Curator’s statement
When I first arrived in Lagos, the beauty of the aqua-blue water and dramatic sea cliffs immediately struck me. It was hard to imagine just six hours west of this sun-drenched, historic beach town was the Eastern USA. Just shy of three hours south of Lisbon, Lagos is a haven for travelers wanting to relax beachside, explore the local cuisine and adventure on the water or on land. Overall, Lagos pairs beautifully with an itinerary that includes urban explorations (Think: Lisbon, Madrid and Porto). Lagos offers a lovely reprieve from the hustle and bustle of international travel by allowing you to slow down, grab a towel and gaze at the ocean views on a picturesque beach.
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Day 1: Arrive to Lagos by train
Drive or train from Lisbon and arrive in Lagos about three hours later.
Day 2: The beaches
Today is all about exploring the water and beaches in Lagos, on land and on the sea! Start the day by heading to the Marina de Lagos, where a variety of boats, tour groups and restaurants are centered near Old Town Lagos. Enjoy lunch with an appetizer of delicious oysters at Pearl Food Trailer followed by lunch at Quay.
Embark on a 2-hour kayak tour to explore the sea cliffs and caves surrounding Lagos and the Algarve region. I recommend Discover Tours, but a variety of options can be booked day-of at the stands neighboring the Marina - explore and find the best fit for you and your family!
After the tour, head back to your hotel to freshen up and get ready for dinner. Dinner tonight is at Mar, a lovely seafood restaurant overlooking the beachfront. I recommend booking this restaurant in advance as its popular for both its great ambiance, views and delicious food. Before or after dinner, I recommend venturing to the nearby Estudiantes Beach and marveling at the ocean and rock tunnels. Perfect photo opportunity to remember the stunning scenery!
Day 3: Old Town Lagos
As it's your final day in Lagos, today is all about soaking up the last bit of the old town's beauty and getting your hands on souvenirs for your journey home.
Head to old town Lagos and explore the variety of home decor, tile and souvenir shops. After the mid-morning shopping time, have lunch at Lagos' famous burger joint, Nah Nah Bah.
Spend the balance of the day sunbathing at Meia Praia beach or at your hotel's pool.
Tonight, have dinner at Luca's Rooftop for live music, great seafood, and beautiful ocean views. Nearby is Dona Ana Beach, another place to lounge before or after dinner.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Moss
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Looking for more travel inspo? Check out Fora Travel Advisor Vivian Ho's guide, Beyond Expectations: A Mesmerizing 10-Day Exploration of Portugal from Porto to Lagos.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Portugal.