Wherever you visit on Portugal’s Algarve, you’ll find family-friendly attractions and boat trips galore – but if you’re visiting the quieter western end on a family holiday, save some time to explore Lagos with kids.
contains affiliate links*
One of the biggest towns in the Western Algarve – although it’s certainly not huge – it’s not hard to fill a day or more. A short drive from popular tourist resorts like Praia da Luz, if you’re taking a boat tour to Ponta da Piedade or a dolphin watching cruise, you’ll probably find yourself starting from Lagos anyway.
So whether you’re basing yourself in the town or looking to fill the rest of your day around a boat trip, here are some of the best things to do in Lagos with kids.
If you’re looking for things to do in Lagos, Nigeria with kids, I’m afraid this isn’t the post for you – all my tips are about Lagos, Portugal with kids
The best beaches near Lagos with kids
Like the rest of the Algarve, you’ll find plenty of places to paddle and sunbathe, with a string of bigger beaches, as well as smaller coves around Lagos.
Meia Praia beach stretches for a couple of miles from Lagos if you’re looking for golden sands, plus there’s surfing here. Praia de Alvor continues along the coast east, but bear in mind that if you’re heading here from Lagos, you do have to detour inland to reach it as the stretch of water between the two is impassable.
On the stretch of coast leading from the castle, Praia da Batata is also in walking distance of the town centre. It is small so can get busy, and isn’t the prettiest beach though. Nearby Praia dos Estudantes is similarly small but has the quirky bonus that you enter through a tunnel, and at low tide you can walk through a rock arch to the next cove over.
If you’ve got a car, it’s worth heading a bit further to Praia Dona Ana with those typical Algarve golden cliffs and golden sand, while Praia do Camilo, a little way on, is also lovely – often quite quiet, with wooden steps leading down from its cliffs to the beach.
It can be worth heading a little way out of Lagos to find a family-friendly beach. Praia da Luz has a car park near the beach and is only a 10-minute drive, with sunloungers to rent (expect to pay from 17 Euros for a pair with parasol for the day), watersports and a string of restaurants and cafes lining the beach.
Head to the western end of Luz, and there’s another small beach just beyond the old fortress – the sandy area is lined with huge rocks and there are no loungers but it can be quieter. Walking distance from the Ice Cream Factory, it’s worth queueing for their mix of flavours and taking a cone down to the sand with you.
For surfers and wannabe surfers, Praia Porto do Mos is another huge open stretch of sand with some great waves – equally good for letting kids burn off some energy and fly kites though too.
Praia do Canavial next door is smaller and also good for surfing, but can be quieter. Bring your own parasol and try to avoid high tide though as the beach shrinks dramatically as the waves come in.
The clifftop boardwalk path to Ponta de Piedade starts just above the beach, so it’s easy to combine a stroll to the lighthouse with some time on the sand.
For more fantastic beaches and great things to do in the Algarve with kids, check out my top picks
Take a boat tour
A family holiday in the Algarve isn’t complete without at least one boat trip – and there are plenty of different types which leave from Lagos for families, so you’ll be tempted to choose more than one.
You can just turn up to the marina, where you’ll see a whole string of stalls and kiosks (and another set in front of the Mercado Municipal), trying to persuade you to buy tickets to their particular tour – it’s worth looking online in advance though, as some do sell out quickly, while others have no shade on the boat so aren’t always ideal for kids.
For more ideas of the best Algarve boat tours with kids, check out my top picks
Boat tours to Ponta de Piedade
The rock formations and caves just down the coast from Lagos are one of the biggest attractions and you won’t be short of choice for a boat trip taking you here.
Some travel in small boats from Lagos marina, while others take you down the coast in a larger boat before heading into the caves and coves in a smaller boat, such as this two-hour cruise with Boat Trips – the option we chose, which had a great guided tour from the smaller boat.
Incidentally, a lot of boat tours – including ours – include time to swim and snorkel. It’s worth knowing that there’s very little to see underwater around this area, as the sea is simply too cloudy, and even in peak summer, the water of the Atlantic are still on the chilly side!
For a shorter tour, you can speed down the coast from Lagos in smaller boats to go straight into the caves – Days of Adventure, Boat Trips and Lagos Grotto Trips are a few of the best.
Or travel in style with a sailing boat tour to Ponta de Piedade – although there isn’t a huge amount of shade on board, you can choose and earlier or later departure to avoid the heat of the sun in summer.
If you really want to get up close to the rock formations, you can kayak along the coastline, although if that feels a bit more effort than you want on holiday, there are kayaking boat tours where you cruise along the coast before heading out in a kayak – