Lagos is a premier destination renowned for stunning beaches, historic charm, and a prime location in the western Algarve. To help plan your trip, five key maps are provided below, covering the town's main sights, beaches, accommodation options, day trips, and a suggested weeklong itinerary.

These maps will help efficiently plan your visit, whether exploring the old town, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or venturing out to nearby attractions.

This interactive map displays a practical walking route through Lagos, beginning at the train station. Green markers trace a path through the historic centre, highlighting key landmarks. This tour covers the essential sights of Lagos and takes approximately 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace.
The yellow line indicates the route along the dramatic Ponta da Piedade coastline, known for its rugged cliffs and sea caves, for a longer day trip.

Legend: 1) Lagos Marina 2) Municipal market 3) Gil Eanes plaza 4) Former slave market 5) Saint António Church 6) Santa María church 7) City walls 8) Saint Gonçalo city gate 9) Ponta da Bandeira Fort 10) Batata beach 11) Pinhão beach 12) Dona Ana beach 13) Camilo beach 14) Ponta da Piedade 15) Discoveries waxwork museum 16) Meia Praia beach

For a detailed guide to Lagos' main attractions, see the Sights of Lagos. A brief overview of key landmarks is also provided at the end of this guide.

 

 

 

This map highlights the best beaches in and around Lagos. Yellow markers indicate beaches within Lagos itself, while green markers show noteworthy beaches in the wider western Algarve region.

Lagos offers a diverse range of beaches to suit all preferences. Within the town, visitors will find the expansive Meia Praia, perfect for long walks, and the sheltered Praia da Batata, ideal for families. The picturesque Praia do Camilo and Praia de Dona Ana feature the Algarve's famous golden cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Venturing further reveals gems like the lively Praia da Luz and the more secluded Praia da Ingrina.

Lagos beaches (yellow): 1) Praia de Porto de Mós 2) Praia do Camilo 3) Praia de Dona Ana 4) Praia do Pinhão 5) Praia da Batata 6) Meia Praia
The best beaches of the western Algarve (green): 7) Praia da Luz 8) Praia do Burgau 9) Praia da Salema 10) Praia da Ingrina 11) Praia do Martinhal 12) Praia da Mareta 13) Praia do Beliche 14) Praia de Alvor
A full guide to Lagos’ beaches is available here.

Lagos offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences, ranging from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses and self-catering apartments. The historic centre is ideal for those who want to be close to restaurants and nightlife, while the marina area offers a more modern setting with easy access to beaches. For a quieter stay, consider the outskirts of town or nearby Praia da Luz.

An up-to-date map of hotels and accommodation options in Lagos is provided below, in partnership with Booking.com. You can adjust the dates to see current prices and availability for specific travel periods.

If the map doesn’t load, please click on this link to see the best hotels in Lagos.

For those looking to explore beyond Lagos, the day trip map shows a range of destinations within easy reach. Some highlights include:
• Silves, with its impressive red sandstone castle
• Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's south-westernmost point
• The lively resort towns of Portimão and Praia da Rocha
• The picturesque fishing village of Alvor
• Zoomarine and Slide & Splash, popular theme and water parks
• To escape the crowds, consider visiting Burgau or exploring the coastline towards Sagres.
Note: As this map covers a large area you will have to zoom out to see all of the points

Key 1) Silves 2) Sagres 3) Alvor 4) Portimão 5) Praia da Rocha 6) Burgau 7) Praia da Luz 8) Benagil Cave 9) Ferragudo 10) Zoomarine 11) Slide and Splash

For a full guide to the best day trips from Lagos please see this article - Lagos day trips

The final map outlines a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Lagos. It includes:
Day 1: Exploring Lagos' historic center and Ponta da Piedade
Day 2: Beach day or Lagos Zoo (great for families)
Day 3: Day trip to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
Day 4: Dolphin watching tour or a visit to Burgau
Day 5: Theme park, water park, or another beach day
Day 6: Day trip to Portimão and Praia da Rocha
Day 7: Visit to Praia da Luz, cycling trip, or coastal hike

All these day trips are accessible by public transport, which is affordable in Portugal, though sometimes slower than driving. These maps assist in making the most of a visit to Lagos, whether the interest lies in history, beaches, natural beauty, or a mix of everything the Algarve has to offer.

A full guide to a 1-week holiday to Lagos can be read here

Sights of Lagos for a day trip or holiday (related to map 1)
Lagos is a town rich in history and natural beauty, offering visitors a diverse array of attractions. The old town walls (7), dating back to the 16th century, provide an excellent starting point for exploring. These well-preserved fortifications once protected Lagos from invaders and now offer picturesque walks with views over the town and harbour.

In the heart of the old town lies a sobering reminder of Lagos' past - the Slave Market Museum (4). Housed in a building that was once Europe's first slave market, this small but impactful museum details Lagos' role in the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting consequences.

The Church of Saint Anthony (5) is renowned for its stunning interior. This 18th-century church features intricate gilded woodwork and beautifully painted ceiling panels. The adjacent museum houses a collection of religious artefacts and art, providing further insight into the town's cultural heritage.

While only fragments remain of the original medieval Lagos Castle, the site offers visitors a glimpse into the town's strategic importance and defensive history. Nearby, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort (9) stands guard at the entrance to Lagos harbour. Visitors can explore its chapel, cross the drawbridge, and enjoy panoramic views from the terrace.

South of town, the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade (14) highlight the Algarve's natural beauty. This headland features towering rock formations, hidden grottoes, and sea arches best explored by boat tour or along the clifftop walking trails.

For a taste of local life, visit the recently renovated Lagos Municipal Market (2). The ground floor hosts a bustling fish and produce market, while upstairs restaurants serve fresh seafood dishes. Visitors interested in the arts will appreciate the Lagos Cultural Centre, housed in a former prison, which hosts art exhibitions and events throughout the year.

In the main square, Gil Eanes Plaza (3), the statue of Dom Sebastião honours the young king who led an ill-fated expedition to Morocco, departing from Lagos in 1578. For a modern contrast, the Lagos Marina (1) offers waterfront dining, shops, and serves as a departure point for boat tours.