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Characterized by its cliffs, golden beaches, and walled Old Town, Lagos entices vacationers with its laid-back charm and stunning coastal scenery. The 17th-century fort and resplendent interior of Igreja San Antonio are two of the top things to do in Lagos, while the yacht-filled marina serves as the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can spot dolphins and humpback whales depending on the season, and get up close and personal with the enchanting grottoes of Ponta da Piedade.
Portugal’s gorgeous Algarve region enjoys around 300 days of sunshine every year, so whenever you visit, you’re likely to enjoy blue skies and warm temperatures. The region is at its busiest July–September, when families from around Europe flock to its golden sands for the school holidays. Visit in the shoulder season months of June or October for cheaper hotel deals and less-crowded beaches and restaurants.
Lagos’s quaint, cobbled Old Town is small enough to explore on foot, and the sprawling Praia de São Roque is a 10-minute walk. It’s easy to explore the rest of the Algarve from Lagos’ train station. You’ll find trains heading to Faro—home to the Algarve’s international airport—and ones that stop at various Algarve towns. From the Lagos bus station, there’s a coach to the popular surf spot of Sagres, the Algarve’s southwesternmost point.
The Algarve’s coastline is dotted with sandstone rock formations, carved by the thrashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Though Benagil Cave tends to hog the limelight, Ponta da Piedade headland features freestanding pillars, grottoes, and natural arches. You can access the remote headland on a boat trip (or on a kayak if you’re ready to tackle the waves) from Lagos, or enjoy views of it from the clifftop promenade that runs along the coast from Lagos.
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Not to be confused with the former capital of Nigeria, Lagos in Portugal is best known for its charming Old Town and golden-sand beaches. It’s also famous for its vibrant nightlife and the nearby Ponta de Piedade, a group of sandstone formations that reach a height of almost 65 feet (20 meters).
...MoreYou need at least two days in Lagos to enjoy its natural and cultural attractions. In two days explore the 16th-century Old Town and sample local specialties, such as traditional seafood stew (cataplana), and see top coastal sights such as the Ponta da Piedade Cliffs and Praia do Camilo Beach.
...MoreThe name of one of the top tourist attractions in Lagos is Ponta da Piedade. These red and yellow cliffs rise 65 feet (20 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise waters. Chartered boat tours from Lagos Marina pass through sea caves and natural rock arches of this rock formation.
...MoreYes, Lagos has an Old Town. The small—yet perfectly formed—historic center is characterized by cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings and is still partially surrounded by protective walls dating back to the 16th century. You’ll also find plenty of monuments dedicated to explorers from Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
...MoreYes, it’s easy to explore Lagos’ Old Town on foot. From the town center, the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade are a 30-minute walk, and Praia Dona Ana is a 20-minute walk. On the other side of town, within walking distance of Lagos train station, you’ll find Meia Praia.
...MoreYes, Lagos is worth visiting, with stunning coastal scenery, a charming Old Town, and 2,000 years of history. Kayak among sea caves; spot dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean; relax on golden-sand beaches; learn about Portugal’s Age of Discovery; or explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town.
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