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THE 10 BEST Lagos Walking Tours

Walking tours in lagos.

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1. Classic Food Tour - Lagos

2. Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas

3. Brodie's Historical and Fun Lagos Walking Tour

4. Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine

5. Sunset Yoga at Lagos's beautiful beach by el Sol Lifestyle

6. Hike The Historic Clifftops Of Lagos

7. Horse Sanctuary: A nature walk with Rescued Horses by your side

8. Algarve Private Tour from Lisbon

9. Portimão: Rambling In The West Algarve (Self-Guided)

10. Lagos Christmas Walking Tour: Lights, History, and Harmony

11. Private Lagos & Sagres Tour

12. Wonderful West Algarve Tour

13. Lagos: Walking Towards The Sunset In The West Algarve (Self-guided)

14. Private Tour to the Algarve, Lagos and Sagres from Lisbon

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What travelers are saying.

• Classic Food Tour - Lagos
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Início » Portugal_ » Self-guided walking tour in Lagos, Portugal

Self-guided walking tour in Lagos, Portugal

• July 22, 2020
• Category: Algarve_ , Portugal_
• Beach , Holiday , Nature , Self-guided Walking Tours , Short Break

With just a few hours explore this self-guided walking tour in Lagos, in Portugal, and discover the main monuments and places of interest.

What you’ll see in the walking tour in Lagos, Portugal

Located next to a wide bay, Lagos is a city of Portugal full of life, especially at night. So, here you can enjoy the various pedestrian streets, many restaurants and cafes, craft shops and urban art, that invites for a walk. Lagos is also famous for the beautiful surrounding beaches with cliffs and caves. 

Lagos is a city in the Algarve , south of Portugal, with a lot of history. Romans called it Lacobriga ( fortress ), the Arabs Zawaya ( mosque) and the Lusitanians Lagos, since it is generally thought that here there was several lakes. Lagos was an important logistics base for the Portuguese Maritime Expansion, which began in the 15th century.

After the conquest of Ceuta in 1415, it was the starting point for the supply of Portuguese troops in the forts in Morocco. Later, it was from where the Portuguese navigators departed, for their world expeditions, promoted by the Infante Dom Henrique. Here also returned the ships loaded with spices, gold and many other treasures.

• Walking time (estimated): 3 hours (20 minutes linear path)
• Course length: 0.8 miles (1.4 km)

Map OF TOUR IN LAGOS, Portugal

The numbers (#) in the Map and in the Text identify the places to visit.

Índice

walking tour in LAGOS, Portugal

=> The walking tour of Lagos starts at Largo Gil Eanes, which is one of the most important squares in the city.

Largo Gil Eanes

(1) From Largo Gil Eanes (square), there are several pedestrian streets. In the square you will find the modern Statue of Dom Sebastião and the old building of the Paços do Concelho (City Hall), with the Tourism Office on the ground floor.

Statue of Dom Sebastião

The Statue of Dom Sebastião was created by the Portuguese sculptor João Cutileiro, in homage to the king who gave the status of city to Lagos, in the 16th century. When was placed there in 1972, the statue triggered some controversy.

Mainly because, at that time, it was breaking with a more conservative type of sculpture, which had existed in Portugal till then.

The old building of the City Hall (Paços do Concelho), dated from the beginning of the 19th century, has a rectangular shape and 3 floors, bearing on the main entrance the city’s coat of arms.

Additionally, it has a noble hall and several other halls that are used for temporary exhibitions. After the inauguration of the new Paços do Concelho in 2019, the building began to be used as the Lagos Municipal Assembly.

TourisM Office

On the ground floor of the former City Hall building is the Tourism Office, where you can obtain further information about the Algarve Region.

=> Walk around the former building of the City Hall on its right side and go to Rua da Barroca;

=> Follow the street under several arches of old houses and along the way you’ll see a interesting Portuguese traditional style pavement with pieces of black stones arranged in fish patterns. From there you can see the sea and the Meia Praia Beach.

