, I’m sure you’ll be able to snap some cool photos.
PRICE: €40/person
7. Roam the stalls at the Mercado Municipal de Lagos
For all of you foodies out there, I recommend visiting the Mercado Municipal de Lagos (map)! At this market, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, fish, and seafood, so you can get everything you need to cook a delicious meal.
And even if you don’t want to get any food or do any shopping in Lagos, you can simply get a coffee at the 2nd-floor coffee shop and enjoy the views from the panoramic terrace. This will be a great opportunity to see how the locals live, eat, and shop!
8. Join a classic food tour of Lagos
I’ve got another one for the foodies – a guided food tour of Lagos. Whenever you visit a new place, it may be difficult to find spots serving authentic (and delicious) food, so joining a tour with a local and knowledgeable guide is always a good idea.
During this tour, you’ll make stops at 4 local eateries and try 10 different local dishes, and seeing as this is a walking tour, you’ll also stop by some of the town’s main attractions. Best of all – after the tour, you’ll know where to go for a delicious local meal! And if you’re still looking for good places to eat, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Lagos.
PRICE: €89/person
9. Take a wine-tasting tour
The Algarve region is a popular wine destination, so if you’re a wine lover, you’ll certainly want to sample some of the local wines. If this is the case, I recommend booking a guided wine-tasting tour to a local winery.
During the visit, you will tour the winery, visit the production room, and sample 3 delicious local wines while snacking on tapas. On your way back, you’ll pass through the countryside and see the famous Algarve oranges, as well as some of the region’s oldest villages.
PRICE: €60/person
10. Visit the Castle of Lagos
Back to exploring the town of Lagos and visiting its main attractions, namely the Castle of Lagos (map). The castle dates back to the Middle Ages and features impressive walls that actually mark the entrance to Old Town Lagos.
One of the best aspects of visiting the Castle of Lagos is the fact that it’s free! You can spend as long as you like here, walking around and exploring the grounds. Alternatively, you can join a free walking tour of Lagos that will take you to the castle and some other spots around the town.
11. Walk around the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
The Forte da Ponta da Bandeira (map) is a 17th-century fortress and one of the most historically significant places in the city. Even though it’s a small fort, it’s an excellent strategic location, so you can see why it was so important to the city.
On your visit, you can walk around the courtyard, admire the views from the terrace, and visit the small chapel on the premises. You won’t need too long to explore the fortress, so you can combine it with another activity, like exploring Old Town or visiting the Castle of Lagos.
PRICE: €3/adults; €1.5/people under 18 and over 65
12. Discover the Lagos coastline on a guided kayak tour
As I may have mentioned, the Lagos coastline is stunning, and, of course, the best way to admire it is from the water. That’s why I suggest going on a guided kayak tour along the coastline and getting an unobstructed view of the coast.
On the tour, you’ll also get to explore a few caves, admire the rock formations, and stop to rest and swim on the beach. The kayaks and safety gear are provided on the tour, so all you need to bring are your beach essentials – if you need any help with what to bring, you can check out our beach packing list.
PRICE: €35/person
13. Sign up for a surf lesson
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, it’s a good idea to give surfing a chance. However, if you don’t have any previous experience, don’t just grab a surfboard and head into the water! Instead, sign up for a surfing lesson, during which the guide will teach you the basics of surfing.
The guide will talk you through the theoretical part of the experience and then show you the basics of surfing. A surfboard and a wet suit are provided on the tour, so you’ll be all set and ready to go.
PRICE: €65/person
14. Check out some of the town’s museums
If you’re wondering what to do in Lagos, it’s time to head to the museum! There are several museums in Lagos, so if you don’t know where to start, I recommend going to the Mercado de Escravos museum first! The museum is situated on the site of the first slave market in Lagos, and today, the museum is dedicated to the history of slavery in the area.
Other museums you should check out are the Museu de Lagos Dr. José Formosinho, featuring exhibitions on the town’s history, and the Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos, a cool science museum.
PRICE: €3-6/adults; €1.5-3/kids
15. Meet the animals at the Lagos Zoo
For all the animal lovers out there, Lagos Zoo is an amazing place to spend your day in Lagos. Hosting over 150 different animal species, the zoo allows you to observe the animals in their natural habitats.
TIP: Buy your zoo tickets online! There’s a €2 discount on online ticket purchases, and you don’t have to print the ticket – just show it on your phone!
During your visit, you can also observe and participate in animal feeding. This activity is free of charge unless you want to feed the lemurs, which incurs an additional charge. If you’re traveling with kids, the zoo is an absolute must!
