When is the best time to visit Lagos?

May, June and September are generally the sweet spot. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the town is busy but not overwhelmingly so. July and August are peak season with higher prices and larger crowds but still great if you book well ahead. October can be surprisingly pleasant too, with mild temperatures and far fewer tourists.

How do I get to Lagos from Lisbon or Faro?

From Lisbon, the easiest option is the direct train which takes around three hours and twenty minutes and drops you right in the centre of town. From Faro airport, you can take a train to Lagos with one change at Tunes, which takes about two hours total. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially for exploring the beaches and villages outside of town.

Do I need a car to get around Lagos?

For the town itself and the nearest beaches, you can get by without a car. The old town is compact and walkable, and Meia Praia and Praia da Luz are reachable by local bus. However, if you want to explore the wider Algarve, visit more remote beaches or take day trips at your own pace, hiring a car for at least a couple of days makes things considerably easier.

Is Lagos suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it works well for families. Meia Praia is ideal for young children because it's calmer and shallower than the ocean-facing beaches. The old town is easy to navigate with a pushchair, and there are plenty of low-key restaurants that are relaxed about kids. The boat tours and kayak trips also tend to cater to families, though it's worth checking age requirements with individual operators.

What should I eat and drink in Lagos?

Fresh seafood is the obvious answer. Grilled fish, cataplana (a traditional Algarvian seafood stew cooked in a copper pot), and charcoal-grilled chicken are all worth trying. The local sardines are excellent, especially in summer. For something sweet, look for pastel de nata or Dom Rodrigo, a regional almond and egg yolk sweet specific to the Algarve. Local wines from the Algarve region are improving and worth exploring, and Medronho, a firewater made from arbutus berries, is the local spirit if you're feeling adventurous.

Lagos Hotels & Travel Guide | First Row Travel

About Lagos

Lagos is a coastal town in the Algarve region of southern Portugal that has managed to hold onto its charm despite becoming one of the country's most popular destinations. The old town is wrapped in ancient walls, the beaches are genuinely spectacular, and the food scene punches well above its weight. It draws everyone from surfers and backpackers to families and couples looking for a relaxed seaside escape. The Atlantic here is wild and beautiful, the cliffs are dramatic, and the light in the late afternoon makes everything look like a postcard. It's busy in summer but still worth it, and in the shoulder seasons it's genuinely lovely.

Things to see/do in Lagos

Ponta da Piedade
Meia Praia Beach
Praia Dona Ana
Lagos Old Town
Kayaking and Sea Cave Tours
Surfing at Praia do Amado or Luz
Eat at the Mercado de Lagos
Boat Trip Along the Algarve Coast
Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira
Day Trip to Sagres

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Get in Touch

Whether you have a specific hotel in mind or need inspiration, simply reach out. We're here to guide you.

Rapid Response

We respond in under 12 hours with rates, availability, and your exclusive Preferred Partner benefits.

Secure Details

Once you're ready, we'll collect your details via a secure, encrypted form to finalize the booking.

Confirmation

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lagos?

May, June and September are generally the sweet spot. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the town is busy but not overwhelmingly so. July and August are peak season with higher prices and larger crowds but still great if you book well ahead. October can be surprisingly pleasant too, with mild temperatures and far fewer tourists.
How do I get to Lagos from Lisbon or Faro?

From Lisbon, the easiest option is the direct train which takes around three hours and twenty minutes and drops you right in the centre of town. From Faro airport, you can take a train to Lagos with one change at Tunes, which takes about two hours total. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially for exploring the beaches and villages outside of town.
Do I need a car to get around Lagos?

For the town itself and the nearest beaches, you can get by without a car. The old town is compact and walkable, and Meia Praia and Praia da Luz are reachable by local bus. However, if you want to explore the wider Algarve, visit more remote beaches or take day trips at your own pace, hiring a car for at least a couple of days makes things considerably easier.
Is Lagos suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it works well for families. Meia Praia is ideal for young children because it's calmer and shallower than the ocean-facing beaches. The old town is easy to navigate with a pushchair, and there are plenty of low-key restaurants that are relaxed about kids. The boat tours and kayak trips also tend to cater to families, though it's worth checking age requirements with individual operators.
What should I eat and drink in Lagos?

Fresh seafood is the obvious answer. Grilled fish, cataplana (a traditional Algarvian seafood stew cooked in a copper pot), and charcoal-grilled chicken are all worth trying. The local sardines are excellent, especially in summer. For something sweet, look for pastel de nata or Dom Rodrigo, a regional almond and egg yolk sweet specific to the Algarve. Local wines from the Algarve region are improving and worth exploring, and Medronho, a firewater made from arbutus berries, is the local spirit if you're feeling adventurous.