One week in the Western Algarve: the best excursions from Lagos for all ages

The Western Algarve, with Lagos as the ideal starting point, offers numerous activities and experiences for holidaymakers of all ages. In this article, we will give you some ideas on how to spend an unforgettable week in the Western Algarve. Whether you're traveling with young children, as a senior, or with a mixed group, there’s something exciting for everyone to enjoy each day.

 

List of contents

• Day 1: Exploring Lagos – A city full of history and charm
• Day 2: Boat tour to the grottoes, beach experience and wine tasting in the Algarve
• Day 3: Day trip to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente – At the end of Europe
• Day 4: Discovery tour of Carvoeiro and Silves – coastal charm and historical treasures
• Day 5: Beach day in Praia da Luz – sun, sand and pure relaxation
• Day 6: Water fun at the amusement park or a beach day at Meia Praia
• Day 7: Farewell Day – The Last Hours in Lagos

 

Day 1: Exploring Lagos – A city full of history and charm

Start your holiday week with a leisurely day right in the exciting coastal city of Lagos. The old town is rich in history, while the beaches and lively atmosphere ensure a pleasant holiday atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

Start your tour at the Lagos marina, for example, where there is a large, free car park nearby. From here, you can cross the pedestrian bascule bridge over the harbour entrance, which offers you a first overview of the harbour promenade and the colourful hustle and bustle of the many small boats that come and go here.

 

 

 

 

A walk along the promenade will take you directly to the fortress "Forte da Ponta da Bandeira". Across the street is the impressive city wall, which serves as the entrance gate to the historic old town. Just a few steps away you will also find the well-known, former slave market "Mercado de Escravos". The old town itself captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming little shops and cosy cafés and restaurants and invites you to stroll and linger. A visit to the baroque church "Igreja de Santo António" or the "Museum of Lagos" gives you additional exciting insights into the rich history of the region.

 

 

 

 

Continue to stroll through the old town and reach the bustling "Praça Gil Eanes" in the heart of the city. Enthroned here is the statue of Dom Sebastião, the Portuguese king from the 16th century, and the famous "green house", a popular motif for postcards and photos.

 

 

 

In the afternoon, the famous "Ponta da Piedade" with its dramatic rock formations and bays offers a breathtaking sight. The cliffs are easily accessible via wide wooden walkways and the views of the sea make this relaxing hike an experience for all ages.

 

 

 

 

 

Tip: For families with small children, in addition to the old town of Lagos, a visit to the small but adorable "Zoo de Lagos" is a highlight. Children can see exotic animals and visit the petting zoo. In addition, the paths are usually not exposed to the sun, so you can walk comfortably in the shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A dinner at the restaurant "O Mar" is a successful end to the first day in Lagos. Here you can review your experiences and enjoy the breathtaking view over Lagos and the Atlantic Ocean during the "Golden Hour".

 

 

 

Day 2: Boat tour to the grottoes, beach experience and wine tasting in the Algarve

A boat tour along the rugged coastline to the grottoes and rock formations of Ponta da Piedade is a must for visitors to the Algarve. The boats sail through narrow rock arches and lead into exciting grottoes that are only accessible from the water. These tours offer great views and memorable photo opportunities – ideal for all ages. In the marina of Lagos there are numerous providers for a wide variety of boat tours of different durations such as dolphin watching tours, jet boat rides, catamaran excursions or trips to the Benagil caves with and without swimming stops.

 

 

 

 

For families with small children, there are also child-friendly boat tours with a shorter time of about an hour.

 

 

 

 

After lunch in one of the numerous restaurants directly at the marina, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the diverse, pretty beaches of Lagos, such as Meia Praia, Praia de Porto de Mós, Praia Dona Ana or Praia do Camilo.

If you're still in the mood for another excursion, wine tasting in the Algarve is a wonderful opportunity to discover the diverse and characteristic flavours of Portugal. Numerous wineries in the region open their doors to visitors and offer tastings and guided tours where you can gain deeper insights into winemaking. A popular destination for wine lovers is the "Quinta da Tôr" winery near Loulé. In addition to excellent wines, the Quinta impresses with its idyllic location in the rolling hills and even offers a large pool where visitors can cool off. In addition to the wine, there are also accompanying regional specialties, which makes the experience even more authentic. The tasting offers a selection of wines from the region such as Syrah and Aragonês, which are known for their fruity, full-bodied aromas. Since the number of participants is often limited, it is advisable to make an appointment in advance.

 

 

 

Day 3: Day trip to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente – At the end of Europe

On the third day, you will head to Sagres and the famous Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwesterly point in Europe. From here, a breathtaking view opens up over the wide Atlantic Ocean. An impressive combination of spectacular natural beauty and historical heritage. This region is a must for anyone who wants to experience the unspoilt, wild side of the Algarve.

If you have a penchant for impressive, unspoilt nature in the form of huge, incomparable beaches and rugged cliffs, we highly recommend a detour via Carrapateira to the beautiful Bordeira beach on the way to Sagres. This natural, expansive beach is particularly popular with surfers.

 

 

 

 

To round off the spectacular impressions, do not drive directly back from here via Carrapateira, but take the small but easily passable gravel path above the cliffs. Various viewpoints invite you to stop and take photos and at the end of the path another impressive surfer beach, the "Praia do Amado", awaits. From here, a paved road leads back to the country road that takes you to Sagres via Vila do Bispo.

