15 Best Day Trips from Lagos Portugal

The 15 Best Lagos Day Trips

I’ve listed here the 15 best day trips from Lagos and included some tips and unmissable highlights to help you decide on your day trip destination. Depending on what you’re looking for, either a pretty town to enjoy cultural attractions or nightlife, or an outdoor excursion, you’ll find something for everyone on this list.

Most places in Algarve are easier or faster to reach by car, even there’s always a public transportation option. If you need to rent a car, check out Discover Cars to compare rates and get the best deals in Algarve. 

1. Faro

First, let’s explore the capital of the Algarve, Faro. Many people land at the international airport but head straight to their final destination. However, Faro has a lot of sights to explore that are well worth visiting, making it one of the best towns in Portugal.

Carmo Church in Faro

Walking through Faro Old Town, you’ll see the first historical spots. Cidade Velha contains many cobbled streets, and you can still see parts of the city walls. One of the highlights is Arco da Vila, a beautiful archway from medieval times.

Another unique place to visit is the Carmo Church. The church itself has a stunning interior, but the Bone Chapel is why most people come to visit. Capela dos Ossos contains the bones and skulls of 1,200 Carmelite monks, and they decorate the chapel in various shapes. If this is a bit too creepy, you can head to the cathedral Sé de Faro instead. Or enjoy the many shops around Rua de Santo António, a lively street full of restaurants.

2. Benagil Cave

Benagil Cave is one of the most booked excursions in the Algarve. Located just 40 minutes drive from Lagos, this unique place attracts lots of tourists every year, and it’s easy to see why once you’ve spent a magical moment there.

To discover this cave, you have to take the ocean route. Indeed, there’s no other way to get inside the Benagil Cave than by taking the sea route to the heart of this natural wonder. However, if you take the Seven Hanging Valleys Hiking trail along the coast, you’ll have the chance to pass over the dome of the cave and catch a glimpse of it from its summit (it’s pretty, but it doesn’t feel the same).

By the way, if you take this trail, you’ll also be able to discover one of the world’s most beautiful beaches: Praia da Marina. The hike is only 3.5 kilometers one way, but it can be challenging in parts as you go up and down the coastal trail.

3. Carvoeiro

Right next to Benagil Cave is the small town of Carvoeiro. This old fishing town perched on the edge of the cliffs attracts lots of visitors but has preserved a friendly atmosphere, far removed from the nightlife hustle and bustle of Albufeira or Lagos.

The main attractions are the beaches, especially Praia do Carvoeiro and Albandeira, with their turquoise waters and charming coves. These beaches are a bit less crowded than others in the region, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, go for it!

You’ll also find a number of beautiful hiking trails starting from Carvoeiro and running along the cliffs, including the Carvoeiro Boardwalk and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

4. Ria Formosa

When you visit Faro, you can also stop by Ria Formosa. It’s a nature reserve, and many boats depart from Faro Marina.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park usually takes a few hours, and you get to see a lot along the way! The estuary is a labyrinth of small canals and islands. Birdwatchers are in for a treat here, and you might even discover flamingos in the salt pans. Your guide will know exactly which animals hide where! And on the open ocean, you might even spot dolphins! How cool is that?

Ria Formosa also consists of many islands. You can reach these during your excursion, but also by boat taxi. Ilha Deserta has some fantastic beaches, and Ilha do Farol is one of the more popular ones to visit. Here you will find Praia de Faro, an excellent place for a long walk along the shore or a dive in the ocean. The water might be chilly! Tip: combine a day in Faro with a trip to Ria Formosa.

5. Sagres & Cape Saint Vincent

Sagres is located more towards the southwest of Lagos. The town is known for its colossal fort, Fortaleza de Sagres. This monument has a rich history and is open to the public. The structure was an important geo-strategic maritime defensive system, and you’ll enjoy some fantastic views from the fortress!

Cape St Vincent in Sagres

You’ll spot the lighthouse Farol de Sagres and beaches like Praia do Martinhal and Praia da Mareta. It’s a great spot to surf, and Sagres has this friendly and relaxed surfers’ vibe.

