Characterized by its cliffs, golden beaches, and walled Old Town, Lagos entices vacationers with its laid-back charm and stunning coastal scenery. The 17th-century fort and resplendent interior of Igreja San Antonio are two of the top things to do in Lagos, while the yacht-filled marina serves as the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can spot dolphins and humpback whales depending on the season, and get up close and personal with the enchanting grottoes of Ponta da Piedade.
Portugal’s gorgeous Algarve region enjoys around 300 days of sunshine every year, so whenever you visit, you’re likely to enjoy blue skies and warm temperatures. The region is at its busiest July–September, when families from around Europe flock to its golden sands for the school holidays. Visit in the shoulder season months of June or October for cheaper hotel deals and less-crowded beaches and restaurants.
Lagos’s quaint, cobbled Old Town is small enough to explore on foot, and the sprawling Praia de São Roque is a 10-minute walk. It’s easy to explore the rest of the Algarve from Lagos’ train station. You’ll find trains heading to Faro—home to the Algarve’s international airport—and ones that stop at various Algarve towns. From the Lagos bus station, there’s a coach to the popular surf spot of Sagres, the Algarve’s southwesternmost point.
The Algarve’s coastline is dotted with sandstone rock formations, carved by the thrashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Though Benagil Cave tends to hog the limelight, Ponta da Piedade headland features freestanding pillars, grottoes, and natural arches. You can access the remote headland on a boat trip (or on a kayak if you’re ready to tackle the waves) from Lagos, or enjoy views of it from the clifftop promenade that runs along the coast from Lagos.
