Leaving behind the buzz and liveliness of Lisbon, and hitting the road on a car trip to explore the west coast of Portugal are some of the best ways to enjoy the country's sunny weather. Portugal's western coast offers incredible views, irresistible towns, and a howling ocean of waves and bright blue. So instead of taking a bus or a train and missing all the chances to see more of the coast, renting a car, or even better, booking a private car on with Daytrip with a local driver lets you make the most of your trip.
Getting from Lisbon to Lagos by car is about 186 miles (300 km) and takes around 3 hours without stops. But because the road is not right by the coast the whole time, it's worth stopping at some of the towns and beaches along to boost the fun of the trip.
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.
About Lagos
After your sun and sand-washed drive along the west coast of Portugal from Lisbon to Lagos, you will arrive at this ancient town in Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve. Although it is a small town of around 33,000 inhabitants, Lagos has over 2000 years of history. Not only was the first slave market of Europe built here, but it was also home to several civilizations from Romans to Byzantines. Today, there are many ways to enjoy Lagos, from bar crawls and booze cruises to scuba diving and history tours.
Logas still preserves elements of its long history, and walking through its Old Town feels like an open-air museum. The city castle, known as Castelo dos Governadores, is one of the outstanding examples of Lagos’s history. It was built by the Moors in the 10th century and has now been turned into a museum. There are also several historic churches, some of which display Baroque architecture, such as the Church of Antonio. Another one worth visiting is the Church of Santa Maria, some parts of which were destroyed by a fire but the church still stands as a culturally significant one.
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.
From Lisbon to Lagos: Travel tips
You might feel like the time spent traveling from Lisbon to Lagos is eating into your vacation time, but follow these travel tips, and you won’t just have a great trip, but you’ll make sure your holiday is the best it can be!
Pack appropriately
Although your trip around the coast of Portugal will be mainly sunny and warm, especially if you travel in the summer, the Algarve can get pretty windy. So pack a lightweight rain and wind jacket to fight the brisk Atlantic winds, even if you're only expecting sunny days.
And obviously, as one of the best beach-going destinations in Portugal, make sure to pack a swimsuit (or several!) and casual attire for the day. You will need light and comfortable clothing and shoes for hot days exploring the Algarve.
And while you can purchase it after you arrive in Lagos, remember to wear sunscreen! It's easy to forget about the direct sun when you're being cooled off by the wind.
### 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.
How to get from Lisbon to Lagos
Since Lagos is a popular destination, there are several ways to get from Lisbon to Lagos. Which you choose depends entirely on your preferences. If you’d like to make your travel as cheap as possible, the bus or train will be most suitable for you. While flying to Lagos from Lisbon’s airport can be a fast alternative, the most convenient and enriching way to make the trip is by driving or booking a private car ride with Daytrip.
Lisbon to Lagos by bus
Traveling from Lisbon to Lagos by bus takes around four hours. Rede Expressos buses run hourly from Lisbon's Sete Rios Station to the centrally located Lagos Terminal Rodoviário from early morning until late evening.
While you can buy tickets at the Sete Rios station, it's best to make reservations in advance online at Rede Expressos. Most buses have charging stations and wifi.
### 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.
Things to do when you get to Lagos
After you travel from Lisbon, you’ll find that Lagos is quite a small town. But since it sits on one of the prettiest coastlines you could ever wish for and has thousands of years of history, you'll find plenty of things to do when you get to Lagos.
Explore the Old Town of Lagos
Lagos's history stretches back over 2000 years, and its Old Town has done a wonderful job of preserving this history. Surrounded by 16th-century walls the brick lanes and cobbled streets lead to some unmissable monuments - the Old Town is compact enough that you really can't miss them! Walking the streets lined with white buildings, you will come across Museu de Lagos adjacent to the Church of Santo, where you'll find exhibits on the town’s history, regional artifacts, and religious works. Another interesting stop is the Slave Market and museum, which offers insights into Lagos' slave history and is part of the UNESCO Slave Route project.
### 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!
Best time to visit Lagos
June through August Portugal is high travel season in Lagos, with a flood of visitors descending on the town to enjoy the beach and blazing temperatures. While it's a great time to visit, the crowds make it hard to find accommodation if you don't book months in advance, and you can expect the beaches to be packed. If you would prefer fewer people around, pleasant weather, and reasonable prices, the best time to visit Lagos is from April to June or September to November. The temperature is still 68-77°F (20-25°C), perfect for exploring the town, being by the beach all day, or even hiking and walking.