PRICE: €16/adults; €11.50/kids aged 3-11
Getting there: To get to the zoo, you can either drive, which takes 20 mins, or take bus No.6 from the Praça do Infante bus stop (map) and get off at the Medronhal – Zoo stop (map). However, the bus takes about 40 mins, so I recommend driving as the better option.
16. Have a water park adventure at Slide & Splash
If you’re traveling with kids, the Slide & Splash water park should be on your to-visit list. Even though it’s a bit further away from Lagos, it’s definitely worth making the drive, and you can spend the entire day there.
There are several pools, many water slides, cool rides, and amenities like lockers and sun loungers. And there’s also a restaurant within the park, so you don’t need to worry about getting food and drinks – just enjoy the day and have fun.
PRICE: €30/adults; €22/kids under 10
Getting there: The best way to get to Slide & Splash from Lagos is by driving; it’s only a 30-min drive! There’s also a bus you can take, but I don’t recommend it, as it doesn’t take you all the way to the park – you’ll have to walk quite a lot, too.
17. See the dolphin show at Zoomarine Algarve
Looking for more family-friendly activities for your trip to Lagos? Well, then you should consider spending a day at the Zoomarine Algarve. This is an amazing marine park that houses a lot of animals, including dolphins.
While you’re here, you can see the dolphin show and meet the dolphins, but also have fun on the water slides and cool water rides, see a pirate show, and admire the animals in the aquarium.
PRICE: €37/adults; €28/kids under 11
Getting there: Driving is the fastest way and most convenient way to get to the park, and it only takes 40 mins. Take the A22 route (see map) – even though it’s a bit longer, it’s faster than the other routes.
18. Spend a relaxing evening at Lagos Marina
As far as evening time activities go, the Lagos Marina (map) is a superb choice! It’s a great spot to walk around, grab a drink, and enjoy a nice dinner with a view of the water.
The Amuras Bar (map) is an excellent place to enjoy a drink – they have a very large drinks menu, and some nights, you can even enjoy live music. But if you’re looking to have some dinner, Tasca da Lota (map) serves fresh and delicious seafood – it’s a must-try!
If you’re anything like me and are interested in natural history, then you absolutely have to visit Praia da Salema (map)! This beach is situated just half an hour’s drive away from Lagos, and it’s famous for the fossilized dinosaur footprints in the sand.
I went to Praia da Salema on my most recent trip to Lagos, and the huge footprints completely blew me away – it really makes you think about what was happening on our planet all those years ago! The most mind-blowing thing of all is that people just sunbathe on the beach next to the footprints – I highly recommend you go and see it!
Getting there: We drove from Lagos to Praia de Salema, and I suggest you do the same if you have a car. It’s a quick drive (30 mins) and faster than taking a bus.
20. Have a relaxing day at Boavista Golf & Spa Resort
When you’ve had enough of exploring (if that’s even possible) and you just want to spend time relaxing, it’s time to book yourself a slot at the Boavista Golf & Spa Resort. This is one of the best places to stay in Lagos (more on this later), and it’s also the ideal place if you want to spend the day golfing or indulging in spa treatments.
If you prefer to spend the day on the golf course, you can book a tee time, but if you’re up for a classic spa experience, you can book yourself a massage, a variety of facial and body treatments, yoga, and much more!
21. Have fun at the ProPuttingGarden
If you’re into golf (but not that much into golf), mini-golf is the ideal middle ground. The ProPuttingGarden is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon and try your hand at mini golf.
Here, you’ll find 2 separate mini-golf courses, a junior course, and, if you’re a legit golfer, a full 18-hole course. Tickets are available on the premises – you just put on some comfortable shoes and head to the course.
PRICE: €5-10/adults; €3-6/kids under 12
22. Take a day trip to Sagres
My final recommendation is to take a day trip to Sagres! This quaint village is just a 40-min drive away from Lagos and is home to some great surfing beaches like Praia do Tonel (map) and historic landmarks, such as the Sagres Fortress (map).
If you do visit, you have to try Sagres Beer, i.e., Cerveja Sagres. This is probably the most famous Portuguese beer, and it originated right here in Sagres. So, if you’re a beer drinker, you can’t miss this!
Where to stay in Lagos
While in Lagos, besides things to do, you’ll also need a place to stay. Below, you’ll find a couple of my top recommendations in each price category, but if you need more choices, go through our full guide on the best places to stay in Lagos.
