10 Fun day trips from Lagos Portugal

Discover the best day trips from Lagos in Portugal. From beautiful beaches and impressive cliffs to picturesque villages and historic towns.

About Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful coastal town in the Algarve region of Portugal. Its beautiful beaches, cozy atmosphere, and rich history make it a popular vacation destination. But there is much more to explore in the area. If you take Lagos as a base for your vacation, there are plenty of great places to visit for a day trip.

Fun day trips from Lagos

I myself “live” in Lagos for a few months every year and when friends come to visit, I always take them on a fun day trip from Lagos a few times more. In this article, I will tell you which places are the most fun to visit from Lagos.

Ponta da Piedade

Just a few kilometers from Lagos you will find one of the most beautiful spots in the Algarve: Ponta da Piedade. This cape is known for its impressive rock formations, caves, and crystal clear waters. You can take beautiful photos from the cliffs, and thanks to the wooden boardwalks and viewpoints, it is a popular place to go hiking.

The best way to see the golden rocks up close is to go by boat. You can choose to rent a kayak or paddleboard yourself, or you can go on a guided boat trip or a kayak tour along Ponta da Piedade. A great experience!

• By car: It is only a five-minute drive from downtown. Right in front of the lighthouse is a parking lot where you can park for free.
• By public transport: No city buses go to Ponta da Piedade, but there is a tourist train that stops there (only in summer).
• On foot: The walk from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade is also highly recommended. From downtown, it takes about 40 minutes. From Praia do Pinhão, you can walk along the shore on the wooden boardwalks.

Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

Sagres is one of the main attractions in the Algarve as far as I’m concerned and also another recommended day trip from Lagos. I take almost all my friends here.

Sagres is located on the southwesternmost tip of Europe. Before visiting the town itself, drive a few kilometers to Cabo de São Vicente (Cape Saint Vincent). Here you will find the imposing lighthouse atop steep cliffs. Sailors used to think this was “the end of the world. The rugged coast and raging waves are a spectacular sight. In Sagres itself, you can visit the port, several gorgeous beaches and the fortress. You can also have a great meal at one of the seafood restaurants.

Read more: The best things to do in Sagres

• By car: 45-minute drive to Cape St. Vincent, which is 10 minutes from Sagres. Parking is available next to the lighthouse on the cape, in Sagres itself there is a large lot in front of Sagres Fortress and behind Praia da Mareta.
• By public transportation: Bus 47 runs several times a day from Lagos to Sagres and sometimes stops at Cabo de São Vicente. A ticket costs about €7, payable in cash to the driver. Check Google Maps for schedules and bus stops.

Monchique

For a day trip inland, Monchique is highly recommended. This mountain village is located in the middle of the Algarve’s green hinterland. You will find picturesque streets, cozy squares, and the ruins of a medieval monastery.

Also, climb Fóia (the highest mountain in the Algarve) for stunning views of the region. On the way you will pass by the Caldas de Monchique, a spa town with thermal springs. Ideal for relaxing for a while.

Read more: 11 fun things to do in Monchique Portugal

• By car: 45 minutes drive (via the A22, a toll road) or 50 minutes to an hour drive on other roads.
• By public transport: Take the bus or train to Portimão and there change to bus 84 to Monchique. Please note that these buses do not go very often, so it is wise to find out the bus schedules well in advance. You can find them on Google Maps.

Silves

History lovers should not skip Silves while staying in Lagos. This town was once the capital of the Moorish empire in the Algarve. The main attraction is the red castle that towers high above the city. From here you have a beautiful view of the green hills full of vineyards and the river.

Inside the city walls you will find narrow streets, white houses, and Moorish remains. Also, visit the cathedral and the ruins of a Roman bridge. A medieval festival takes place here in August.

Read more: Discover Silves, the oldest city in the Algarve

• By car: 35-minute drive (via toll road) or 45-minute drive via the N125.
• By public transport: 37 minutes by train. Check the website of CP for train times. It usually goes every 1 to 2 hours. From the train station, it is a 20-minute walk to get to the town.

Praia da Marinha (Seven Hanging Valleys Trail).

Often labeled as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Praia da Marinha. This beach is located in a sheltered bay surrounded by high cliffs. The turquoise water and golden sand make it a picture to behold. A great place to relax on the beach and you can also do some good snorkeling among the rock formations.

Above the cliffs is a hiking trail with magnificent views. This is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and it runs through several cliffs and beautiful beaches to Praia do Vale de Centeanes (about 6 kilometers one way). This is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Algarve.

Read more: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: the best hiking trail in the Algarve

• By car: 40-minute drive via the A22 or 45-minute drive via the N125.
• By public transport: Although Praia da Marinha is accessible by public transportation from Lagos (the fastest route is by taking the train to Ferragudo, then the bus to Barros Brancos and, then changing buses again to Praia da Marinha), I would advise against doing it as a day trip by public transportation. It takes too long and it is then difficult to travel back on the same day. As an alternative, you can also take the train to Ferragudo and then continue by taxi or Uber.

