Lagos & the Algarve, the way we’d show you
We live in the Algarve and host guests in Lagos year round. This is our own short list: what to see, where to eat, and how to fill one, three or five days without wasting a minute in a queue.
Two apartments. One philosophy.ARRIVE . UNWIND . EXPLORE
Your days
Pick your length of stay above. Switch on Dogs, Kids or LGBTQ+ and the plan shows the extra notes that matter for you.
One perfect Lagos day
BreakfastA pastel de nata at Padaria Central, or a proper brunch at Black and White or Abigail’s Café.
MorningWalk the cliff-top boardwalk from Praia do Pinhão to Ponta da Piedade, about 2 to 3 km and easy. You pass Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo on the way. At the lighthouse, take the stairs down to the water. It costs nothing.
With a dog: the whole boardwalk is fine on lead. Carry water; there is little shade.
With kids: the boardwalk is easy, but the stairs at Camilo and Ponta da Piedade are steep. Leave the pram at home and bring a carrier for little ones.
LunchBack in town, or a picnic on the cliffs.
AfternoonSwim at Praia da Batata or Praia dos Estudantes, both a short walk from the Old Town. Then wander: the Slave Market Museum, Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, Igreja de Santo António and the street-art murals.
With a dog: town beaches are officially off limits in bathing season. Many locals go before 9am or after 7pm, and we do too. The street-art loop is a relaxed on-lead walk.
With kids: Praia da Batata is the closest and most sheltered beach to the Old Town, around 10 minutes on foot. Cobblestones are rough on big prams; a light umbrella stroller copes better.
EveningSunset at Ponta da Piedade if you missed it in the morning, then dinner. Our picks are in the Eat section below.
Everyone is welcome: Lagos nightlife is relaxed and mixed rather than scene-based. For a dedicated LGBTQ+ night out, see the notes further down.
Day 1 · Lagos on foot
MorningBoardwalk from Praia do Pinhão to Ponta da Piedade, stairs down to the water.
AfternoonSwim at Batata or Estudantes, then the Old Town: Slave Market Museum, the fort, Santo António and the murals.
EveningSunset at the lighthouse, dinner in town.
With a dog: beaches before 9am or after 7pm in season; the boardwalk and town are fine on lead.
With kids: skip the steep stairs with toddlers and go straight to Praia da Batata.
Day 2 · From the water
MorningSee the grottos of Ponta da Piedade from the sea. Boats and kayaks leave from Lagos marina. We book boat trips with our partner BlueFleet; message us and we will sort it.
AfternoonMeia Praia, the long flat beach east of the marina. Plenty of room even in August.
EveningA drink on the marina side, dinner back in the Old Town.
With a dog: Meia Praia is the most dog-friendly beach in Lagos, fine through the day, especially towards the far left end where there are no lifeguards. Ask boat operators about dogs before you book.
With kids: Meia Praia is our top pick for toddlers: shallow entry, gets deeper very slowly, and usually calm. Life jackets for children are worth checking when you book a boat.
Everyone is welcome: small-group and private boat trips are easy to arrange; ask us for a private option if you would rather not share.
Day 3 · The wild west end
MorningWalk Porto de Mós to Luz along the clifftop dirt path, about 6 km. Short on time? The viewpoint above Porto de Mós is a 5-minute climb and worth it alone.
LunchIn Luz or the little fishing village of Burgau.
EveningDrive to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, the south-western tip of Europe, for sunset. Bring a jumper: it is windy up there.
With a dog: the Porto de Mós to Luz path and the Luz promenade are fine on lead. Start early in summer.
With kids: swap the long walk for Porto de Mós beach (rock pools at low tide, level access from the car park) or Praia da Luz, calm with rock pools and a village feel.
Days 1 to 3 · Lagos, the sea, the west
Day 1Boardwalk to Ponta da Piedade, beaches and the Old Town.
Day 2Grottos by boat or kayak, afternoon at Meia Praia.
Day 3Porto de Mós to Luz cliff walk, Burgau, sunset at Cabo de São Vicente.
With a dog: Meia Praia by day, town beaches early or late, all cliff paths on lead.
With kids: Meia Praia, Batata, Porto de Mós and Praia da Luz are the easy ones.
Day 4 · Central Algarve
MorningA boat from Lagos marina along the coast to the Benagil sea cave, roughly 2.5 hours, passing hidden beaches and often dolphins. Ask us and we will book it.
AfternoonPick one: Silves, with its red sandstone castle and cathedral, or Ferragudo, a whitewashed fishing village across the river from Portimão, lovely for grilled fish by the water.
OrPraia da Marinha and the clifftop path above it, a classic Algarve coastal walk.
With kids: the Slide & Splash waterpark near Lagoa is a good swap for a hot afternoon. Expect queues in high season.
Everyone is welcome: Portimão, next to Ferragudo, has the nearest dedicated LGBTQ+ bar and club to Lagos. Details below.
Day 5 · Slow day, your choice
Wild coastThe west coast beaches around Aljezur, Amado and Bordeira: big Atlantic surf, dunes, very few buildings. Rent a car or join a tour.
HillsMonchique, the green mountain behind the coast, for cooler air and views to the sea.
WineA tasting at Morgado do Quintão near Lagoa, a small historic estate with a relaxed, personal feel.
Or stayA cooking class, a massage, a long lunch, a last swim. Ask us for our partners.
With a dog: the west coast is quieter and more relaxed for dogs, especially outside July and August. Always check local signs.
With kids: west coast waves can be strong. Stick to lifeguarded beaches and check the flags.
Where we eat
Places we go ourselves. Dogs means your dog is welcome, as far as we know. Staff and rules can change, so a quick “posso trazer o cão?” never hurts.
