The city of Lagos Portugal is another popular destination in the Algarve region, especially for those travelers looking for a less touristy destination in the Algarve region.

If you are looking for vacation spots nearby Portimao Portugal, Lagos Portugal is only 10 miles from the city, making Lagos Portugal such a great holiday destination to base yourself.

Apart from the many things to do in Lagos Portugal, the city is also within a short drive of the town of Albufeira.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Apart from all the attractions and outdoor activities, Lagos Portugal boasts some of the best beaches in the Algarve. Some of the most popular beaches include:

Meia Beach

Meia Beach (Meia Praia) is not the nearest beach to Lagos’ downtown area (around 30 minutes walk) but if you're planning on doing surfing, this is one of the best spots.

Bridge of Mercy

Visiting the Bridge of Mercy (Ponta da Piedade) is one of the must things to do in Lagos Portugal, to admire the beautiful caves, beaches and rock formations of the area.

The best way to explore the Bridge of Mercy is with an organized tour which will allow you to take a closer look at this amazing natural attraction.

Dona Ana Beach

Dona Ana Beach is located half way between Meia Beach and Bridge of Mercy, and it is the closest beach to downtown Lagos.

Apart from lovely sandy beaches, Dona Ana also boasts amazing rock formations that give this beach such a distinctive feel.

Day Trip

Adding a day trip or half day trip to your vacation in Lagos Portugal is another activity you can add o your itinerary.

For instance, you could take a trip to the coast of the Alentejano, which is an area protected by the Parque Natural du Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.

Apart from taking a stroll along the town, near the Alentejano you can enjoy many outdoor activities such as bird watching, horseback riding and hiking.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Places of Interest

Church of St. Anthony of Lisbon

If you are interested in 18th century architecture, one of the must-see landmarks in Lagos Portugal is the Church of St. Anthony of Lisbon (Igreja de Santo António).

This church is perhaps one of the most beautifully constructed churches in Portugal, boasting lovely baroque paintings, a beautiful wooden carved vault and the polychrome statue of St. Anthony.

Regional Museum

The Regional Museum (Museu Regional) is located next door to St. Anthony's church and it is worth checking out. The Museum features interesting archeological findings, art and weaponry exhibits such as old spades and machetes from Mozambique.

Ponta Da Bandeira Fort

Ponta Da Bandeira Fort (Forte da Ponta da Bandeira) is another attraction located a short walk from the Regional Museum and St. Anthony’s church.

At this 16th century fort you can check out interesting displays on Lagos Portugal maritime history. You’re also allowed to walk to the top of the fort to glance lovely views of the area around.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Shopping

Shops in Lagos Portugal range primarily from small shops that sell things like pottery and ceramics to medium size stores where you can do some retail shopping.

Places such as Africa Craft Shop and Antiga Casa do Papagaio are great places where you can get charming ceramics, crystals and antiques.

For clothing shopping, you can visit Happy Days or Leather Shop Pelagos. The latter actually sells good quality Portuguese leather goods such as bags, jackets, etc.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Nightlife & Entertainment

Lagos Portugal has a very relaxed and pleasant nightlife with bars and restaurants offering live entertainment like karaoke nights. A few bars worth mentioning include Rosko's bar and SouthBar located in Lagos Marina.

For a more varied and exciting nightlife you can check out Portimao Portugal where you can find many more live music venues, hotel resorts, bars and nightclubs such as Katedral Disco and Bar 1,2,3.

It is good to note that Portimao Portugal is only half hour drive from Lagos Portugal, which really makes it an ideal stop for checking the nightlife.

See. Top 5 European Beaches
Discover the Historic Villages of Portugal
Things to do in the North of Portugal

Portugal is one of the best international beach destinations in the world, home to some of the best places in Algarve where you can find some of the most popular cheap summer destinations in Europe.

Top 5 European Beaches

Apart from clear skies and white sandy beaches, Portugal is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Portugal is also one of the most popular destinations in autumn and one of the best warm places in Europe in November to travel.

Portugal is a great destination as it is within driving distance of tourist attractions in Spain. In fact, if you are staying in the town of Albufeira Portugal, it is only a couple of hours drive to Seville Spain attractions.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Places of Interest

Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar

Santa Catarina de Ribamar is a 17th century fortress located in Praia da Rocha in the Algarve. The fortress is open to the public and offers lovely views over the sea and the beach from one of its esplanades.

Things to do in the North of Portugal

Monastery da Serra de Pilar

Monastery da Serra do Pilar, located in Gaia Porto, is a 16th century building and church which is a replica of one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome Italy, the Church of Santa Maria Redonda.

Albufeira Old Town

The Albufeira Old Town is another interesting place where you can explore historic landmarks. The Old Town is home to the Bell Tower and the 19th century Clock Tower.

Discover the Historic Villages of Portugal

The city of Evora

The city of Evora, is one of the best places in Portugal to soak in Portugal’s rich history, and explore a wealth of landmarks, which includes a temples such as the Diana Temple and churches such as the Church of Sao Francisco.

The Old Town of Faro

The Old Town of Faro is another great destination if you are looking to explore more historical sites. The town is home to Central Cathedral or ‘Se Catedral’, and Arco da Vila or ‘Arch of Vila’ built in the 19th century.

The city of Porto

The city of Porto is another destination to add on any Portugal itinerary. Porto is home to a thriving Wine industry which has its hub in Vila Nova de Gaia. Gaia is home to many port wine lodges, over 200 years old, which offer tours of their cellars where you can learn about the wine making process.

While you are in Gaia, you may also want to check out the Port Wine Museum where you can learn more about how port wine came about.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Beaches

Praia do Tonel

Praia do Tonel, located in Algarve, is a great beach where you can enjoy wind water sports such as para-sailing and surfing.

Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz, located west of Algarve, is a popular beach resort among families due to its many amenities and its closeness to the town of Lagos, which is only a ten minute drive.

Meia Praia 

Meia Praia, located nearby the town of Lagos, is another popular beach resort as it has a wide bay which protects the beach from rough waters making an ideal destination for families with young kids. Meia Praia is also home to strong winds ideal for wind sports such as kite flying, paragliding and windsurfing.

Praia Figueiras

Praia Figueiras is a great secluded beach and one of the best beaches to head to if you are looking for peace and quiet.

Praia da Rocha

The Praia da Rocha, located also in the Algarve region, is perhaps one of the most scenic beaches in Portugal and also one of the busiest. Beautiful cliffs and large rock formations give this beach a picturesque appeal that you won’t find anywhere else.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Shopping

Shopping is one of the most popular fun things to do in Portugal and the country is renowned for its hand-made crafts and knit wear that include embroidered linen, jewelry and pottery.

Portugal offers a variety of shopping opportunities and all Portuguese towns are home to boutiques shops and markets where you can enjoy souvenir shopping.

For instance, Baixa de Faro is a charming town home to boutique shops and nice jewelry stores. If you are looking for more upscale shopping, the Chiado district, in the city of Lisbon, has many high-end shops and small boutiques where you can enjoy designer shopping.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Festivals & Events

* The Festas de Cidade e Gualterianas or ‘City Festival and Gualterianas’, held in early August, is a week long festival that features live music, bullfights, parades, and more.

* The Jazz Festival, held in Guimaraes in November, is a fun event for jazz enthusiasts as it showcases new talent, and brings jazz artists from all around the world.

* The ‘Festival do Marisco’ or Seafood Festival, held in August, is one of the most popular fun things to do in Portugal in terms of fun events. The event features live musical and an extensive variety of seafood which you can sample.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Europe
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Best Party Beaches in Europe