Lagos is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve but with so many to choose from, you don’t want to waste any precious holiday days at the wrong one. Here are my top picks to make the very most of your beach days, whatever you’re looking for.

Most Photogenic: Praia Dona Ana

Really, all Lagos beaches are photogenic but Praia Dona Ana is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike due to its unique rock formations. Although recently extended by adding dredged sands, which has covered some of the rock formations, it’s still a beautiful and popular beach.

Best Small Beach: Praia do Camilo

Famous for its 200 wooden steps leading down to a sheltered sandy cove,though Camilo is beautiful, it can become overcrowded during the high season. If you’re visiting off peak months, it’s a lovely beach, quite close to town and very picturesque. But if you’re visiting in season, it’s more of a ‘stop and admire its beauty’ than spend the whole day there kinda of beach.

Best for Families: Meia Praia

The biggest beach in Lagos, what it lacks in character it makes up for in  sheer size which means even at peak season, you can find some space. This makes it ideal for families who can spread out and take up all the space they need. Stretching for 4km, Meia Praia also has cafes and restaurants dotted along its shore and volleyball nets.

Best All Rounder: Porto de Mos

Porto de Mos is my absolute favourite Lagos beach. It has a lot more character than tourist fave Meia Praia with golden sands set amongst beautiful cliffs. It still gets quite busy during high season but it’s big enough that you can find your own space. Walk to the left and around the rocks (if the tide is out) and you’ll reach the small Praia do Canavial beach which is usually much quieter.

 Best Kept Secret: Praia do Barranco do Martinho

More commonly known as the secret beach, Praia do Barranco do Martinho is pretty inaccessible- involving a 5 minute clamber down rocks or arriving by kayak as pictured. But it’s truly stunning and if you’re prepared and bring some food and shade, makes for a lovely day out!

Stay Tuned! All this week I’ll be posting my top tips for Lagos!