Lagos Portugal Travel Guide
Praia do Camilo
Lagos is a quaint town on the south coast of Portugal. Whether you are escaping the hustle and bustle of Lisbon or looking for a unique beach destination, Lagos surely won’t disappoint. Here you can experience an endless array of water activities and gorgeous beaches. Lagos will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the first city I experienced solo traveling. Not only that, but I made some of my favorite memories while traveling here, and I’m positive you will, too!
This Lagos travel guide will take you through what to expect, where to stay, and the best things to do during your time in Lagos!
What to Expect
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Lagos is by taking a bus from Lisbon. Omio is my favorite travel app for bus and train transportation.
When to go: I suggest going during the shoulder seasons when the weather is nice, and the crowds are small. The peak season is July through August, so choose dates a couple of months before or after if you want to avoid large crowds.
Language: The local language is Portuguese, although most people speak English because of the prominent tourism industry in the town. I still recommend learning a few phrases in Portuguese to be polite.
Currency: Portugal uses the Euro.
Safety: Lagos felt like a very safe town, but I always recommend using your best judgment when you’re out by yourself.
What to Pack: If you are anything like I am, all you will need to pack is a couple of shorts, shirts, swimsuits, and a pair of sandals. I also recommend packing a towel as the hostels do not provide beach towels. If you go during the shoulder season, pack a sweatshirt as the mornings and nights can get chilly.
Where to Stay
There are quite a few hostels to choose from in Lagos that you can find on HostelWorld. I stayed at the Banana Beach Hostel, and I have to admit it was my favorite hostel I’ve stayed in so far. They host “family dinner” every night (usually suitable for vegans), which was an amazing way to bond and get to know the other people in the hostel. The workers are incredibly helpful and will set you up with any activity your heart desires. Oh, and did I mention they have a resident dog?
Best things to do in Lagos
Go to the Beach
In Lagos, you can never go wrong with a day at the beach, especially when there are so many gorgeous beaches to choose from. My favorite beach was Praia Dona Ana, which was a 5-minute walk from the hostel. It’s large enough to have your own space even on busy days, while still featuring cool rock formations and soft sand. I also recommend checking out Praia do Camilo, which was about a 10-minute walk from the hostel. Because it’s much smaller than Dona Ana, make sure to get there early as it starts filling in after 11 am. Don’t be afraid to venture to other beaches along the coast, as well!
Get out on the Water
Lagos has breathtaking rock formations, sea caves, and a rugged shoreline to explore. More than anywhere I’ve been so far, Lagos has made its natural beauty highly accessible. Whether you want to get some exercise and explore by kayak or stand-up paddle board, or if you want to relax on a boat, Lagos has something for everyone.
I like to use Viator to book my excursions ahead of time so they don’t sell out.
Go Surfing
Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is known for having some of the best waves in Europe. Every hostel I stayed in along the coast offered surfing lessons, which makes it a great place for beginners. And if you are a seasoned surfer, there are plenty of rental shops and beaches to fulfill your surfing needs.
Watch the Sunrise
Watching the sunrise is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. There’s something special about watching the day start before anyone else is awake. While I have seen some amazing sunrises, I have to admit, the one I saw in Lagos might have been the most beautiful. Any of the beaches would be great, but I walked to the lighthouse and sat by the cliffs, and it was incredible.
Explore the Town
After you spend a relaxing day at the beach, head into the old town for dinner, drinks, and some shopping. While you’ll likely spend the majority of your time closer to the beach, the charming old town is worth a stroll to admire the Portuguese architecture and enjoy all that Lagos has to offer.