If you’d like to visit the most southwestern point in Portugal, you can visit Cape Saint Vincent, one of Portugal’s best landmarks. It’s even the most southwestern point in Europe, and with the vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect it to be windy here! There is another lighthouse to visit, and you can start to see the rocky coast of the western Algarve.

6. The wild Atlantic West Coast

Attention all surfers, the west coast of the Algarve is fantastic! Many surf schools are nearby, so even if you’ve never stood on a board, it’s a great spot to learn.

If you prefer to stay dry, be sure to visit some of the most beautiful beaches. Praia do Telheiro, Praia da Barriga, and Praia da Bordeira are just some examples along the coast. Again, it can be windy here, but the landscape is a must-see for nature lovers.

Praia da Bordeira

There are also some lovely towns here that are worth a visit. Take Aljezur, for example. Visit one of the Aljezur beaches, go for a coastal hike, or enjoy a walk in the old town.

You can travel even a bit further north and discover the beauty of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. This landscape is made for hiking, and the Rota Vicentina trek is a favorite of many! It’s a whopping 450 kilometers long, so you might want to participate in part of the trail.

7. Tavira

If you prefer to spend a day in a charming town, be sure to visit Tavira. The town’s history goes way back to the Bronze Age, and the many archaeological remains are wonderful to see.

One of the most accessible spots to visit from the old days is the Ponte Antiga over the Gilão River. The Roman Bridge has seven arches, and you can enjoy a short walk along the riverbanks. You’ll stumble accords the Tavira Market, where you can find local produce such as fruits, salt, honey, and cheese.

Higher up in town, you can take a look at Castelo de Tavira. The castle is in the highest part of town, and you have a fantastic view of the city and Ria Formosa Natural Park. Combine your visit with Santa Maria do Castelo, one of the many churches in Tavira.

Do you prefer a day at the beach? Then you can take the ferry from the harbor to Ilha de Tavira. The island is 11 kilometers long, and you can even spend the night here!

8. Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is somewhat like the Algarve’s postcard, exactly what comes to mind when you picture the region.

Located just 3 kilometers from Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is a must-see stop. It’s a very special beach surrounded by cliffs up to 20 meters high. This small stretch of coastline features arches, caves, pinnacles, and rock pillars sculpted by erosion over time.

The beach is freely accessible and can be explored on foot, by boat, or kayak from Lagos. If you discover it on foot, you’ll have the chance to descend its magnificent 182-step staircase. Depending on the tide, you can either swim or explore on foot. However, you should note that this isn’t the best place to swim due to the strong currents in the area.

9. Albufeira

It’s one of the Algarve’s most popular seaside resorts. Known throughout the area as a party town, it boasts a charming historic center and beaches each more beautiful than the last.

Praia de Peneco in Albufeira

Formerly a fishing village, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy all day. First of all, the magnificent beaches typical of the region, such as Praia do Peneco or Praia dos Pescadores. The pretty marina is also very pleasant to explore, with its buildings of surprising shapes and colors. Last but not least, its historic center is perfect for eating, drinking and partying.

More surprisingly, there are 2 charming museums to discover: the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia and the Museu de Arte Sacra.

10. Ferragudo

Ferragudo is another picturesque waterside fishing village that has successfully kept its timeless charm.

Simply take a stroll through the town center, stopping off at the Praça Rainha Dona Leonor, surrounded by cafés and restaurants, to appreciate its character. One of the best things to do in Ferragudo is to enjoy a fresh fish dish along the harbor while watching the fishermen at work.

The town is also famous for the Fort of São João do Arade, built on the waterfront between the beaches of Angrinha and Praia Grande. Built in the 16th century, it was mainly used as an observation tower to prevent pirate attacks. Unfortunately, it can only be admired from the outside, but its view will delight all visitors, especially photography lovers.

For a nice view of the surrounding area, I recommend a visit to the Ponta do Altar lighthouse.

11. Silves

Known for housing the best-preserved medieval castle in the Algarve region, the pretty little town of Silves is a perfect day trip from Lagos, just a ten-minute drive away.

