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The best independent guide to Lagos
LagosPortugalGuide.com
The best independent guide to Lagos
The Praia do Porto de Mos beach, Lagos
Praia do Porto de Mós is the second-largest beach in the Lagos region, surpassed only by the vast expanse of Meia Praia. Situated 4 km southwest of the bustling tourist center, this coastline offers a stunning and more tranquil alternative, featuring both the main beach of Porto de Mós and the hidden gem of Praia do Canavial, both framed by dramatic, steep cliffs and blessed with soft, golden sands.
Unlike other beaches in Lagos, Praia do Porto de Mós faces a south-westerly direction and is not shielded by the Ponta da Piedade headland. This exposure to the Atlantic Ocean makes it the premier destination for surfing and bodyboarding in the area, though it can also be breezy at times. Its distance from the city center ensures it remains significantly less crowded, providing a more relaxed beach experience.
Related articles: Beach guide - Introduction to Lagos - Sights and activities
The Praia do Porto de Mos has a beautiful natural setting
The Praia do Canavial
Mos Beach Tourist Information
The stunning Lagos coastline in the Santa María area is defined by two main beaches: the expansive, popular Praia do Porto de Mós and the smaller, more secluded Praia do Canavial. These two magnificent stretches of sand are separated from each other by a dramatic cliff headland.
As the larger and more accessible of the two, Porto de Mós is a bustling hub for both locals and tourists, yet its vast size means you can always find a quieter spot, especially if you head towards the far ends of the beach away from the main entrance. It is an family-friendly beach, offering clean, clear waters for bathing and the reassurance of lifeguard supervision throughout the main summer season.
The Praia do Porto de Mos rarely gets packed when compared to Lagos's other beaches
Visitors will find excellent facilities conveniently located right at the beachfront. The main entrance to the beach is thoughtfully designed at the lowest point of the valley, ensuring easy, level access that is suitable for everyone, including those with disabilities, as there are no stairs or steep slopes to navigate from the car park.
For those seeking refreshment or a meal with a view, two highly-regarded restaurants are situated directly on the sand: Restaurante O António, celebrated for its traditional fresh seafood, and the modern Campimar Restaurante Bar, which offers exquisite Mediterranean dishes on a beautiful oceanfront terrace.
To ensure a comfortable day on the golden sands, essential amenities are readily available. This includes public toilets and showers, and a large, informal parking area just a short walk from the beach. For those looking to relax in comfort, parasols and sun loungers can be hired for the day, with the cost being €25 for a full day. The beach's Blue Flag status is a testament to its high standards of cleanliness and safety, making it a reliable and delightful choice for a full day of sun and sea.
Travel to the Porto de Mos
Reaching Praia do Porto de Mós from the centre of Lagos is straightforward. The local 'A ONDA' bus service is the most economical way to travel; take the Linha 2 (Blue Line), which terminates right at the beach car park.
The service runs hourly, and a single ticket costs around €1.60. For a quicker journey, a taxi will take around 10 minutes and cost between €6.00 and €8.00. Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Uber are very popular and can be slightly cheaper, with fares from central Lagos starting from around €4.00. However, be aware that demand for Uber can be extremely high, particularly at the end of the day when everyone is leaving the beach, which can lead to longer waits and surge pricing.
For the more energetic, a walk from the Lagos marina to the beach takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, with the scenic clifftop path from Ponta da Piedade offering a far more rewarding route than the direct road.
What to do at Mos Beach?
Beyond the undeniable pleasure of sunbathing on the golden sand or swimming in the Atlantic waves, Praia do Porto de Mós offers a fantastic array of activities for the more adventurous visitor. Its unique south-westerly exposure makes it the best and most consistent surfing beach in the immediate Lagos area. Numerous local surf companies rent equipment, and for 2025 you can expect to pay around €15 to €20 per day for a beginner's soft-top surfboard, or €20 to €25 for an intermediate or advanced hardboard. Wetsuit hire is typically an additional €5 to €10 per day. The waves here are also perfect for bodyboarding, and on calmer days, the clear water is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, allowing you to explore the base of the majestic cliffs.
One of the most popular excursions is a guided kayak tour, which conveniently departs directly from the sands of Porto de Mós. These tours allow you to get up close to the spectacular coastline and explore the world-famous grottoes and rock formations of Ponta da Piedade from a unique sea-level perspective. Tours typically run daily during the season, often with departures around 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. A standard tour lasts for approximately two and a half hours, and you can expect prices to be in the range of €25 to €40 per person.
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the surrounding cliffs provide some of the most scenic walking and hiking trails in the Algarve. The most cherished route is the coastal path that leads east from the beach towards the lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade. This well-trodden trail offers breathtaking, panoramic views over the ocean and the intricate coastline. The walk is moderately easy, but sturdy footwear is recommended as the path can be uneven. Be sure to bring water and sun protection, as there is very little shade along the way.
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