=> Follow the street next to several esplanades and then Rua da Senhora da Graça. When you reach the Plaza Infante Dom Henrique (former Republic Square) you’ll have on the right side a building emblazoned with arches and railing.

=> This is the site of the former Slave Market, now a museological nucleus.

Museological Nucleus – Slavery Route (Rota da Escravatura)

(2 ) The 15th century Slave Market building was the first slave trading post in modern-day Europe. In that time, a large number of slaves was arriving in Lagos, Portugal every year. They were transported aboard ships and caravels, after being captured or purchased on the west coast of Africa.

Reduced to the condition of commodities, the slaves were then sold mostly to the American continent. There they were used in heavy labor (mines and sugar cane, coffee and cotton plantations) or in domestic chores.

Detail of the Slave Market Building

On the ground floor of the building worked the Vedoria de Lagos (Inspection) and the military collection. Since the end of the 20th century was an art gallery. Currently, it is part of the museum nucleus Rota da Escravatura (Slavery Route) and has an exhibition on the theme.

On the first floor, with entrance on the side of the building, where used to be the Alfândega (customs) of Lagos you will find the other part of the Museum Nucleus Rota da Escravatura (Slavery Route).

Throughout the exhibition, using augmented reality you can get additional information (videos and more). Therefore, just direct the tablet that is lent to the exposed images. Note that a visit to this building is an occasion to reflect!

=> Now go out to the Praça Infante Dom Henrique and on the left side you will see the Statue of the Infante Dom Henrique, the Portuguese discoveries promotor. In the distance, you can see the beach of Meia Praia ;

=> In front you have the Mother Church (or Santa Maria or Misericórdia). On the right side is a seventeenth century building with a richly crafted plasterwork in part of its facade (former Regimental Warehouse). In the meantime here you can buy pieces of craftsmen from the Algarve.

=> Follow the Travessa do Mar (bypassing the old Regimental Warehouse on the right) until Rua Silva Lopes and then turn left. Here you will find the Cultural Center of Lagos (with the entrance on Rua Lançarote de Freitas ).

Lagos Cultural Center

(3) The Lagos Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Lagos) is a multipurpose building. It serves as a show room (music, cinema, theater and dance) and space for temporary exhibitions, with national and foreign artists.

The Cultural Center promotes cultural life to the inhabitants of Lagos and the many tourists who visit it. Once it has a cafeteria, you can take some time here to rest.

=> Continue along Rua Silva Lopes, between restaurants and cafes terraces, heading to the Church of Santo António .

Santo António Church

(4) The Santo António Church (Igreja de Santo António), of Baroque style, from the 18th century, is classified as a national monument and was used for worship by the military. The one-nave building was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Afterwards, it was rebuilt under the guidance of Hugo Beaty, Commander of the Lagos Infantry Regiment. In the interior there is an impressive coat of gilded woodcarvings (wood covered with gold leaf) and Portuguese blue and white tiles. Surprisingly, this together with the ceiling give a sense of optical illusion to visitors. Inside you can not take photos.

=> In this itinerary in Lagos, head to the Municipal Museum Dr. José Formosinho, which is annex to the church.

Municipal Museum Dr. José Formosinho

(5) The Municipal Museum Dr. José Formosinho (Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho) is a multidisciplinary museum. In fact, here are exposed various types of objects mainly linked to archeology and ethnography of the region, but also numismatics, mineralogy, painting and history of Lagos, Portugal. Although, this museum is under maintenance work till the end of 2019.

=> Continue now the walking tour of Lagos through Rua General Alberto da Silveira until its end and then turn right into Rua Miguel Bombarda. At the end you will pass under an archway, entering the Porta de São Gonçalo, which is one of the Castle of Lagos old gates.

Lagos Castle (Walls)

( 6) The Lagos Castle (Castelo de Lagos or Castelo dos Governadores), or rather what remains of the Walls, is a crowning jewel of Lagos and is classified as a national monument of Portugal.

The castle was built by the Moors in the 13th century and had the most extensive walls of the Algarve. Its location, near the river and the sea, was intended to serve as a defensive structure. Later it protected the population of corsairs attacks, as of Sir Francis Drake.

