No visit to Portugal is complete without a visit to the Algarve Region in the South. This Atlantic/Mediterranean coastline is full of breathtaking views, picturesque beaches, and small towns where life seems to move slowly. We were able to spend 4 days in Lagos so we could discover what the Algarve has to offer.
There are a few different places to stay in the Algarve but we are so happy we chose Lagos. It had the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and food that we love to find in any destination. Let’s show you how you can fully enjoy 4 days in Lagos and the Algarve!
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How to Get to Lagos
Lisbon to Lagos
By Bus
There is a direct bus from Lisbon to Lagos that will get you there in anywhere from 3hr45min to 4hr55min. Be careful when buying your ticket to get the faster bus because sitting on a bus for almost 5hrs can be uncomfortable. The Lisbon to Lagos bus costs €19 each way which is actually very reasonable.
You will need to get yourself to the Sete Rios Bus Station in Lisbon to catch the bus to Lagos. There are a few stops along the way but it will eventually get you to the Lagos Bus Station in the North part of town. The Lisbon to Lagos bus is the cheapest way to get between the cities but not by much.
By Train
The Lisbon to Lagos train is a bit more expensive than the bus but totally worth it. A train ticket costs €22.45 – €30.25 depending on the train and class you choose. The journey will take between 3hr49min to 4hr21min with a transfer in the town of Tunes.
Even though the Lisbon to Lagos train has a transfer, it is still a better option than the bus. The train is much more comfortable and gets you there a bit faster. Head to the Estação do Oriente Station in Lisbon to catch your train. It will eventually get you to the Lagos Train Station in the town’s East-end.
By Car
In our opinion, the best way to get from Lisbon to Lagos is by car. It is the most expensive option compared to the bus or train but it’s totally worth it. The journey will take about 3hrs with lots of service stations along the way.
Having a car is also very useful to help you explore the Algarve without having to rely on transit if you only have 4 days in Lagos. You can also pick up your car right at Lisbon Airport when you get off the plane. We were able to get a free car upgrade with Enterprise that gave us a compact SUV for exploring. Even after a few days of driving, we only had to fill up the car once on the way back to Lisbon!
Where to Stay in Lagos
Lagos is a storybook Mediterranean town with a lot of different places to stay. There are dozens of different hotels, resorts, and AirBnB options to choose from so it’s really up to your preference. You can choose to stay in the town, by the marina, or even along the rocky coastline for a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
Aqualuz Hotel Lagos
We spent our 4 days in Lagos at the wonderful Aqualuz Lagos Hotel & Apartments. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and come with a huge balcony to soak up the sun. The hotel itself has a beautiful pool area with a bar and restaurant in case you never want to leave.
The Aqualuz Hotel is also perfectly situated so you can easily get to the town or beach in minutes. You are within a 10 minute walk to the center of Lagos or about 15 minutes to Ponta de Piedade. If you end up renting a car, they also have a lot where you can park for about €4 per day.
We highly recommend the Aqualuz Lagos Hotel & Apartments. The staff were amazing, the rates were very reasonable, and the entire atmosphere was upbeat during our stay. It’s the perfect place to lay your head during your 4 days in Lagos.
Where to Eat in Lagos
You will fall in love with the food in Portugal and that is especially true with the food in the Algarve region. The entire area boasts some of the freshest seafood and tastiest desserts that will keep you coming back for more. We never had a meal we didn’t like but there were a few restaurants in Lagos that are at the top of our list.
Best Breakfast in Lagos
Goji Lounge Cafe Lagos
Looking for a tasty way to start your day? Head to the Goji Lounge Cafe Lagos located about 10 minutes by foot from the Aqualuz Hotel. They make everything fresh-to-order with a focus on high quality ingredients.
The Goji Lounge Cafe Lagos was our favourite breakfast spot in Lagos; it’s a shame we only discovered it on our last morning! They serve amazingly fresh smoothies, buddha bowls, and avocado toasts. We also recommend their coffees if you need a morning pick-me-up.
Coffee & Waves Lagos
If you’re looking for a perfectly hand-crafted coffee then make your way to Coffee & Waves Lagos. They have a wide variety of beans on offer and can make anything from a cappuccino to americano to flat white. There a limited tables so arrive early to get a spot or grab a coffee to go.
We were glad to see the cafe is environmentally conscious with paper straws and no single-use plastics. You will need to be aware that they are closed on Tuesdays, though. Also, they are avid surfers so they might open late or close early if the waves are particularly rad that day!
Best Lunch in Lagos
The Garden Lagos
The Garden Lagos is a great option if you’re looking for a light lunch. It is also a great place to find a refreshing cocktail and some shade from the hot Lagos sun. The entire restaurant is outdoors with a “drinks in your friend’s backyard” vibe.
Our stop at The Garden Lagos was only meant to be for a quick drink. This turned into a few drinks and snacks while we relaxed under the shady trees after a morning of exploring. Definitely worth a stop during your 4 days in Lagos adventure!
Best Dinner in Lagos
Casa Do Prego Lagos
Casa Do Prego is your destination for authentic Portuguese cuisine in Lagos. They have a wide selection of meats, cheeses, and seafood for all to enjoy. The restaurant also carries an array of local, craft beer that Mark was more than happy to sample!
We recommend their fresh prawn appetizer and cheese plate to get started. Afterwards, take your pick of one of their many mouth-watering main dishes and ask your waiter for a beer or cocktail that pairs with your meal. Follow this with a sweet dessert and you’ll be full enough to just make it back to your hotel.