Coffee, bakery, brunch
- Padaria CentralDogsExcellent pastel de nata and old-school pastries. Dogs fine inside for takeaway.
- Black and WhiteDogsSpecialty coffee, pancakes, avocado toast, smoothie bowls. Dogs inside and out.
- Abigail’s CaféDogsVegetarian brunch, great avocado toast, gluten-free options. Dogs at outdoor tables.
- Pastelaria Pão DoceDogsA casual local café and bakery. Dog-friendly outdoor benches.
- Sunrays KitchenDogsNear Hill ViewA Lagos favourite; honestly, anything on the menu is stunning. Water bowl for dogs. Closed Mondays.
Lunch and dinner
- Restaurante Com SaborNear Hill ViewProper Portuguese cooking. The duck is our personal favourite.
- The GardenDogsA hidden garden with Mediterranean food and cocktails. Fully dog-friendly.
- ShalimarDogsIndian, with plenty for vegetarians and vegans. Dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- Happy SumoDogsSushi and Asian fusion, including all-you-can-eat. Dogs at outdoor tables.
- Restaurante MunichDogsSchnitzel and bratwurst overlooking the harbour. Dogs outside.
- illicit Burgers PoolsideNear Hill ViewOn the way down to Porto de Mós: great burgers, a pool and a sea view.
What to order
Grilled sardines in summer, cataplana (a seafood stew cooked in a copper pan, usually for two), arroz de marisco, polvo (octopus, of course), and a pastel de nata with your coffee. Ask for the dish of the day, the prato do dia, at lunch.
Beaches, in a sentence each
- Praia da BatataKidsClosest to the Old Town, sheltered, small and busy in summer. Good for a quick hour.
- Praia dos EstudantesThe one with the stone arch bridge. Tiny and beautiful.
- Praia Dona AnaCalm, clear water, great for snorkelling. About 100 steps down, which you will feel on the way back.
- Praia do CamiloThe postcard: a wooden staircase down into a golden cove.
- Porto de MósKidsNear Hill ViewLong and less crowded, rock pools at low tide, level access. Waves can be stronger, so watch small children. About 20 minutes downhill from Hill View.
- Meia PraiaKidsDogsKilometres of flat sand east of the marina. Best for toddlers, best for dogs, never feels full.
- Praia da LuzKidsTen minutes’ drive west. Calm, rock pools, small village feel.
Travelling with
We are corgi owners, we host families all the time, and we mean it when we say everyone is welcome.
Your dog
In bathing season, dogs are officially not allowed on most local beaches. In practice, many locals go to the larger beaches before 9am and after 7pm, and so do we. Out of season it is much more relaxed. Meia Praia is the easiest all day.
- Off-lead space: Parque Biossaudável, where locals let dogs run, mostly mornings and evenings.
- Walks: every cliff path, from the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk to the Luz promenade, on lead.
- Pet shops: Tibi on the EN125 for the big shop; My Friend in town for food, treats and natural grooming.
- Vet: Pet Vet Lagos, 9am to 7pm, +351 282 799 268.
- Emergency vet, 24/7: Hospital Veterinário de Portimão, about 20 minutes by car, +351 282 418 260.
Your kids
Lagos is one of the easiest places in Portugal with small children: good beaches within minutes, a walkable town and a slow pace.
- At Octopus Oasis Old Town: travel cot on request, a sofa bed for older kids, child-friendly cups, plates and bowls. First floor, one flight of stairs.
- Best beaches: Meia Praia for toddlers, Porto de Mós and Praia da Luz for rock pools.
- Gear hire: Coastal Quip (Lagos, free delivery in town) and Sunshine Baby Algarve (car seats, cots, prams).
- Babysitters: Algarve Sitters and My Fairy Nanny.
- Pharmacy: Farmácia Telo, R. Henrique Correia da Silva 1, about 5 minutes from the Old Town apartment. For late-night pharmacies, check farmaciasdeservico.net.
- Hospital: Hospital Terras do Infante, Av. Dom Sebastião, 24-hour emergency department.
Everyone is welcome
Octopus Oasis is an inclusive home. Portugal has recognised same-sex marriage since 2010, and Lagos is relaxed and easy-going.
Lagos itself has a mixed, laid-back bar scene rather than dedicated LGBTQ+ venues. For a night out, travel guides point to:
- Portimão: The Loft, a gay bar and dance club with DJs, shows and karaoke. The next big town east of Lagos.
- Albufeira: Connection, on The Strip, a long-running gay bar and dance club.
- Faro: Prestige, known for drag shows.
Venues change often, so check opening nights before you travel. If anything ever feels off during your stay, message us straight away.
Good to know
- Emergency112 for police, ambulance and fire.
- GroceriesPingo Doce (two in town), Continente, Lidl and Aldi. Near Hill View, SuperEureka is about 5 minutes on foot.
- When to comeMay, June and September: warm, calmer, fewer people. July and August: hottest and busiest. Winter: mild, quiet, great for walking; some places close.
- EveningsNights cool down, even in summer. Pack a layer, especially for sunset at Sagres.
Questions? Just ask us.
We love helping plan your days, and we can book boat trips with our partners.
R. Dr. Mendonça 52B, 8600-586 Lagos · AL 147741/AL
Octopus Oasis, Hill View
R. Joaquina Galaz Pimenta 24, RC D, 8600-550 Lagos · AL 176564/AL
Book your next stay direct at octopusoasis.com.
Look down on our Old Town street and you will find an octopus set into the cobblestones, laid by hand. That is where our name comes from. Last checked September 2026.