The choice of beaches within a half hours drive of Lagos is outstanding. This is your guide to heaven.
Meia Praia
Translated as 'half beach', just east of Lagos 5kms of soft sand curving eastward from the Marina at Lagos to the Estuary at Alvor. Certainly the most popular beach for tourists visiting Lagos although fabulous first thing in the morning & late afternoon, before and after the crowds. A large variety of water sports available and excellent facilities. Parking all along the beach, plenty of restaurants and snack bars to choose from. Ideal for families. Find this beach by driving past the Lagos Marina and continue on the road along the side of the ocean; the beach runs right along the road for about 3 miles.
Praia Dona Ana (Mrs Anna's Beach)
Perhaps the most photographed of the Algarve's beaches,A simply stunning beach - typical Algarvian picture postcard with it's dramatic cliffs & rock formations.this distinctive cove and caves is best visited out of season but in any case don't miss it.Very sheltered from the prevailing winds; superb for swimming; snorkeling. Good facilities on hand with a choice of beach bars & restaurants. Access to the beach is down a flight of steps. There is adequate parking close by. Alternatively, this beach is approximately 20 minutes walk from Lagos center, either by road or around the cliffs. Plenty of kiosks selling everything you could ever need for an enjoyable day at the beach.On Lagos FREEMAPS.
Praia de Porto de Mós
This is a beach inhabited by locals & people Lagos in the know. Although much smaller than Meia Praia, it's easy to find a perfect spot. Very relaxing & tranquil. Sun-beds available for hire. Some excellent restaurants & facilities available here. Parking very close by. Although a steep road leads down to the bay, access to the beach is excellent & flat.
Praia da Luz (Beach of Light)
A beautiful expanse of soft golden sand makes this an ideal family beach. Lovely for swimming & also exploring the rock pools at both ends. All water sports are available here through Beach Hut Water Sports Centre www.beachhutwatersports.com & there is also a mini children's playground. There are lots of sun-beds available to hire, with showers on the beach & all round excellent facilities. A plethora of cafes, shops & restaurants within very close proximity. Parking available close by just beyond the lovely promenade.
Praia da Luz, beach[/caption]
Praia de Burgau
Compact & lovey in a bit of untamed way without the crowds (except in July and August and September).One of the all timefavoritebeaches by those in the know...dramatic cliffs. Great for swimming. Several restaurants & bars in the town providing facilities both on the beach itself & close by.On the beach,dont miss Beach Bar Burgau, with exceptional food and a huge sun deck at the back. This is a little piece ofheaven. New parking is located half way up the 'UP' drive. Don't be frightened by the dramatic hill to go down to the beach, if we can make it, so can you! Makes for great Photos. Burgau Beach Bar
Praia da Figueira
This beach is popular with youngsters and windsurfers. There are also excellent dive sites nearby such as Boco do Rio to the East. The beach lies right in front of the village of Salema.
Praia Boca do Rio (Mouth of the River)
Situated between Burgau and Salema, this beach can be accessed by turning off the EN125 at Budens (just after Intermarche). Definitely one of those seldom visited beaches off season, a place where only the locals go. Get back to nature in a beautiful & tranquil setting. This is one of the Western Algarve's best little beaches. Take your own refreshments. Parking right by the beach.
Martinhal Beach
Towards to west coast, areal haven for wind surfers, kite surfers, board surfers - the stunning white sands & dunes, the wild blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and the crisp, clean air, make for perfect relaxation. A relatively un-populated spot (although popular in high season), unspoiled but still with plenty of activities & good facilities. Very family friendly with lots of parking close to the beach. From here you can see the port of Sagres.
Praia do Monte Clerigo
A surfers paradise, and probably yours too! Definitely worth the drive towards to west coast. A huge expanse of sugary soft sand with crashing waves, the view will quite simply take your breath away! Mainly under-populated, so you often have the beach to yourself practically. Lots of rocks & cliffs to explore too. There are good facilities, parking & a restaurant/snack bar close by.
This list shows some of the best beaches in and around Lagos, but it is only a tiny sampling.You can explore for days and still not see them all. Picture postcard beauty a short drive from your hotel. Be careful on the wilder beaches, don't go far from shore. There can be strong rip tides. Also NEVER leave anything valuable in your car OR trunk even if locked, thieves can get into your locked trunk in seconds. Don't be easy pickings.