Within the walls was the residence of the Governors of Arms of the Algarve, having been built on an Arab fortress (fortified village). Today, however, it is mostly occupied by Lagos Hospital. In the walls there are two turrets under the Porta de São Gonçalo (former city gate).

Shortly after, on the left side, there is the Janela de Dom Sebastião (a window), from where Dom Sebastião will have watched the troops embark for the Battle of Alcácer Quibir, in Morocco.

In the adjacent garden you can see the statue of the navigator Gil Eanes, born in Lagos, Portugal. This navigator was the first to pass Cape Bojador, in Mauritania, in 1434. Indeed, this Cape was, until then, an insurmountable barrier to European shipping.

In the meantime, notice the detail of Gil Eanes having a barrel of roses beside him. These represent the plants harvested at the time, in order to prove that there were fertile lands further south of the Sahara Desert.

=> Follow the right side of the beautiful garden and cross the Avenida dos Descobrimentos to the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira.

Ponta da Bandeira Fort

(7) The Ponta da Bandeira Fort (or Forte da Ponta da Bandeira), of 17th century, of quadrangular plan, is located at the entrance of the river mouth. This was mainly to help protect the port of Lagos from the pirate invasions.

Then enter the fort through a wooden drawbridge over the moat. Inside, on the ground floor there are several temporary exhibition halls and a small chapel lined with tiles.

Meanwhile, go up to the top floor to have a panoramic view of the city, the extensive Meia Praia Beach and the boats as they enter and leave the Marina and the Fishing Port.

Next to the Fort, boats depart to visit the caves of Ponta da Piedade and because the waters here are generally calm it is a good place for kayaking.

=> As you leave the fort, follow the right side of the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, walking along the sidewalk along the river, feeling the sea breeze;

Continue until at your right side you have the entrance of the Marina of Lagos and on the left side the modern building of the Municipal Market.

=> There is a pedestrian bridge, which allows you to cross the Ribeira to visit the area of Marina de Lagos, the Fishing Port and the beach.

Lagos Marina and Fishing Port, Portugal

(8) The modern Lagos Marina is the first safe marina in the Algarve, south of Portugal, for the boats, after crossing the Cape of São Vicente, coming from the north. At the Marina you can enjoy the view of all those boats.

Because there is a good variety of restaurants and bars there, you can enjoy a meal or a drink or simply relax! In addition, it is also possible to take the boat here to visit the caves of the beautiful Algarve coast.

Next to the Marina you can visit the Wax Museum of the Discoveries . Here you can learn more about the history of the Portuguese Maritime Expansion and know the main characters linked to it.

Nearby is the Fishing Port , near which is usually a replica of the Portuguese Caravel Boa Esperança, as well as the Railway Station . If you follow along the river you will arrive at Meia Praia Beach .

Municipal Market

(9) In the renovated Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) you can smell the freshness of vegetables, fruits and fish from the Algarve. The building is 3 stories high and has a huge tile panel along the staircase that links them.

In the lower floors you have the stalls selling fruit, fish and butchers, craft shops, cafes. On the top floor there is a restaurant with a terrace, from where you have a superb view of the Marina and the beach.

=> Go out to the back of the Municipal Market to visit the Science Center of Lagos, Portugal, which is housed in a pink building, in a beautiful, slightly hidden area.

Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre – Portugal

(10) The Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre (Centro de Ciência Viva de Lagos) is a place to take children, especially when the weather doesn’t look good for the beach! But it is also suitable for the whole family! The Center is housed in a pink building with a beautiful garden, where various activities take place.

From here you enjoy a great view of the Marina and the Bay of Lagos. Everyone can learn and have fun! In short, there are interactive modules, science and technology workshops and pedagogical games related to various topics. Of these, we highlight communications, navigation, water and environmental preservation.

=> Then, you go down Rua Dr. Faria e Silva until you find a pedestrian sidewalk street. Follow it and return to the Praça Gil Eanes (where is the old Town Hall).