Boat trips along the coast: dolphins & caves

From Lagos, you can book incredibly fun boat trips. For example, you can go far out to sea to see dolphins, or you can stay close to the coast to see the most beautiful hidden beaches and caves, with the cave of Benagil being the highlight. Some of these tours also combine the two.

These are some of the most fun boat trips you can take from Lagos:

• Speedboat adventure to the caves of Benagil: With this tour, you will go along the coast in a fast speedboat. Occasionally the boat slows down, giving you a chance to properly admire the golden cliffs and caves.
• Dolphin watching & Benagil Tour with marine biologist: On this boat trip, you will also check out the cave of Benagil, but it goes a little slower. In addition, you will search for dolphins with an expert.

Portimão

Portimão is the second largest city in the Algarve, after Faro. This is another nice place to visit as a day trip from Lagos. It’s a great place to go shopping (perfect if it’s raining) and you can wander around downtown.

Highlights include Praia da Rocha (a beach with steep cliffs full of beach pavilions), Fortaleza de Santa Catarina (beautiful views), Ribeirinha de Portimão (nice stroll), and Praça 1º de Maio (beautiful buildings, street art, and lots of nice stores and restaurants.

Read more: 20 Best Things to do in Portimão Portugal

• By car: 20-minute drive. Near the Ribeirinha is a large parking lot.
• By public transport: 20 minutes by train, it goes about once every two hours. There are also buses between Lagos and Portimão, which take about 35 minutes.

Praia da Luz

Just west of Lagos is another nice resort: Praia da Luz. The atmosphere here is very different, less urban and a bit more convivial. Although it is not that big, it is a wonderful place to relax.

The steep cliff next to the beach is a picture to behold, and this is also a good place to take surfing lessons. In addition, there are plenty of nice restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a delicious Portuguese meal. And if you fancy a sporting challenge, the walk from Luz to Lagos is highly recommended. It’s a bit of a climb at the beginning, but then a wonderful trip over the cliffs full of beautiful views awaits you.

Read more: 12 Best things to do in Praia da Luz & around

• By car: 15-minute drive.
• By public transport: Lagos’ “city buses” run regularly to Luz. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs only a few euros.

Aljezur

Aljezur is a municipality in the northwest of the Algarve and has not (yet) been discovered by the masses. Consequently, the coastline here is still largely undeveloped, and the steep cliffs full of unusual rock formations make it extra spectacular.

My favorite spots in Aljezur are Carrapateira (a sleepy surfing village with a spectacular beach), Praia do Amado (one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal), Praia de Monte Clérigo (a tiny village with a picturesque beach), and Aljezur (a beautiful old town with a ruined fortress and quaint streets). It is always so much fun to visit this region! You come to complete peace.

Read more: The most beautiful places in Aljezur

• By car: 35 minutes from Lagos.
• By public transport: About an hour by bus from Lagos to Aljezur. However, I would recommend visiting this region by car, then you can also discover the beautiful beaches.

These are just some of the many beautiful places to visit during your stay in Lagos. The Algarve has many more hidden gems worth a day trip. Rent a car and explore this beautiful region of Portugal. Enjoy the beautiful nature, rich culture and delicious cuisine!

Where do you go first? Let us know by leaving a comment below this blog.

More Lagos tips

I visit Lagos every year for a few months, and it feels like my second home! Therefore, on this website, you can also find a lot of information about a vacation in Lagos. Check out these articles as well:

• 25 Awesome things to do in Lagos: tips from an (almost) local
• Hiking in Lagos: 7 great hiking trails
• 20 Best cafes and restaurants in Lagos Portugal
• 20 beautiful B&Bs and hotels in Lagos Portugal
• 13 Best Beaches in Lagos Portugal

Book a trip to Lagos

These were all my recommendations for a fun day trip from Lagos. Want to discover this delightful city in the Portuguese Algarve for yourself? Then book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Faro Airport is the international airport of the Algarve and the best place to start your road trip. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets. From the airport, it’s a 1-hour drive to Lagos (on a toll road)

🛏️ Accommodation – You can find great hotels, hostels, or apartments via Booking.com.

🚘 Rental Car – To get to Lagos and to check out more amazing places in the Algarve, it’s highly recommended to rent a car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

💊 Travel insurance – Make sure to invest in travel insurance, it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.

📱 E-sim – Would you like to stay connected during your trip to Portugal? With an E-sim by Airalo, you can use data almost everywhere you go in the Algarve. Use the code JACOBA4108 to get a discount.

🏄🏼 Tours & activities – There are lots of fun tours and guided trips in Lagos. Check Get Your Guide for all the options.

Read more about the Algarve and Portugal

Want to discover more beautiful places in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal? Order one of these travel guides for more tips and inspiration:

Fodor’s Essential Portugal

DK Eyewitness Top 10 The Algarve

In addition, you can also read a lot about Portugal on this website. Check out one of these articles:

• The perfect Algarve itinerary for a 1 or 2 week road trip
• 12 Beautiful villages and towns in the Algarve
• Fishermen’s Trail: the best coastal trail in Europe

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