"Our trip from Lisbon to Lagos went smoothly with Ricardo. He arrived on time and managed to get all our bags into the van. We had two stops along the way to King the Redeemer and Silves Castle. He was friendly and accommodating!"
Lisa E.
Canada
2024年7月27日
"The Driver Rui was pleasant and showed up on time. Car was clean and comfortable and journey was completed in record time.
"
Narendra R.
United States
2024年7月25日
"Jorge was great. We had a bit of trouble getting all our bags in the car and he was so accommodating and sweet and managed to just fix the scenario so that we all had a safe and pleasant journey.
"
Dani K.
Australia
2024年7月15日
"My group and I had the absolute pleasure of having Mauricio as our driver during our recent trip from Lisbon to Lagos, Portugal. From the moment we met him, it was clear that we were in the hands of a true professional.
During our journey, we made a stop, and to our delight, Mauricio not only accompanied us but also took the time to tour us around, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for the area. His insights and enthusiasm truly enriched our experience, making the stop much more than just a break from the drive.
Mauricio was incredibly kind, courteous, and attentive throughout the entire trip. He made sure we were comfortable and safe, and his friendly demeanor made the long drive enjoyable and relaxing.
We were so impressed with his service that we requested Mauricio to be our driver for the return trip to Lisbon later that week. We reached out to the company, and they promptly arranged for him to be our driver again, which was a testament to the company's excellent customer service.
If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, friendly, and professional driver in Portugal, I highly recommend Mauricio. His dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience is unmatched, and he truly went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. Thank you, Mauricio, for making our journey a whole lot better!"
Shelby G.
United States
2024年7月15日
"Amazing experience from start to finish - went far above and beyond in helping us get settled in our destination, provided helpful tips and advice as well as history along the way, would give 6 starts if I could. Thank you!"
Tyler B.
United States
2024年6月26日
"Mario was punctual, helpful and attentive and provided just what we were hoping for. He also provided a good image for your young company. We couldn't have been more pleased.
"
Joseph K.
United States
2024年6月21日
"Our trip with Agnelo was excellent too! We had 3 stops to sightsee and another rest stop off the highway. Agnelo was friendly, professional and very helpful along the way. He was able to drop us close to each sight and was very informative! I would highly recommend him too.
"
Michele C.
United States
2024年6月21日
"The transfer went smoothly and Bruno was the perfect driver. Courteous, quick, knowledgeable and kind. "
Daniel S.
United States
2024年6月18日
"This was our second time using daytrip during our stay in Portugal. Our driver Mauricio was really great! We are a family of 4, and we were traveling from Lisbon to Lagos. Our car was Mercedes Benz Vito Minivan, which was really comfortable for a longer 3 hour ride. Our hotel in Lisbon was on a very tight street with minimal car access. Mauricio parked a few blocks away and walked over to our hotel to greet us and help us get our luggage to the car. During our car ride he was very attentive making sure we are comfortable and stopped for a little break. We all were very happy with our transfer and would highly recommend Mauricio and day trip to our friends and family."
Elvira T.
United States
2024年6月18日
"Alex T was simply amazing. He arrived early and was 100% professional and on top of things. The van was clean, cool and stocked with water. Alex was knowledgeable about the area and extremely helpful.
I left my AirPods in the van and didn’t even realize it. Alex called to let me know and dropped them off the next morning right where we were staying.
""
Brian K.
United States
2024年6月6日
"The trip was perfect. Our driver Mauricio was very friendly, knowledgeable and on time with the pickup. I would highly recommend.
"
Erik T.
United States
2024年6月4日
"We would like to acknowledge that our trip from Lisbon to Lagos with Driver Pedro P, was exceptional.
He was very pleasant, knowledgeable of the area we drove through.
He even took us via the backroads, which allowed him to stop or slow down for photo opportunities.
We highly recommend , Pedro."
JANE R.
Australia
2024年5月27日
"Our trip was awesome. Our driver was earlier than expected, a lovely gentleman eager to share his vast knowledge of the area during our trip. He was patient at our rest break and his hint for dinner in Lagos was spot on. Please share this with him
"
AMANDA G.