=> You have reached the end of the walking tour of Lagos, Portugal.

=> If you have time to visit two beautiful squares near here, follow Rua Garett. We will find on the way the small Largo Marquês de Pombal and at its the end, the Praça Luis de Camões;

=> In this square in numbers 3 and 4 there is an interesting building with green tiles, which on the ground floor has a handcraft shop that sells also wooden toys.

What to see and do near Lagos, Portugal

Ponta da piedade.

After the walking tour of Lagos, Portugal, and not to be missed (for lovers of nature and landscapes!) at the South of this city you can visit Ponta da Piedade by car or on foot. From here you have a surprisingly superb view over the cliffs, the beaches and the sea.

Through a set of wooden walkways you can visit on foot or by bike several very special places. These walkways start next to the beautiful Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse. This place is mainly for enjoying and taking pictures, especially at sunset.

Location: Ponta da Piedade (1.9 miles or 3 km, 7 min from the center of Lagos)

At Avenida dos Descobrimentos or at Lagos Marina, you can buy a ticket at one of the travel companies and make a boat trip to several beautiful caves. During the boat trip you can admire the fabulous cliffs, rock formations and beaches.

We advise the boat trip (1 hour) to the Caves and Ponta da Piedade Beach, which is undeniably one of the most beautiful in the world!

Lagos Zoo – Portugal

The younger (but not only) have nearby the Lagos Zoo, a wildlife paradise. Therefore, it is a pleasant space with many animals, which may be very close to you. Of these we highlight the otters, great variety of birds, primates, penguins, turtles, kangaroos, flamingos, reptiles and more.

The Zoo has several activities, such as feeding pelicans, otters, primates and penguins, as well as games and hobbies. In addition, there is a pedagogical farm, a playground and a free swimming pool. What’s more, to eat there is a restaurant, a snack bar and a picnic area.

Location: Quinta Figueiras, Sítio do Medronhal, Barão de São João (7.5 miles or 12 km, 15 min from the center of Lagos)

Tours with a Local Guide

Do you want to go on a tour with a local guide? Check here to find the available tours for this part of Algarve, through our partner Get Your Guide .

How to get to Lagos, Portugal

One of the best ways to discover this part of Algarve is by car. In case you need to rent a car, search for a good deal at Discover Cars . This car rental platform will help you finding the right price, in a quick and simple manner. Click here to learn more.

From Faro : A22 (Portimão) => Exit 2 Lagos East / Odiáxere (55.9 miles or 90 Km, 1h)

From Lisbon : A2 (Algarve) => A22 (Portimão) => Exit 2 Lagos East / Odiáxere (186.4 miles or 300 Km, 2h40)

From Lisbon : Gare do Oriente Station => Lagos Station (4h00, operator RENEX: Schedules )

From Faro : Faro Station => Lagos Station, next to the Marina (1h34, operator CP: Schedules )

Restaurants in Lagos, Portugal

Casa do prego restaurant.

If you are hungry during your walking tour of Lagos, a very sought after place in this area is Casa do Prego. Located in the historical center of Lagos, in a pleasant and well decorated space, with music, indoor and outdoor tables (terrace). It has great food and lots of variety, with vegetarian options and for kids.

Location: Rua Lançarote de Freitas, 18, 1º andar, Lagos

Accommodation in Lagos

Our accommodation partner Booking.com has a large selection of hotels, resorts and hostels in Lagos. Check the current prices here to find a deal.

P i n Below To Save To Pinteres t

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Lagos Walking Tour

Lagos, by a Portuguese historian . The Lagos Walking Tour brings you fun facts about the Celtic Iron Age, Roman settlements and the Middle Ages in Lagos.

• Description
• Historian & Tour Guide
• Daily Fresh Market
• Portuguese Pastries
• Flora & Fauna
• Maritime History
• Meeting Point & Parking
• Other walks
• Sea Kayaking

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You will love this when you: ✅ enjoy a walk through Lagos’s history ✅ love to meet a fun Portuguese historian ✅ have booked a kayak tour in the afternoon

Lagos is a charming Portuguese town known for its rich history, beautiful coastline , and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to Lagos, one of the best ways to see the sights is to take a Lagos Walking Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through time, highlighting the town’s maritime history , traditional Portuguese dishes and pastries, street art, and tropical flora and fauna of the Algarve.

