Lagos is more than just another sun-soaked coastal town in the Algarve , it’s a place where golden cliffs meet turquoise waters, where cobbled streets whisper tales of explorers, and where modern living blends seamlessly with nature and tradition.
Whether you’re here for a short escape or dreaming of making Lagos your home, this town has a way of capturing hearts and keeping them. Here are the top 10 things to do in Lagos that will make you fall in love with this magical corner of southern Portugal.
1. Wander through the Old Town & Dive into Its History
Begin your day in Lagos Old Town: narrow lanes paved with cobbles, whitewashed houses edged by azulejos, cafés hiding under bougainvillea. But behind its charming façade lies a powerful historical pulse.In the heart of town you’ll find the Mercado de Escravos (Slave Market), the site of what is considered Europe’s first recorded African slave market in 1444. Visiting it is sobering and grounding, giving Lagos a depth beyond sunshine and sand. For someone looking to invest in Lagos real estate, that depth translates into a place with story, roots and meaningful layers.Don’t miss: the nearby Igreja de Santo António with its gold-leaf interior, and the old city walls that once guarded this seafaring town.
2. Visit the Fortresses & Maritime Legacy
History meets the horizon in Lagos. Head to the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a well-preserved 17th-century fortification looking out to sea, designed to defend the city during the pirate and privateer eras.
Walking its ramparts gives you a panoramic sense of how Lagos’ geography shaped its past and today’s appeal: panoramic views, heritage architecture, deep blue Atlantic stretching out. For property owners, views like these elevate the ‘why-here’ story for guests or buyers.
3. Experience the Beaches & Dramatic Cliffs
Lagos’ coastline is one of the main reasons people fall in love, the beaches have visual wow, and the backdrop makes them unforgettable:
- Praia do Camilo – Iconic wooden staircase leading down to a beautiful cove.
- Praia da Dona Ana – Golden cliffs framing turquoise water.
- Meia Praia – A long stretch of sand for walking, kite-surfing or sunset strolls.
These stunning scenes are not just for the holiday snap, they translate directly into year-round rental appeal and strong lifestyle positioning for an investment in the Algarve.
4. Sail, Cruise & Explore the Sea Grottoes
If there’s one experience that defines Lagos, it’s seeing the coastline from the sea. From the modern Lagos Marina, sleek catamarans, traditional fishing boats, and guided kayaks depart daily, revealing a world of hidden caves, golden cliffs, and sapphire-blue water that you can’t truly appreciate from land.
The highlight of every journey is Ponta da Piedade, a spectacular headland of sculpted limestone towers, sea arches, and secret grottoes that glow gold in the late-afternoon light. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Lagos, and an unforgettable experience for those dreaming of making it home.
Here are some of the most popular and highly rated tours you can feature or link to:
Ponta da Piedade Grotto Boat Tour (1h)
A classic Lagos experience. Small traditional boats glide through natural tunnels, caves, and rock arches while local skippers share stories of pirates, lovers, and explorers.
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Departs from: Lagos Marina or Praia da Batata
- Best for: Families, couples, first-time visitors
- Buy Tickets Here: Ponta da Piedade
Kayak Tour to Ponta da Piedade (2.5h)
For a more active adventure, paddle along the cliffs yourself. Expert guides lead you through narrow sea corridors and into hidden caves that larger boats can’t reach. A support catamaran follows for safety and comfort.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Includes: All gear, guide, return by boat
- Buy Tickets Here: Kayak Lagos
Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Cruise
A thrilling open-sea excursion that combines adventure with wonder. Speed out into the Atlantic in search of wild dolphins, often spotted swimming beside the boat. Some tours also feature commentary from marine biologists.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Departs from: Lagos Marina
- Buy Tickers Here: Dolphin Watching
5. Delight in Algarve Gastronomy & Local Flavours
Lagos’ food scene is rooted in the Atlantic and the land: fresh seafood, local wines, Mediterranean simplicity. Some personal favourites:
- Grill of dourada grelhada (sea bream) with lemon and herbs.
- Classic cataplana de marisco – seafood stew served in copper pot.
- Enjoy a lunch terrace near the marina, with a crisp Vinho Verde and sunset reflecting in the water.
