Contents:

The world-famous Ponta da Piadade

Praia do Camilo, one of the most photographed beaches in Lagos

Praia dos Estudantes – A Charming City Beach

Exploring Lagos

The next day started quite early after breakfast as we set off towards Lagos. Our main destination was the world-famous Ponta da Piedade, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Algarve.
We parked near Praia do Camilo, planning to spend some time there later in the day – but as it turned out, the day took a slightly different direction. First, it was time to explore the breathtaking cliffs!

Walking the Wooden Pathways

From the parking area, it took us just five minutes on foot to reach the interconnected wooden walkways that lead visitors to one of Portugal’s most stunning natural wonders. Even the walk itself was an experience — around every bend, a new, breathtaking panorama opened up before us.

The View from Land and Sea

We admired the spectacular coastline from the top of the cliffs, but if you’d like to experience it from a different perspective, numerous trusted tour companies offer boat trips that explore the rock formations and caves from the ocean side.

Getyourguide, Tiqets
The coastline here is incredibly dramatic — shaped over centuries by the relentless power of the Atlantic. The result is a wonderland of steep cliffs, jagged towers, sea arches, hidden grottoes, and secluded coves.

We walked all the way down the long staircase of more than 200 steps and later climbed back up to the viewpoint. From above, Ponta da Piedade was truly mesmerizing, with its lighthouse standing proudly in the distance as a beacon for sailors.

A Break at Sol Nascente Restaurant

After taking in the views, we stopped at Sol Nascente Restaurant for a well-deserved coffee, ice cream, and some cold drinks. The view from here was stunning as well. The prices were a bit on the higher side, and the service was understandably slow due to the lunchtime crowd, but the staff were friendly and the atmosphere relaxed.

Praia do Camilo – The Experience That Got Away

We walked back to the car, grabbed our beach things, and followed the marked path towards Praia do Camilo, one of the most photographed beaches in Lagos. After a short walk, we reached the famous wooden staircase that descends to this small yet spectacular sandy cove.
We started making our way down, but several beachgoers coming up stopped to warn us that it wasn’t worth going all the way down — the beach was completely covered in seaweed. It was already visible from above, and we had to admit they were right.

We were really disappointed — I’d read so much about this beach and had been excited to finally see it in person.
Praia do Camilo is famous for its hand-dug tunnel connecting two golden sandy coves, adding a real sense of adventure to your beach time. It’s also home to a natural rock arch, a sight that looks spectacular in photos but even more magical in person.
Unfortunately, we had to skip it this time. A bit disappointed but still full of energy, we came up with a new plan and decided to head for another beach — Praia dos Estudantes.

Praia dos Estudantes – A Charming City Beach

Praia dos Estudantes is located just a short distance from Lagos’ old town. We chose it as our beach for the day since our next stop was exploring the historic center of Lagos, and it was conveniently nearby.
Finding a parking spot wasn’t easy, but we eventually managed. From the top of the stairs, we were relieved to see — no seaweed! The beach itself turned out to be perfect for a few hours of sunbathing and a refreshing swim.

The Roman Bridge and Hidden Tunnels

What makes Praia dos Estudantes unique is the Roman-style bridge that connects the cliffs, along with the intriguing rock formations and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot among locals too, especially at low tide when secret tunnels and small coves are revealed.
The sand here was coarser than at Praia dos Três Irmãos, and we found plenty of shells, so our little girl wore her water shoes. The sea was calm, though the water was quite cool.
While Liny played happily in the sand, I explored the small coves connected by tunnels – it felt like a little coastal adventure, walking from one hidden beach to another.

A Chance Encounter and a New Friendship

It turned out to be fate that we ended up on this beach. We met a lovely Brazilian family whose little boy was the same age as our daughter. The kids instantly became friends and played together joyfully while we chatted with the parents.
We met them again several times during our holiday, which made our trip even more special.

Exploring Lagos

The afternoon flew by, and around four o’clock we packed up our things and continued our day in Lagos old town, where we planned to have dinner and explore the city’s historic streets.
After a short drive, we arrived in Lagos, one of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. This time we chose a paid parking lot — we didn’t want to waste time searching for free spaces, especially since we were already quite hungry.
From there, we set off on foot to discover Lagos’ charming cobbled streets.

Wandering Through the Old Town

Our first stop was Praça Gil Eanes, where the statue of King Dom Sebastião stands. His face is sculpted in such a way that it’s hard to tell whether he is a child or an adult, a man or a woman — an intriguing artistic choice. On the opposite side of the square stands the 19th-century town hall.

We didn’t have a specific restaurant in mind, so we simply let the streets guide us, admiring the beautiful buildings and narrow lanes. Along the way, we stumbled upon the much-photographed Green House, one of Lagos’ most famous landmarks. Its façade is covered in vibrant green tiles that make it stand out dramatically from its surroundings. You’ll find it on Praça Luís de Camões – definitely worth a stop if you’re visiting Lagos.

Eventually, we found a cozy restaurant where everyone found something they liked on the menu, and we enjoyed a delicious meal together.

Evening Walks and Churches

After dinner, we continued strolling through the old town, soaking in the local atmosphere. Lagos’ streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques, bars, and lively little squares. You’ll often find street performers and small markets, blending the relaxed seaside charm with a touch of vibrant nightlife.

We visited several churches along the way. The Church of St. Anthony (Igreja de Santo António) is particularly beautiful, and nearby stands the Church of Santa Maria (Igreja de Santa Maria), located on a spacious square featuring a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante D. Henrique). He played a key role in launching Portugal’s Age of Discoveries in the 15th century.
Although the statue inscription reads 1460–1960, he didn’t live for 500 years — the monument was inaugurated in 1960, on the 500th anniversary of his death.

City Walls and Fortresses

Remnants of the old city walls that once surrounded Lagos can still be seen, belonging to the Governors’ Castle (Castelo dos Governadores). Today, only the main gate and some wall sections remain, but it’s still a great spot for photos. Nearby, we also passed a large replica of the Lagos city coat of arms.
Close to this area stands the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th-century fortress built to protect the harbor entrance from enemy ships. It’s a beautiful spot for a short walk and some scenic photography.

Family Moments – Carousel and Marina

After our long walk, we returned to the parking area, where we’d promised our daughter she could have a turn on the carousel. She happily chose her favorite — the giraffe — while we enjoyed ending the day with such a cheerful moment.

We then wandered down to the nearby Lagos Marina, a pleasant promenade filled with sailboats and yachts of all sizes. It was relaxing to watch the boats glide in and out of the harbor as the sunset painted the water gold.

The marina is also the main departure point for most boat tours in the area — you’ll find several operators here, and you can easily book a trip at the kiosks along the quay.

For the best local experiences, check out platforms like Freetour, GetYourGuide and Tiqets, where you can discover tours and activities in the area.

As we strolled along the waterfront, we even came across a small craft market selling handmade souvenirs. With its many cafés and restaurants, the marina is an ideal spot to unwind in the evening.

After seeing and experiencing so much, we drove back to our hotel and soon settled in for a well-deserved rest. It was another memorable day in the Algarve, filled with discovery, adventure, and the simple joy of exploring together.