This tour is an immersive and engaging way to experience Lagos, as you explore its vibrant culture, history, and culinary scene with an expert guide. By the end of it, you’ll look at Lagos with a completely new perception and appreciation for this beautiful town.

The easiest and most affordable way is to book the Lagos Walking Tour on the GuruWalk platform . Here you can book a slot for free. You can pay the guide on the day a fee that you think is appropriate, depending on how happy you are with the tour. These tours are advertised as “Free Tours”, but we usually see that the guide receives anything between €10 pp and §50 per person.

Portuguese Historian Tour Guide

The tour guide is not only a historian but also a foodie . He was born and raised in Lagos and can recommend the best restaurants and coffee shops. Your guide is a lively English-speaking storyteller who will show you the best street art and explain its significance! With gravures, old photos and maps he will make his story alive and visible.

Daily fresh market

The tour will take you first to the daily fresh market , where you can sample the region’s best seafood, fruits, vegetables, and traditional pastries. The market has a fantastic rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and the Bay of Lagos, which is easily accessible via lift .

Portuguese pastries and seafood

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the town’s most delicious traditional Portuguese dishes and pastries . Lagos is known for its fresh seafood, and your guide will take you to some of the best seafood restaurants in town. You’ll also get to taste some of the town’s famous pastries, such as the pastéis de nata, a creamy custard tart that’s a staple of Portuguese cuisine.

Street Art in Lagos

As you walk through the streets of Lagos, you’ll notice some stunning street art that adds to the town’s charm and character. Your guide will take you to some of the best street art spots, where you can admire the works of local artists and learn about the inspiration behind their creations . From colourful murals to intricate graffiti, the street art scene in Lagos is diverse and impressive .

Tropical flora and fauna of the Algarve

Finally, Lagos is home to a rich variety of Algarve tropical flora and fauna . The town’s location on the coast provides an ideal habitat for many species of birds, plants, and animals. On the Lagos Walking Tour, you’ll have the chance to see some of these species up close. From the almond blossom and orange trees that line the streets to the colourful birds that soar overhead, Lagos is a haven for nature lovers .

Book Now – Pay on the Day

Lagos’s rich history with maritime influences

The journey continues with an intriguing overview of Lagos’ maritime history. Your tour guide will take you back in time to the Celtic Iron Period when the town was known as Lacobriga. You’ll discover the significance of the town in world history, its part in the discovery of exploration and slavery , and how its port played an important role in the flow of goods between Europe and Africa. Explore the Roman era first, learning about their activities and archaeological treasures, then moving on to the Middle Ages Wall and urban trace created by the Portuguese. From the Modern Era, your guide tells stories about Henry the Navigator’s life and legacy , as well as his role in the discovery of exploration and slavery, and you will see gravures, old photos, and photo reconstitutions of Lagos. You’ll also learn about the significance of numerous monuments, the old slave market , the Governor’s Castle, and the museum in St. Anthony’s Church . And what happened to King Dom Sebastian in the Battle of the Three Kings in Morocco ?

Meeting Point & Parking in Lagos

Parking in lagos.

The meeting point for this walk is easy to find at the square of Praça de Gil Eanes in Lagos in front of the Tourist Office . T he walking guide wears a bright blue t-shirt . The walk ends 2 hours later at the same place where it starts. Remember to bring a photo camera.

Paid Parking in Garage

The closest possibility to park is in the underground parking garage on the main Avenida. From there it is a 5-minute walk to the square of Praça de Gil Eanes . In high season the garage might be full, and there are height restrictions.

Free Parking in Marina

Alternatively, there is ample free parking available on the large parking next to Lagos Marina. From there take the footbridge and walk in about 15 minutes to the square .

