Best things to do in Lagos, Portugal

The twelve activities below are ranked on traveller rating and review volume, then price checked across every seller that lists them. Underneath there are the free things that are worth as much as anything you pay for.

Lagos is small enough to cross on foot in twenty minutes and busy enough to fill a week. The town sits at the western end of the Algarve, where the coast turns from long flat beaches into carved limestone cliffs, so almost everything here is either on the water or looking at it.

Nothing on this page is ordered by commission. The ranking uses rating weighted by how many people left it, so a 4.9 from thirty reviews sits below a 4.8 from four thousand. Where the same activity is sold on more than one platform, the price gap is shown so you can book on the cheaper one.

Prices change constantly. How we compare

01 · On the water
From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade
A 75-minute scenic cruise from Lagos gliding over turquoise water past limestone cliffs, natural arches and hidden sea caves, with a guide sharing regional geology. Passes Praia Dona Ana and secluded
From 4.9 from 9,480 reviews
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02 · Caves
Lagos: Combo Dolphin & Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist
A catamaran cruise from Lagos to watch dolphins in their natural habitat and take in the Algarve coast's landmarks, with a marine biologist explaining local dolphin species.
From 4.7 from 5,232 reviews
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03 · Water sports
Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket
Entrance ticket to Slide & Splash water park in Lagoa, with high-speed slides, wave and relaxation pools and family water-play areas for a full day of aquatic fun.
From 4.6 from 5,824 reviews
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04 · On the water
From Lagos: Benagil Caves Speedboat Adventure
Race along the Algarve coast by speedboat to the iconic Benagil cave with its domed skylight, plus hidden grottoes and pirate coves, while a guide shares stories of the cliffs and sea stacks.
From 4.8 from 3,156 reviews
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05 · On the water
From Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran
Cruise by catamaran from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade, then transfer to kayaks to paddle through the sea caves, arches and grottoes. Combines a relaxed boat ride with guided cave kayaking and swim stops.
From 4.9 from 2,491 reviews
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06 · Kayak and SUP
Lagos: Guided Kayak Tour
Paddle through crystal-clear waters exploring the sea caves and rock formations of Ponta da Piedade with a support boat alongside. Includes a beach break for swimming and sunbathing on this 2.5-hour t
From 4.8 from 2,869 reviews
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07 · Kayak and SUP
Lagos: Kayak Experience
Board a catamaran then kayak through Ponta da Piedade's sea caves, arches and hidden coves, paddling calm clear waters beneath towering cliffs. Swim at secluded beaches with guided storytelling.
From 4.8 from 2,226 reviews
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08 · Dolphins and wildlife
Lagos: Dolphin Watch Tour with Professional Marine Biologist
A speedboat dolphin-watching tour from Lagos to see playful wild pods in their natural habitat, with marine biologists sharing insights on behaviour and conservation.
From 4.9 from 1,698 reviews
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09 · On the water
From Lagos: Scenic Cruise to Benagil & Carvoeiro Caves
Sail east from Lagos along the Algarve coast to the famous Benagil sea cave and the Carvoeiro grottoes, passing dramatic cliffs, arches and hidden beaches. A scenic guided cave-viewing cruise.
From 4.8 from 1,604 reviews
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10 · On the water
Lagos: Piedade Caves & Coastline - Catamaran
Cruise by catamaran from Lagos Marina along the coast past Ponta da Piedade's sea caves and rock formations. Includes a 30-minute swim stop with paddleboards and water inflatables.
From 4.7 from 1,778 reviews
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11 · On the water
Lagos: Brunch and Ponta da Piedade Cruise
Cruise by catamaran from Lagos toward Burgau and Ponta da Piedade, taking in cliffs, caves and coastline while enjoying brunch onboard, with swim stops in calm bays along the way.
From 4.8 from 1,261 reviews
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12 · On the water
From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Benagil
Cruise from Lagos Marina along the coast to the world-famous Benagil Cave, passing limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, turquoise water and hidden grottoes only reachable by boat.
From 4.8 from 1,045 reviews
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Free things to do in Lagos

These cost nothing and several of them beat the paid options for the view alone.

The Ponta da Piedade steps: Around 180 steps down to a small landing between the cliffs. Free, open all hours, and the best land view of the arches. Go before nine to have it to yourself.
Praia do Camilo: A wooden staircase drops onto two small beaches joined by a tunnel through the rock. Busy from eleven onwards in summer.
The old town walls: You can walk a good stretch of the sixteenth century walls from Praça Infante Dom Henrique, and it costs nothing.
Meia Praia: Four kilometres of flat sand east of the marina. Quieter the further you walk, and the water is calmer than the west facing beaches.
The Saturday market: The covered market on Avenida dos Descobrimentos is at its best early on a Saturday, when the fish counters are full.

For the town itself, the Old Town Lagos guide has a walking route and where to eat along it.