Luxury (€140 and up)
- Boavista Golf & Spa – this 5-star resort is surrounded by lush and landscaped gardens and features an 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa, and 2 on-site restaurants
- Cascade Wellness Resort – overlooking the ocean, this resort offers access to an outdoor pool and a spa with a hot tub, sauna, and beauty treatments. Guests can also benefit from the use of 2 tennis courts and free underground parking
Mid-range (€70 – €140)
- Solar de Mos – a family-run hotel providing accommodation in guest rooms decorated in rustic style and featuring a restaurant serving traditional Algarvean meals
- Dream Lagos B&B – within walking distance of the beach, this B&B has private rooms with en suite bathrooms, a shared lounge and kitchen, and offers complimentary breakfast
Budget (up to €70)
- LC’s Guesthouse – a budget-friendly guest house with double and twin rooms that feature either a private bathroom or access to a shared one. Free parking and Wi-Fi are also provided on the property.
- The Macarena Beach Hostel – offering accommodation in dormitory rooms; the hostel also has a shared kitchen, a lounge, and communal bathroom facilities. Wi-Fi is free of charge, and the hostel is within walking distance of the city center.
Practical Information
In this section, I will share some practical info that will be useful to you on your trip to Lagos, so pay attention.
How to get around
The best way to get around Lagos is by car. Even though public transportation (buses) are available here, they’re not as frequent or as reliable as you’d like. That’s why I recommend renting a car and driving everywhere; as you can see, quite a few of the activities recommended here are a bit further away from Lagos and require driving.
Public Transport
The form of public transportation in Lagos is the bus network, operated by A Onda. Unfortunately, their website is available only in Portuguese, and even if you translate it to English, it can seem a bit confusing and outdated.
However, if you want to use the bus network, Google Maps can provide reliable information on which bus lines to take from which bus stop. Also, timetables and maps of the bus routes are displayed at all the bus stops, so I’m sure you’ll be able to manage.
Bus tickets can be bought from the driver once you board, and the price per ride costs between €1.20 and €1.60, depending on the destination.
Taxis/Ride Sharing
If you don’t like using the public transport network and you don’t feel like driving, you can always rely on ride-sharing services and taxis.
Both Bolt and Uber are available in Lagos and are more affordable than taxis. The Bolt prices are pre-set, so you’ll need to pay the € 0.90 base cost plus €0.58 per km and €0.07 per minute. The minimum cost of the ride has to be €3.65. Uber, on the other hand, has a price calculator on the site, so you can check if that’s cheaper than Bolt.
If you want to get a taxi, I recommend using the WelcomePickups service. When you order from this service, you can be sure that the driver will use a taximeter to calculate the price, and you’ll also get a bit lower prices – €0.50 base cost and €0.15 per km.
All about SIM cards
In this day and age, we want to stay connected at all times. This means even when you’re on holiday, you want to have access to the Internet. That’s why I’m going to recommend a few of my favorite eSIM and SIM providers in Portugal:
Airalo is my personal favorite eSIM provider. It’s reliable and affordable, and none of us at Miss Tourist have ever had any issues while using it. But in case your phone doesn’t support an eSIM, then LycaMobile is a good choice, and their SIM cards are available (almost) anywhere.
FAQs about the best things to do in Lagos, Portugal
💯 Is Lagos in Portugal worth visiting?
Yes! Lagos is definitely worth a visit, offering stunning beaches, a charming Old Town, great bars and restaurants, and delicious seafood.
⏱️ How many days to spend in Lagos, Portugal?
For your stay in Lagos, I recommend at least 3 days. During this time, you can hit the beach, explore the Old Town, and do some of the recommended activities.
📅 What is the best month to visit Lagos?
The ideal time to visit Lagos is between May and October, when you can enjoy sunny and warm weather, swim in the sea, and be safe (more or less) from rain.
🚶 Is Lagos walkable?
Yes, Lagos is a very walkable town. Many of the Lagos tourist attractions are within walking distance of one another, and walking is a great place to explore the town. However, if you want to go on day trips, renting a car is a good idea.
🕺 Is Lagos good for nightlife?
Lagos has a very lively nightlife. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can grab a drink, dance, and have a delicious meal. For a fun night out, head to the Lagos Marina and spend your evening there.
💶 Is Lagos in Portugal expensive?
Lagos is a relatively affordable destination compared to other European hotspots. A one-week trip to Lagos costs approximately €850 per person.
Final words on things to do in Lagos, Portugal
We’re at the end of this guide on the top things to do in Lagos. I hope my insights were useful to you and you have a better idea of what to do on your trip to Lagos.
When you find an activity you like, hurry and book it quickly – Lagos is a popular destination, and the cool activities are quick to sell out.
If you have any other questions about what to do in Lagos, Portugal, leave them in the comments below – I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great time in Lagos,
Yulia
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