Meet us here for the Lagos Walking Tour

Conclusion about the Lagos Walking Tour

In conclusion , the Lagos Walking Tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Lagos. This tour offers a unique perspective on the town’s history, culture, and natural beauty . From the fascinating maritime history to the delicious traditional Portuguese dishes and pastries, the vibrant street art, and the Algarve tropical flora and fauna, the Lagos Walking Tour has something for everyone. So, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore Lagos and immerse yourself in its unique charm and culture.

Best suited for

Everyone between 10-80 years with some recent walking experience and is capable of walking 1 ½ hours in the morning. The total distance is 2 km/ 1 mile.

Required fitness level nº 1, difficulty A

• Walk with a Portuguese historian
• Facts about local history and culture
• Informal tips about the best restaurants
• Fun facts about living in Portugal

Other Algarve Walks

Are you interested in history, and also eager to know where the local surf scene hangs out in the evening? Check out our Lagos Urban Walk .

See also our famous Seven Hanging Valleys Walk along the coast of Benagil , and the beautiful Monchique Mountain Walk .

Afternoon sea kayaking in Lagos

When you have planned one day in Lagos and want to make the most out of your visit, then you found the 2 best things to do in Lagos . Combine the Lagos Walking Tour with a kayak cave trip along the golden coastline of Ponta da Piedade .

Check out our sea kayak Hire and Tours in the afternoon with multiple departures from the beach which is a 20-minute walk away from the city centre.

Alternatively, it will be only a 5-minute walk from the city centre to the Marina to depart by boat to the kayak area.

Similar outdoor activities in the Algarve

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Lagos | Algarve | Portugal 

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One-of-a-kind walking, hiking & outdoor adventure tours launching f rom lagos, a lgarve , portugal.

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Lagos Walking Tours

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West Coast Half-Day Tour

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From mountain peaks to sandy shores, explore the best of Portugal on a walking tour from Lagos ! Visit ancient ruins, colorful town squares, sparkling beaches, and more. Book your walking tour online today.

Historic Towns & Unforgettable Landscapes

Lagos is conveniently located near charming towns, scenic coasts, and mountain peaks, making it the perfect starting point for your Algarve adventures . To the north you can find Aljezur , a small market town with typical whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. The river separates the old town and the new, and atop a steep, cobbled hill sit the ruins of a 10th-century castle.

Nestled in the northwest corner of the Algarve is Praia do Monte Clérigo , a stunning beach surrounded by high cliffs and a beautiful village with pink and white cottages. Located off the beaten path, this golden beach features gently sloping sand dunes and abundant marine life.

If it’s mountain views you want, head to the peaceful town of Monchique , which boasts amazing landscapes and colorful streets perfect for walking. Discover its photogenic central square, full of fountains and flowers, then head to Fóia , the highest mountain in the Algarve reaching 902 meters (2959 feet). Take in stunning views of the Atlantic. On a clear day, you can see from Cape St. Vincent in the west to Faro in the east and Serra da Arrabida to the north.

Ready to discover the most delightful corners of the Algarve? Reach your destination in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan , then tighten up your laces and start exploring. Book your Portugal walking tour online!

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LAGOS FREE WALKING TOUR WITH LOCAL HISTORIAN - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Brodie's Free Walking Tour of Lagos

Overview of the tour in Lagos

I've been living in Lagos for 17 years on and off, and during this time I've learnt a great deal about the history of Portugal and the port city of Lagos. Alongside this I've picked up many secrets on great restaurants, bars and places of interest along with a bunch of money saving tips for travellers. I like to entertain, so I promise a few laughs along the way. The tour will include information about the formation of Lagos, the Age of Discovery, the great earthquake, the Marina de Lagos, the Caravel and some of Portugal's famous sons, Prince Henry, Vasco de Gama, Dom Sebastiao and Gil Earnes. We'll finish the tour with a Portuguese delicacy and hopefully a drink at my favourite bar.

