Lagos, Portugal: An Active Weekend of Coastal Walks & Beaches

Old Town

Start your day exploring Lagos, strolling through the streets of the Old Town. You can spend hours here wandering around, shopping at all the stores, and trying some traditional Portuguese pastries. For the best and most authentic pastel de nata, visit Padaria Central.

Now let’s get into the shopping. When I tell you I spent hours just exploring all the stores, I’m not joking.

• For jewelry lovers, I have to recommend Mira Mira. It’s all affordable and there is just so much to choose from.

• The best well-rounded souvenir shop I found was Casa de Praia.

• Now for the graters, Portugal has dishes that are absolutely beautiful. The store also does live demonstrations so you’re able to see how they are used. It’s also the perfect gift for someone, just saying. This store is called the Original Grater.

• If you’re needing some food, stop at Pom Pom Bagels for the best bagels in Lagos. I still dream of these!

Sunset tips

If staying in Lagos, it would be criminal to not see a sunset along the coast. Check when the sun is supposed to set and give yourself at least an hour before that to walk. You’re going to want to walk to at least the Ponta De Piedade (approximately 3km one way), however if you have the time and energy I wouldn’t stop at the Ponta de Piedade, at least for the sunset. If you keep going, there are far better spots that are less busy.

• Pro-tip: Do not leave as soon as the sun sets. You will miss the best part. Stick around for at least 15–20 minutes afterwards to see the sky get more and more colorful. You will be walking home in the dark, but it is so worth it.

Morning cliff walk

If you haven’t already guessed based on the heading, yes, another cliff walk. You’ve seen the coast during golden hour, but now it’s time to experience it during the day, especially to go down and see the famous Ponta De Piedade.

My time in Portugal included a lot of walking… like 20,000 steps a day walking, so bring walking shoes and be prepared to walk everywhere. It’s the best way to experience the city and see the best sights.

Start your morning with breakfast in the Old Town, whether that’s just a quick coffee and pastry or if you’re hungry for a sit-down Black & White cafe. You can do both! Once you're full and caffeinated, start your walk along the coast. Now I walked around 8km there and back, but you just go as far as you can (knowing you need to walk back as well). I would definitely make it to the Ponta de Piedade, and save some energy because those stairs down to the water are no joke!

There is a restaurant at the Ponta de Piedade for a beer break. Treat it as your reward for conquering the stairs—that’s what I did.

Beach & beverages

After you’ve gotten your exercise in, it’s time to relax and enjoy Lagos. Pick one of the many beaches along the coast and spend your afternoon soaking in the sun.

Go for a much-needed dinner at Lamberto, serving authentic Portuguese food. Make sure you call ahead for a reservation.

If you still have some energy and want to get more steps in, maybe another sunset walk?

Or just spend the evening having a few drinks at one the many bars or restaurants.

If you do in fact visit in the summer, consider visiting Loulé, a quiet little town only an hour and a half by train away from Lagos. Some of my favorite shops are:

• M&J Refashion: A local thrift store

• Wooff Charity Shop: A bit out of the city center, but all proceeds go to ARA, a local dog shelter, and they have a bigger selection than M&J.

• Lanidor: Portuguese clothing brand

• Centro de Artesanato: Beautiful wooden pieces, artwork, and souvenirs.

As for food, I could go on and on, but here are the places I would go back to.

• Cafe Calcinha: Try their Folhado de Loulé (a pastry you can only find in Loulé), or their goat cheese toastie for something more filling.

• Cinaroma: Cinnamon buns and cookies. My favorite was hands down their pistachio cookie.