 

 

 

The city of Sagres itself is known for its imposing fortress, the "Fortaleza de Sagres", and its connection to Portugal's maritime history. From this point the great voyages of discovery started in the 15th century - a fascinating highlight for history buffs.

 

 

 

 

 

Cabo de São Vicente is a popular destination where you can feel the strong wind and the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean in full intensity. The iconic bratwurst stand "Last Bratwurst before America" is also located here, where visitors can receive a symbolic certificate for their visit to this special place in Europe.

 

 

 

 

At the end of the day, the relaxed atmosphere of Sagres invites you to stroll through the small streets.

For an authentic lunch experience, we recommend the fish restaurant A Sereia, which is located directly at the fishing port above the fish hall. Here you can enjoy freshly caught fish with a view over the harbour - a wonderful opportunity to experience the maritime and even more original atmosphere of the western Algarve up close. Since the restaurant is only open during the day, it is recommended to come here early.

 

 

 

 

In the evening, the renowned Pizzeria Arte Bianca offers an ideal option to end the day with excellent Italian cuisine. This pizzeria is one of the best pizzerias in Europe according to the independent online guide "50 Top Pizza" and offers a wide selection of pizzas, including vegan and gluten-free options.

 

 

 

 

If you don't want to return to your accommodation in Lagos afterwards, you can enjoy the impressive sunset, for example at or above Praia do Tonel.

 

 

 

Day 4: Discovery tour of Carvoeiro and Silves – coastal charm and historical treasures

Start the day in the colourful coastal town of Carvoeiro, known for its impressive rocky coastline and inviting charm. The pretty bay in the middle of the town centre with its golden beach, rocks and characteristic colourful fishing boats is the hub for local tourists, but is also a great place for holiday photos and you can enjoy a morning coffee in a restaurant with a great atmosphere.

 

 

 

A subsequent walk past the fortress "Forte de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação" (opposite a cute school with probably the best view a school can have) along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk / Passadiços do Carvoeiro offers a great view of the rocky cliffs and the deep blue sea. There are also beautiful viewpoints here, especially the Algar Seco, a fascinating rock formation with natural grottos and pools, accessible via stairs carved into the rock – beautiful and perfect for memorable photos.

 

 

 

After a relaxing morning in Carvoeiro, you will continue to Silves, a city that combines culture and history. The Moorish castle of Silves, which towers high above the old town, offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area, as well as an exciting journey into the past. A walk through the medieval alleys and a visit to the archaeological museum round off the cultural experience. Particularly impressive is the "Feira Medieval de Silves", a medieval festival that brings the entire old town to life every August. For a week, the old town is alive with stalls, stages and medieval performances – a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region.

 

 

 

Day 5: Beach day in Praia da Luz – sun, sand and pure relaxation

The idyllic beach of Praia da Luz is the ideal place for a relaxing day by the sea. The shallow water makes it particularly family-friendly and perfect for children, who can play and splash around here. Along the beach promenade, charming cafés and restaurants invite you to take a leisurely lunch break, while umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent and make the beach day even more comfortable.

 

 

 

 

Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or strolling along the coast to soak up the peaceful atmosphere to the fullest. For the more active, there is the option of hiking on the cliffs to the neighbouring town of Porto de Mós – a route with magnificent views that ends just before Lagos. Alternatively, you can hike west along the coast to Burgau (and beyond). A day in this dreamy place is the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and experience the Algarve at its most relaxed.

For additional inspiration and recommendations about Praia da Luz, you can read more tips in our blog post: "Praia Da Luz: A place to fall in love with on the south coast of Portugal".

In the evening, a visit to the Restaurante Fortaleza da Luz is recommended. Here you can end the day relaxing with a delicious dinner with a magnificent view of the sea.

 

 

 

 

Day 6: Water fun at the amusement park or a beach day at Meia Praia

For a day full of variety and adventure, a visit to the water park "Slide & Splash" (about 30 minutes by car from Lagos) is an excellent choice. As one of the largest water parks in the Algarve, it offers fun for all ages with numerous slides and pools.

Alternatively, the Zoo Marine theme park is a great option for an action-packed family day out. Located in Guia, about 40 minutes from Lagos, this park combines a marine zoo, animal shows, and water attractions that provide entertainment and educational experiences. Highlights include impressive shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and exotic birds. The park also includes a small aquarium and a tropical beach area with a wave pool and slides. Dedicated pools and shallow play areas for kids make Zoo Marine extra family-friendly.

For those who prefer to relax, the long Meia Praia offers a quiet alternative. With its wide, gently sloping sandy beach, it is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea, where sunbathing and walking are paramount.

 

 

 

Day 7: Farewell Day – The Last Hours in Lagos

The last day of the trip is at leisure and can be spent in Lagos to enjoy the flair of the city once again. A stroll through the old town, a last walk through the harbour or a visit to the market of Lagos offer a relaxed end to the holiday. Spend the last few hours on one of the nearby beaches or enjoy the view of the harbour backdrop.
You can also visit the various souvenir shops in the city centre to buy a few holiday mementos and gifts for family and friends.

 

 

 

A week in the Western Algarve for all tastes: the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure