Photo: Jose A. · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lagos
Golden sea cliffs, grottoes and coves, with a lively backpacker night scene.
An old walled harbour town on the western Algarve, with golden sea cliffs, arches and grottoes just south of town, sandy coves below them and a lively backpacker night scene.
Places to see
- Ponta da PiedadeViewpoint · A headland of golden sandstone cliffs carved into arches, stacks and sea caves, with a…Free
- Dona Ana BeachPark · A sandy cove below tall honey-coloured cliffs, with rock stacks standing in clear green…Free
Camilo BeachPark · A small sheltered cove reached by a long wooden stairway down the cliff, with rocks and…Free
When to go
- Jan16° / 8°Often wetQuiet
- Feb17° / 9°Some rainQuiet
- Mar19° / 10°Some rainQuiet
- Apr20° / 12°Some rainBusy
- May23° / 14°Mostly dryBusy
- Jun26° / 17°Mostly dryBusy
- Jul29° / 19°Mostly dryVery busy
- Aug29° / 19°Mostly dryVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
The old town. The walled town above the harbour: whitewashed lanes, squares, bars and most of the hostels.
Flying in
Faro (FAO): Bus into Faro, then the train or a long-distance bus to Lagos, about 2 h 30 min, ≈ A$18. The train from Faro takes about 1 h 45 min; some coaches run from the airport direct (check).
Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS): Long-distance bus from Lisbon (Sete Rios or Oriente), about 4 h 30 min, ≈ A$35. Usually about 4 hours; the train needs a change at Tunes (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Lagos; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$2. The old town, Dona Ana, Camilo and Ponta da Piedade are all within about 2 km on foot; the local bus helps for Meia Praia and Luz, and boats to the grottoes leave from the marina (check).
Tourist tax
Lagos charges a tourist tax: usually about €1–2 a person a night depending on the season, for up to 7 nights; young children don't pay. Paid at check-in (check).