Food in Lagos is a celebration of the Algarve’s essence, simple, fresh, and deeply connected to the sea. The town has managed to preserve its authentic Portuguese flavours while welcoming a new generation of creative chefs and laid-back brunch cafés that define modern coastal living. Here’s where to experience the real taste of Lagos:
Barrigada – Authentic Fishermen’s Feast
If you want to eat like a local, head to Barrigada, a beloved grill on the edge of the marina where seafood is served fresh off the boat. The name literally means “big belly”, and you’ll understand why after a platter of grilled sardines, sea bream, and squid sizzling over charcoal. No frills, just the pure, smoky flavours of the Atlantic. Perfect for: sunset dinners by the water, local crowd, unbeatable value.
Perceve – Fine Dining, Algarve Style
Named after the Algarve’s most prized delicacy, the percebes (goose barnacles), Perceve brings the region’s coastal bounty into a refined, elegant setting. Expect sophisticated plates featuring seafood with modern presentation, local olive oil, and Algarve wines. Perfect for: romantic dinners, high-end experiences, a taste of the new Lagos cuisine.
Calhou – Local Flavours with a Modern Twist
Calhou is one of Lagos’ best-kept secrets, a blend of local tavern and creative bistro. Their seafood rice and black pork cheeks are must-tries, and the friendly atmosphere feels like eating at a friend’s house who happens to be a fantastic chef. Perfect for: relaxed dinner with friends, quality regional dishes.
6. Culture, Local Life & Creative Scene
Lagos isn’t a resort city, it’s a living, breathing town with an international flair and a strong local identity. Galleries, open-air markets, music festivals, and events happen year-round. For property investors, this means you’re buying into more than a holiday home: you’re investing in community, vibrancy and lifestyle appeal beyond the mere view.
7. Trails, Scenic Walks & Nature Beyond the Beach
If you crave nature beyond the sea, Lagos delivers. Follow coastal trails, cliff-top overlooks, and hidden coves. Many of these paths are part of broader trails like the Rota Vicentina, offering wild Atlantic views, unspoilt frontier and a sense of escape. For buyers looking for a second home or real-estate investment, this means the location appeals to active, nature-loving guests or residents – expanding your market beyond sun-bathers.
8. Day Trips & Regional Access
Lagos’ location is strategic: you’re close to more adventurous escapes but also to infrastructure and amenities.
- Head west to Sagres and the dramatic cliffs at the end of Europe.
- Drive up into the hills of Monchique for cork-oak forests, springs and mountain air.
- With Faro Airport a reasonable drive away and good road links, Lagos is well-connected for both guests and residents. This region-versatility boosts the investment case: coast + mountain + town.
9. Evening Vibes: Relaxed Elegance & Nightlife
As evening falls, Lagos shifts gracefully: seaside dinners under string lights, rooftop cocktails with sea-breeze, live acoustic sets in hidden bars. The vibe is modern yet mellow, with a cosmopolitan edge thanks to the international resident and visitor mix. For a property investor, the message is clear: You’re not just buying a holiday rental near the beach – you’re investing in the all-day lifestyle.
10. Why Lagos Is a Smart Investment & Lifestyle Choice
When you merge everything above – history, natural beauty, sea + land, culture and contemporary appeal – Lagos stands out as one of the Algarve’s most compelling places for investment. Here’s why:
- Authenticity & depth: With roots going back to maritime trade and exploration (and the sobering truth of the slave market) Lagos gives you narrative, heritage and character few towns can match.
- Year-round viability: Not just sun-and-sand. Culture, nature, gastronomy, walks and sea all year.
- Property demand: Tourists, second-home buyers and expats all value this mix.
- Lifestyle premium: Good amenities, international community, relaxed sophistication.
- Growth potential: As more visitors seek meaningful stay-experiences (not just sun-lounging), properties in towns like Lagos – with depth and story – offer better positioning for premium rentals or resale.
In Lagos, you’re not simply offering walls and a view, you’re offering a story, a lifestyle and an investment with soul. Ready to make Lagos your next chapter? Whether you’re searching for a stunning holiday home, a high-end rental property or a peaceful second-residence by the sea, start with our curated Lagos listings. Explore the options today with Riva Prime and step into the Algarve life you’ve been dreaming of.
