Algarve West Tourism Guide - Lagos Beaches Surfing

Lagos Beaches Algarve

Just to the east of Lagos sits the largest and main beach Meia Praia. Here is endless sands and a choice of water sports including water skiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing and on the sands volleyball and beach football. Restaurants and beach bars are situated close by. Meia Praia is a wide sandy beach bay with character low lying sand dunes. It stetches for about 4 kilometres. Follow the tarmac road from Lagos towards the Marina. Meia Praia is well signposted.

Other smaller Lagos beaches nearer the centre include pretty Praia da Batata near Fortaleza da Bandeira. Lots of hidden corners here amongst dramatic sandstone rock formations. In the cluster of central Lagos beaches, Praia dos Estudantes and Praia do Pinhao also feature. Heading further west towards Luz more beaches await including Dona Ana (not recommended for swimming), Camilo, Coneca, Balanca, Canavial and Praia do Porto de Mos.

For a comprehensive guide to Lagos' many beautiful beaches check the Visit Algarve beach guide weblink right. Some are difficult to get to, and others only open out at low tide. On the edge of the headland to the south east of Lagos sits the stunning rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. These rank up there with the stunning rock formations of Algar Seco further east near Carvoeiro. Take time to visit these carved rock sculptures. There's a path on the cliff top and a lighthouse. Take care as the path can be close to the edge. Boat trips also run along this coastline (see Bom Dia Boat Trips weblink right for details).

For more drama on the West Algarve coast head to the far west and Sagres Fort, Cabo de Sao Vicente, and also up the coast to the Carrapateira headland.

Praia da Luz & Luz Family Holiday Resort Lagos

Luz, or Praia da Luz as it's increasingly becoming known, is situated just to the West of Lagos and worth a mention in its own right as a pretty little self contained West Algarve resort.

Low rise all the way here, backed onto a stunning sheltered sandy beach bay which is perfect for families.

Luz has won awards for its sensitive low rise and low key development. Rock pools galore on Praia da Luz, with a scattering of pleasant terraced family restaurants, bars, cafes and holiday shops on the beachside prom. Just off the promenade are some meagre remains of a Roman villa, with a 17th century fort at the opposite end which is now a bustling restaurant.

Luz is tops for family holidays, and its pretty beach bay has calm and sheltered waters, perfect for families with young children.