O Camilo
If you love fresh seafood and beachfront views then O Camilo Lagos should be high on your list or restaurants during your 4 days in Lagos. This foodie destination is perched above Praia do Camilo (more on that later) with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Their fresh catches are on display so you can pick the specific fish you want.
When you get to the restaurant, ask (or wait) for a table on the patio for the best view. We also recommend you go there around sunset for a truly magical dinner. It was a bit chilly on the night we were there but the staff were very attentive and brought blankets for us to make sure we weren’t too cold.
Best Wine Bar in Lagos
Taninos Wine & Kitchen Lagos
We were expecting great food in Portugal but we were not expecting to find some of the best wines we’ve ever tasted! On our first night of our 4 days in Lagos we discovered Taninos Wine & Kitchen and happily sampled the region’s vintages. If you have never tried Vinho Verde before then you are truly in for a treat.
The staff at Taninos Wine & Kitchen Lagos were great at recommending wines based on flavours we normally enjoy. They also helped us pair those with appetizers like baked cheese with honey and walnuts that we still dream about. Before we knew it, we had finished a bottle of wine and are now the biggest cheerleaders for Vinho Verde!
What to Do With 4 Days in Lagos
Exploring Lagos
If you’re spending 4 days in Lagos you should spend the first day exploring the town. Lagos is full of old-world charm with lots of little streets that are perfect for exploring. We recommend starting at one end of the town and meandering in and out of the mosaic-lined streets while soaking up the sun.
If you’re staying at the Aqualuz Hotel & Apartments Lagos, you’re only a 10 minute walk from the South end of Lagos. The town itself isn’t huge but it will take you about 30 minutes to walk directly from one end to the other. You should plan for at least a morning or afternoon (or even the whole day) to give yourself to time explore and take breaks.
Ponta de Piedade
Chances are if you Google “Lagos, Portugal” the first image that appears is the view from Ponta de Piedade. This awe-inspiring natural rock formation is world famous and it’s easy to see why. This dramatic limestone coastline is a short walk (and even shorter drive) from the South end of Lagos.
Ponta de Piedade is very popular so make sure to get there early for the best experience. We arrived at 7:30am and felt like we had the entire area to ourselves. Getting there early also allows you to walk down the steps and marvel at the water alone.
Ponta de Piedade Bordwalk
After you’re done admiring the rock formations of Ponta de Piedade, make sure to leave some time to walk around the coastline. The area has a wooden boardwalk that stretches around the cliffs giving you a panoramic view of the Atlantic. This is also a perfect spot to see the sunset in Lagos because of the 360 degree sightlines.
Praia do Camilo
Located between the town and Ponta de Piedade, Praia do Camilio is another must see in Lagos. You will need to walk down the long, winding staircase to get to the base of the cliffs and enjoy the beach. Keep these stairs in mind because you’ll need to walk back up them to get back!
The beach looks like it’s been carved out of the rocks by the Atlantic. Turn left and head through the rock archway to see where Praia do Camilio really opens up. This beach also gets really busy so get there before 8:30am if you want some quiet photos. The water seems relatively calm at Praia do Camilio so it’s a great spot for a swim.
Praia dos Estudantes
Another famous beach in Lagos is Praia dos Estudantes. This sandy oasis is right at the South end of Lagos so you can stop for a dip after a long day of exploring the town. Praia dos Estudantes is also know for the old, stone bridge connecting two limestone towers. Try and make your way up there for a great view of Lagos!
Sagres Fortress
Want to feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world? Make your way to Sagres Fortress at the far Southwest tip of the Algarve. You can take public transit but it is much easier to reach if you’ve rented a car.
The fortress was orginally built to be a strategic defense point to repel invaders. It was then occupied by famous explorers like Henry the Navigator who started discovering the unknown world. You can actually still see the remnants of the original navigational experiments!
Make your way around the point and get amazing views of the Atlantic which seems to go on forever. Entrance to Sagres Fortress will only cost €3 for adults and it is totally worth it. Driving to Sagres Fortress will also give you more amazing views across the Algarve.
Catamaran Tour (Discover Tours)
It’s hard to resist a boat tour when you’re surrounded by the ocean. The Algarve coastline is also so beautiful but can only really be appreciated from the water. We booked a catamaran day tour from Discover Tours that left from Lagos Marina.
The tour currently costs €48 per person and is worth every penny. The tour lasts 4 hours as it winds its way up and down the Algarve coast. The catamaran also stops for a buffet lunch which gives you some time to take a dip in the Atlantic. They also bring along a few water toys for everyone to enjoy unless you want to stay on the boat and work on your tan.
Relax!
One thing you ABSOLUTELY must do during your 4 days in Lagos is take time to relax. Time in the Algarve region seems to move at a slower place and Lagos is no exception. There are so many different parks and beaches available for you to kick back and enjoy the moment.
One thing to keep in mind with this laid-back attitude to life is that stores and restaurants are usually open later. We found ourselves up early to get great photos and quickly realized we would have to wait for breakfast. You can find some smaller shops open to grab a snack but most places open around 10am.
Spending 4 Days in Lagos
We fell in love with the Algarve region during our 4 days in Lagos. From the awesome natural beauty to the beaches and especially to the food, there is something for everyone in Lagos. It is a great destination whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or even one filled with water adventures. 4 days in Lagos is the perfect amount of time to explore the town and surrounding area but you could easily spend a week or more in the Algarve!
We also visited Lisbon and Porto during our trip to Portugal but Lagos and the Algarve were our favourite! We highly recommend planning a visit. ifyou ever find yourself in the area.
Have you ever been to Lagos or the Algarve? Let us know your favourite stops in the comments below! In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel guides and hacks to satisfy your wanderlust.
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