This activity includes:

• Marina de Lagos
• Old Town Lagos
• Lagos beaches
• Old town street art
• Famous statues and landmarks
• A Portuguese sweet delicacy

Meeting point

Outside Jah Shaka Surf Shop

The Jah Shaka Surf Shop is in the old town of Lagos, close to all the hostels and right next to the famous Three Monkeys party bar.

Things to note

The walking tour will be very relaxed, so just bring a smile and a happy disposition, and you'll have a great day.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Discover Lagos

Discover the enchanting beauty of the city of Lagos, located in the stunning region of Algarve, Portugal. Discover Lagos is your complete guide to exploring everything this unique city has to offer. Explore the golden beaches and crystal-clear waters that make Algarve a dream destination for sun and sea lovers. Marvel at the famous rock formation of Ponta da Piedade, a breathtaking setting that will surely leave a lasting impression in your memory.

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Ponta da Piedade – One of The Algarve’s Natural Wonders

The stunning coastline of Lagos is world famous for its azure blue waters, golden sands, and its ochre cliffs. It’s safe to say that these beaches and cliffs have attracted visitors to the region for decades and these viewpoints are a large part of that!

Perhaps nowhere is this truer than Ponte da Piedade, a rocky headland around 3km south of Lagos . It’s a southern spur of the coastline that hides an incredible array of rock formations, stacks, arches caves, and natural pools. It’s a place of simply amazing scenery where you can take in the views, hike, swim in natural rock pools, take boat trips along the coast, or even just simply relax and catch one of the Algarve’s most famous sunsets. It’s one of the Algarve’s natural wonders and has to be seen!

Where is Ponta da Piedade?

Ponta da Piedade is in the Algarve region of Portugal on the southern coast. It is around 3km south of the town of Lagos.

The cliffs and rock formations can be accessed by foot from Lagos, or from the waterfront – which happens to be one of the most popular tours from Lagos. The tallest cliffs stand around 40m from sea-level, and from the top of the cliff there’s a 182 step staircase leading down to the water allowing you to view several of the caves and stacks from up close.

The Point of Mercy – Ponta da Piedade’s Religious Connection

Anyone looking for a direct translation will find Ponta da Piedade translates to point or edge of mercy. It is very rarely referred to as this though and its Portuguese name Ponta da Piedade is much more common! That name belays the original religious significance of the site, and around the 16 th century a chapel and hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Piety in the area. The Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Piedade was deemed of great importance to the fishing community of Lagos, who regarded her as their patron saint. Although today, little remains of the religious site other than names and historic pathways – the Via Sacra. 

Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse

The first thing you notice on arrival is the large lighthouse – Farol da Piedade. The lighthouse is dated to around 1913, and unfortunately not open for visitors. The lighthouse was repurposed from the 16 th century hermitage – Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. The site is fully enclosed, and access is prohibited, as it’s still an active naval installation, monitoring site and weather station. Since the 1980s it’s been fully automated, so you won’t see any traditional lighthouse keepers either!

Ponta da Piedade

Walking around the lighthouse will lead you to some of the most breath-taking views in the Algarve. There’s several trails and walks, but incredible views in nearly all directions. The limestone staircase will lead you down to the main grotto and opening, but many more formations can be seen from the cliffs.

Local Names of the Rock Formations:

Over time, and over generations, many of the rock formations have been given nicknames. Or perhaps they’re simply modern inventions that arrived with tourists and boat operators? Either way the names veer from charming to nonsensical – General De Gaulle anyone? But look out for Chaminé (the chimney), Catedral (the cathedral), Belas-Artes (fine arts), Camelo (camel), Museu (museum), Submarino (the submarine), Cozinha (kitchen) and Gruta dos Amores (the grotto of love). Some of them are easily recognisable, others take a firm squint!

Top Activities and Tours To Ponta da Piedade

One of the best ways to experience Ponta da Piedade is from the coast itself. For the adventurous you can kayak along the coastline, or for the thrill seekers you can tour along the coast in a speedboat. Most of these tours depart from Lagos, however there is one operator that will pick you up, or drop you off at Ponta da Piedade. This will allow you to experience the cliffs from the best of both worlds, along the clifftops and from the water!