Silves is best known for housing the Algarve’s best-preserved medieval castle, Castelo de Silves. Built by the Moors between the 8th and 10th centuries, it is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Portugal. Its strategic position protected the town’s inhabitants when Silves was the capital of the Algarve. Right next to it, Silves Cathedral stands out for its Gothic style.

The old town of Silves also retains architectural traces of the Moorish period, with its cobbled, winding streets that are a delight to visit.

13. Alvor

Only half an hour from Lagos lies the town of Alvor, a small village known for its beaches and calm, soothing atmosphere.

This ancient fishing village is said to have been discovered by the Carthaginian general Hannibal around 436 BC. Today, the town is a prime destination thanks to its beaches and its typical little historic center with cobbled streets, churches, and white houses.

Praia dos Três Irmãos

The town’s main beach is a long stretch of sand over 3.5 kilometers long, divided into several sections: Praia do Alvor, accessible from the town center in just a few minutes and perfect for beach sports; Praia dos Três Irmãos with its cliffs and 3 iconic rocks; and last but not least, Plage do Vau with its wild panorama well worth a visit.

14. Portimão

Portimão is another popular seaside resort town in the Algarve, half an hour’s drive from Lagos and right next to Alvor. Despite its success as a tourist destination, Portimão has retained its authenticity.

La Ribeirinha in Portimão

Of course, like most towns in the region, Portimão boasts breathtaking beaches such as Praia da Rocha, Praia dos Três Castelos and Praia do Alemão. Its quays, the Ribeirinha, are also an unmissable stroll, especially in the evenings when the atmosphere is lively.

Other attractions in Portimão include the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina de Ribamar, built in the 15th century to protect the peninsula from pirates and military invasions.

15. Best Lagos Day Trips with Kids

The Algarve is popular with families, and thankfully there are plenty of activities with kids. You can visit Lagos Zoo, a park with many birds and reptiles just outside Lagos. Or step on board a catamaran and locate the dolphins that often swim along the coast.

Parque Aventura Lagos is great for kids who like adventure. There are a bunch of high ropes courses for different ages and levels. You can participate in a paintball game after a climbing session or have some fun at the ziplines!

If you prefer a splashing day, visit one of the many waterparks in the Algarve. Slide & Splash is very close to Lagos, but Aqualand Algarve and Aquashow Waterpark are just as fun! The Algarve is known for its many golf courses, but if you like to play a game with your kids, visit ProPuttingGarden in Lagos.

Best Boat Trips from Lagos

The whole Algarve area is famous for its wonderful red cliffs and for its waters full of dolphins. So if you have the chance to be in this incredible region, you should absolutely take a boat tour to discover it. Hopefully, there are tons of boat trips departing from Lagos and some of them will certainly keep you busy the whole day, perfect if you’re looking for a day trip to do.

I help you choose the right one in this section as I’ve carefully selected the best boat trips from Lagos to do:

• Dolphin Watching Half-Day Cruise & Water Activities: starting from Lagos Marina, this 3.5 hours cruise is perfect for watching dolphins and enjoying water activities with friends or family;
• From Lagos: Algarve Golden Coast Cruise: this half-day excursion takes you to the southwest tip of Europe and makes you discover the epic Algarve formations while enjoying water games and activities;
• Lagos: Sailboat Trip to Ponta da Piedade: board a traditional Portuguese sailing boat and spend half a day swimming in the blue waters of the Algarve and visit Ponta da Piedade;
• From Lagos: Benagil Caves Speedboat Adventure: this tour will allow you to enter the protected cave of Benagil and marvel at the Algarve coastline.  

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Lagos

As you can see, Lagos and the Algarve have something for every type of traveler. Whether you like a chill beach holiday, go hiking, visit cultural hotspots, or enjoy a night in a bar. It’s a family-friendly destination with pretty good weather all year round.

The busiest months are July and August, so spring and autumn are great for visitors who enjoy quieter moments but still want to benefit from pleasant weather. Day trips from Lagos are easy to undertake, and after your trip, you’ve seen some of the best spots in the Portuguese Algarve!

By the way, download the free map below to have all the best places in Algarve on hand 👇 

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