Explore · Beaches
Beaches in Lagos
Small coves under the cliffs, and kilometres of sand east of the marina.
Most of the town beaches are a short walk from the Old Town, along the cliffs towards Ponta da Piedade. Our quick picks:
- For kids: Meia Praia for toddlers, Porto de Mós for older kids.
- For dogs: Meia Praia, at the far end, all day.
- Snorkelling: Dona Ana.
- Nudist: Canavial.
Before you go
Most coves are reached by long staircases: carry less than you think you need. There is almost no shade, so bring an umbrella, or come before eleven and after four. Dogs are officially not allowed on the beaches in the bathing season; locals walk theirs on the bigger beaches before 9am and after 7pm.
Beach by beach
Photo coming soon
Praia da Batata
Closest to the Old Town
A ten-minute walk from the Old Town and sheltered from the swell. Small, and busy in summer.
Praia dos Estudantes
Next to Batata
The smallest of the town beaches, with a little stone bridge over the rocks. Empty before nine.
Photo coming soon
Praia de Dona Ana
Best snorkelling
Calm, clear water. About 100 steps down, hard work with a pram.
Praia do Camilo
Small golden cove
A wooden staircase down into a small golden cove. Bring a carrier, not a pram.
Photo coming soon
Praia do Canavial
Small and wild
Down steep steps, with no facilities. Clothing optional: nudism is tolerated here, though it is not an official naturist beach.
Photo coming soon
Praia do Porto de Mós
Rock pools
Long and quieter, about 20 minutes on foot from Hill View. Rock pools at low tide and lifeguards in summer, but the waves can be stronger.
Photo coming soon
Meia Praia
Toddlers and dogs
Kilometres of sand east of the marina. Shallow and calm, the best for toddlers. The far end is quieter: dogs are fine there all day.
Photo coming soon
Praia da Luz
Ten minutes by car
A calm village beach with rock pools, in the next village west.
Beaches map
Each pin is one beach. Tap a pin for a short note. Beach locations © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Flags, tides and shade
- Green flag: swimming allowed, lifeguard on duty.
- Yellow flag: wade, but do not swim out.
- Red flag: no swimming. The Atlantic here is stronger than it looks.
- Chequered flag: the lifeguard is away.
- Lifeguard season: roughly June to September on the bigger beaches. Outside it, no one is on duty anywhere.
- Tides: at high tide some coves lose their sand completely. Check before you settle in.
- Loungers: beach bars on Meia Praia and Porto de Mós rent umbrellas and loungers by the day.
Sources
Octopus Oasis Lagos Guide, first edition. Beach locations: OpenStreetMap contributors.