Book Cheap Lagos Holidays from £239pp

Why go to Lagos

With year-round sunshine and golden sandy beaches, Lagos is one of the Algarve’s loveliest seaside towns. Between lazy days swimming and sunbathing, rounds of golfs and hiking along clifftop trails overlooking the Atlantic, there’s plenty to keep you busy. As the sun sets, head to a seafood restaurant and sip great-value Portuguese wines in the town’s buzzy bars.

Lagos has a long seafaring history – many of Portugal’s famous explorers set off from here on voyages of discovery in the 15th century, and fishing is still an important way of life, which you’ll soon discover at the excellent fish market. Fishing trips depart from the marina, along with boat tours, to the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, one of the region’s top attractions.

For sun seekers, Lagos is home to arguably some of the best beaches along the Algarve coast. Head up to Meia Praia, with its long stretch of sand and family-friendly vibe, or head west and discover a string of small sandy coves bordered by cliffs. Join the surfers and paddle boarders, build sandcastles with the kids, or just flop on the sand with a good book.

Want to work on your golf swing? You’re in luck. There are a number of highly regarded courses within a half-hour drive from Lagos. Top picks include the Sir Henry Cotton-designed championship course at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, and the scenic links and parkland course at Palmares Beach & Golf Resort.

Dining out is a delight in Lagos, too. From freshly grilled fish and cataplana (seafood stew) to bite-sized petiscos – Portugal’s answer to tapas – Lagos checks all the foodie boxes. And with a thriving after-dark scene in the cobbled old town, your holiday to Lagos can be as lively or as mellow as you want it to be.

When to go to Lagos

The best months to visit Lagos are May, June, September or October, when the summer rush has died down and temperatures still reach the 20Cs. Beaches are quieter, and there’s more chance of bagging a cheap holiday. If you’re planning a dip in the ocean, the sea is at its warmest in autumn, with temperatures averaging 23C.

July and August bring long, hot days – around 11 hours of sunshine – with temperatures reaching highs of 28C. While restaurants and bars hum with atmosphere, high season also means crowded beaches and peak hotel prices.

November to March is still pleasant in Lagos, often with blue skies and sunshine, although the mercury drops in the early evening. Rainfall peaks in December and January, but it’s not unusual for temperatures to reach the late teens in late February or March. Some restaurants and attractions may be closed during the low season, but you’ll find plenty of cheap holiday deals.

What to do in Lagos

Most visitors book a Lagos holiday for one reason: the trio of Blue Flag beaches. Once you’ve had your fill of sand and surf, keep the troops entertained with a trip to the zoo, and enjoy the salty sea air as you ramble along the spectacular coastline.

Meia Praia

Stretching for 4km (2.5 miles) from the marina to the Alvor estuary, Lagos’s main beach is one of the finest swathes of sand in the area. Backed by low-rise dunes, surfers and kite-surfers tend to flock here on blustery days, though bucket-and-spade toting families usually favour the sheltered western end.

Beach bars and restaurants line the bay, and there are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire – perfect for long, carefree days.

Praia Dona Ana

Sheltered by sandstone cliffs and lapped by calm turquoise waters, Praia Dona Ana is one of Lagos’s most photogenic beaches. Just 1.8km (1 mile) south of the town centre, the sandy cove fills up in summer, with neat rows of sunbeds and a restaurant set right on the sand.

There are no watersports or jet-skis, making it ideal for families and sun-worshippers seeking a more relaxed day at the beach (in contrast to the buzzier Meia Praia).

Praia do Camilo

Perhaps even more idyllic is Praia do Camilo; a 200 wooden-step descent takes you to velvety sands, backed by the Algarve’s iconic golden cliffs. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the wind-hewn rock formations are ripe for exploration. There are limited facilities, so bring your own brolly and a picnic.

As the sun begins to fade, head to the clifftop restaurant for fresh seafood and dreamy sunset views.

Ponta da Piedade

A 15-minute walk from Praia do Camilo – or 35 minutes from central Lagos – the headland of Ponta da Piedade offers jaw-dropping views from its clifftop boardwalk, especially at sunset. Gaze at the jagged cliffs, sculpted over time by the ocean, and take the wooden staircase down to the picturesque little cove below.

If you don’t fancy walking, you can catch the tourist train from Lagos Marina, or cruise along the coast by boat to admire rock formations up close.

Parque Zoologico de Lagos

Travelling with kids? Head to this popular animal park, 20 or so minutes by car from Lagos.

The sub-tropical parkland is home to 140 species, including monkeys, meerkats, pygmy hippos and crocodiles. There’s also toddler-friendly petting zoo full of farm animals.

Remember to pack your beach gear – there’s a small pool where you can cool off and watch the antics of a colony of African penguins through plexiglass windows.