Private car transfer
from Lisbon to Lagos

One of your first stops can be visiting the Bacalhoa Winery, where they've been creating excellent Portuguese wine since 1922. Here you can learn about how some of the best wines of Portugal are produced and have a wine tasting. Especially after having some wine, you will be tempted to jump into the wavy waters of the ocean several times throughout the way if the weather allows it. And you'll have many options to do so! A great place for a dip is Cavaleiro Beach, where high cliffs protect the golden sands from the wind.

As your car trip comes to an end in Lagos, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, where you can refresh before exploring one of the top destinations in the Algarve.

One of the main reasons for visiting Lagos is to enjoy its plentiful and beautiful beaches. Since Lagos has a vast coastline, you're spoiled for choice. Head to Meia Praia if you love volleyball, crowds, and beach bars. If you are not a big fan of sunbathing next to many people, you can go to more secluded beaches, such as the cliff-covered coves of the Ponta da Piedade or Praia da Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo.

Being open to the Atlantic, Lagos is a popular destination for all kinds of watersports, from surfing to kayaking. If you would like to enjoy more clear waters and explore some cool rock formations, you can explore Ponte de Piedade which lies 1.7 miles (2.8 km) from the center. You can also book a boat tour to admire the dramatic cliffs from the water.

Book accommodation early

Accommodation in Lagos fills up quickly, especially during the high travel season which is from June to September. So it is better to book in advance, ideally several months before. If you are trying to decide which neighborhood would be best for your stay in Lagos, we have some recommendations.

If it’s your first time in Lagos, look for accommodation in the Lagos Marina area. You'll have Lagos' best beachside activities right at your doorstep, as well as sunsets, wine-tasting events, and maybe even drawing lessons. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to wake up to cobblestone streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and historic landmarks, the Old Town of Lagos is a perfect choice.

Other options could be staying in Porto de Mos, a village just outside of Lagos, for a holiday mostly focused on surfing. Batata Beach can offer a great stay if you are looking for calm water with no currents and a popular beach.

Stop for sightseeing

The drive from Lisbon to Lagos passes through Portugal’s wine country before hitting the coast of the Algarve. By taking a car trip rather than public transportation, you have the chance to visit everything from wineries to medieval castles to coastal cliffs, so why wouldn’t you take advantage of this freedom to enrich your trip?

Talk to your driver

Daytrip’s English-speaking drivers love sharing their insights about local history and culture. Rather than spend the drive in silence, chat with them! It’s a great opportunity to learn about Portugal and get insider tips on the best things to do in Lagos.

Lisbon to Lagos by train

Since there are no direct trains from Lisbon to Lagos, the trip takes around 4.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased in person at the station or in advance online. Trains are operated by Comboios de Portugal and depart from Lisbon's Entrecampos station five times daily for Tunes. Once you arrive in Tunes, you'll have to change to the train to Lagos, which departs every 3 hours during the day.

Lisbon to Lagos by plane

It is possible to get from Lisbon to Lagos by plane, but it is questionable whether it is worthwhile or not. Lagos doesn't have an airport, so while the 45-minute flight from Lisbon to Faro sounds appealing, you then have to take a bus or private car from Faro to Lagos. Between the trouble and time getting to the airport, going through security, and changing to a bus that only runs five times a day, it's probably not worth it.

Lisbon to Lagos by car

The driving distance from Lisbon to Lagos is 187 miles (301 km) and only around 3 hours without stops. If you’d like to drive yourself, Lisbon has numerous car rental companies you can rely on. If you’d like to make the most of the trip around the western coastline of Portugal, then booking a private car will be a better option for you. With Daytrip, an English-speaking local driver will bring you door-to-door from Lisbon to Lagos. And you can easily visit sightseeing stops along the way. During the car ride, your driver will be happy to share insightful tips about Lagos since they will be a local. An added benefit of taking a private car is you don’t have to worry about where to park, traffic, or tolls.

Dive into the blue

Lagos has an impressive number of golden sand beaches, rock formations, and hidden coves. And with year-round warm weather, one of the best things to do is to spend your days exploring all the beaches around Lagos. With so many beaches comes a wide variety of seaside activities, from sunbathing to surfing. One of the beaches you should make sure you visit is Ponta da Piedade for its stunning lighthouse and caves. Closer to the town center, you shouldn’t miss Praia dos Estudantes and its Roman bridge.

Visit the Lagos Market

Lagos has a lively food market called Mercado Municipal de Lagos. On the ground floor, you can find fresh seafood, while the first floor offers seasonal fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. Even if you don't plan on buying ingredients to cook yourself, the market is worth visiting solely for the atmosphere - there's a rooftop cafe and restaurant overlooking the marina where you can enjoy the view with a drink. But chances are you'll find some local delicacies to take home as souvenirs or gifts.

Enjoy the local cuisine

Portugal's cuisine is fresh and colorful, ranging from mouth-watering seafood to pastries. Take a food tour in Lagos to explore up to ten different dishes with tour guides explaining the process and the ingredients to you. Or lead your own food tour by restaurant hopping around town. Try the house prawns, cataplana, and any other seafood dish that catches your eye. While you might not think of it at first, sushi restaurants are also great considering how fresh the fish is here. Because Lagos gets so many visitors, there's an array of international restaurants if you need a break from seafood. But be sure you always leave some space for dessert because Portugal’s famous egg tart pasteis de nata will be within reach each time you leave a restaurant, and it’s hard to resist!