One of these tours departs Ponta da Piedade itself, there are lots of ways of seeing and experiencing  the coastline from Lagos . Here’s a list of our favourite tours:

• Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Cave and Coastal Tour  – One of the simplest and quickest tours, a two hour trip by boat that takes you along the coast to Ponta da Piedade. Offering incredible views of the rock formations, Praia Dona Ana, and Praia do Camilo from the sea.
• Lagos: Guided Kayak Tour  – If you’re feeling active and adventurous, then you can take a guided kayak tour from Lagos all the way along the coast to Ponta da Piedade. You can take in incredible views of Praia Dona Ana, and Praia do Camilo on the way!
• Lagos: SUP Tour to Ponta da Piedade Caves : An alternative to kayaking is stand-up paddle boarding, you’ll be led along the coastline by a qualified instructor!

Explore the Cliff Paths and Ponta da Piedade

If you’ve chosen to use the main car park at Ponta da Piedade, or you’ve taken alternative means of transport to get there. Then you should definitely take the opportunity to explore the cliffs and the hiking trails available. You can head back north along the cliff top taking in Praia do Camilo beach , and the incredible Praia Dona Ana before heading back to Lagos. It’s around 2km-ish and a fantastic way to see the entire coastline and many of the miradouros! As you head towards Dona Ana beach, you’ll find it’s more built up and you’ll find several cafés and bars for refreshments.

Heading west, along the graded walking path, you’ll find the secluded Praia do Barranco do Martinho, with no car parks and no facilities this beach can sometimes feel like a private beach. You’ll come across more stunning rock formations that only the more dedicated travellers get to see! The pathway continues to Praia do Canavial, which is also the end or start point of the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk.

How to Get to Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is around 3km from Lagos itself, which gives you multiple ways including simply walking to get there! Uber or the local Bolt is an affordable way of visiting too!

Walking to Ponta da Piedade From Lagos

Ponta da Piedade can easily be reached by walking from Lagos. It takes around 30 minutes and there are several routes either through the town, or along the main road which will take you alongside multiple other miradouros and beaches! If you’re walking, make sure to stop at Praia de Dona Ana, it’s another amazing beach in the region!

Driving to Ponta da Piedade From Lagos

There is parking for around 20 cars at the main car park. Additional parking is informally along the road. During the summer the car park and access road fills up fast, so it’s best to arrive early if you plan to use it.

Bus to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos

The buses in Lagos do not go all the way to Ponta da Piedade, however, there’s a regular bus service from Lagos to Praia de Dona Ana. From the Dona Ana bus stop it is around 1.5km to walk. It’s a stunning walk, but you should bear in mind the time of day and be fully prepared for it!

The bus operates from 7am to around 8pm so it’s an easy option if you don’t mind the walk, or you planned to do it anyway! It’s the Blue Line 2 (Linha 2, Onda Azul) operated by the municipal operator Onda,  full timetables can be found online . The same bus line also stops at Lagos’s main train station, town centre, and Meia Praia – another of Lagos’ stunning beaches. A single ticket is €1.20 making this a very cost-effective option!

The Lagos Tourist Train – A fun way to get to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos

Like many towns in the Algarve, Lagos operates a small tourist train. It operates in the typical hop on hop off fashion around the town, its major attractions and the beaches. The train starts at Lago’s Marina and Ponta da Piedade is the third stop on the route. Once you’ve completed your visit you can use the train to visit other popular sites in Lagos! It costs €4 for a single ticket, or €5.50 for a full day ticket. The full schedule and stops can be found on the official website .

Should you Visit Ponta da Piedade?

Ponta da Piedade is often referred to as one of the Algarve’s natural wonders, it’s also one of the top activities in Lagos. This part of the coast should be on everyone’s Algarve bucket list! If you’re nearby and want to add a day on the beach, then take a look at Praia do Camilo , or P raia Dona Ana . Both fantastic beaches and a great way to get more out of a day in this area!

Anything we’ve missed in the guide to Ponta da Piedade? As always, let us know in the comments!

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