Australia
2024年5月9日
"Paolo was great, explained allot of history along the way, was a safe driver and was very accommodating, communicative and friendly. We did our two stops and he was able to get us right to our doorstop in Lagos which wasn't easy. Great trip.
"
Michele W.
Canada
2024年4月29日
"Nuno was very very good! He was flexible and helped us from start to finish with luggage, stops, information, conversation , and advice.!"
Susan C.
United States
2024年3月30日
"We recently traveled to Portugal and
during our stay we visited the Algarve.
We took a private transfer from Lisbon
to Lagos and couldn't have been more
pleased with our experience! Our driver,
Marco O. was extremely hospitable and
professional. Our vehicle was brand
new, spacious, and fully service. The trip
began on time and all of our
expectations were exceeded. We will
definitely use Day Trip again when we
travel abroad and would recommend Marco O! "
Leila H.
United States
2024年3月21日
""Our trip was great. Our driver Sergio C spoke excellent English, was punctual, informative and a very safe driver. Sergio's car was clean and he provided us with water. We had a planned stop for lunch on the way to Lagos and Sergio guided us to a great place to eat. Definitely recommending Daytrip. ""
Brian S.
Canada
2024年3月18日
"Hello, my two trips with Daytrip were phenomenal. In fact, I recently recommended the service to another couple visiting Portugal and they proceeded to book as well.
Diogo was kind, friendly, professional, early — I can’t say enough about how truly excellent he was.
I look forward to using Daytrip again in the future. "
Christian P.
United States
2024年3月2日
"From our arrival at the airport to dropping us safely at our destination Diogo did a great job. He was kind and understanding as we navigated the airport after our overnight flight, provided some interesting information on our trip, and ensured we were safely in our rental accommodations in Lagos. It was a great start to our trip. Diogo provided some helpful advice for our trip back to the airport. This resulted in a booking with Daytrip which includes a stop in Evora. His help was much appreciated."
Tom H.
Canada
2024年2月15日
"First time using Daytrip so I was apprehensive. Then you communications before the trip and the day of the trip with Diogo were excellent. Overall would rate your services as excellent. Will use your services again."
Linnea N.
United States
关于从 里斯本 到 Lagos 旅行的问答
Lagos can be reached by bus, rail, or car. The train and bus are reliable and good for travelers on a budget. Driving yourself or taking a private car is faster, more convenient, and lets you travel at your own speed and with greater freedom.
Definitely! It's always recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, particularly during the busiest travel times. Early reservations are possible on online platforms for buses and trains, frequently at a discounted price.
The travel time varies depending on your choice of transportation. By rail, the trip is around 4 hours, while by bus is roughly 3-4 hours. Depending on traffic and the route traveled, a car ride usually takes 2.5-3 hours.
The best seasons to travel to Lagos are spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when there are fewer crowds and still-pleasant weather.
There are several parking solutions available in Lagos, including free and paid parking areas. It is better to go for the designated parking lots or garages in order to avoid fines and to guarantee your vehicle’s safety. If you take a private car from Lisbon to Lagos you don't have to worry about parking.
Lagos has a reliable system of buses, so yes. There are also taxis and ride-sharing services available if you need on-demand transportation.
While visiting Lagos for a day trip is feasible, it is not recommended because you would end up with a pretty tight schedule. Staying at least one night in Lagos is recommended to enjoy Lagos a little bit more.
The general emergency number is 112 which will connect you to the police, fire, and ambulance.
沿途参观这些景点
基督君王
Lisbon's giant figure of Christ watches over Europe's western-most capital from on high. A Heavenly View
巴卡尔霍酒庄
One of the finest wineries in Portugal is made even more amazing by its eclectic art collection.
The Art of Wine Making
帕尔梅拉
This charming small town he heart of Portugal’s wine country is rich in culture and scenery. Wine with a View
阿尔卡塞尔·杜·萨尔
An important inland port since antiquity, this town is now as peaceful as the waters of the Sado River it’s built along. The Castle of Salt
西尔维斯城堡
This medieval Moorish castle is the best preserved in the region, and offers great views. Victory in the Algarve
庞达达皮埃达
High on the cliffs of Lagos, this lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the ocean and unique rock formations. The Edge of the World
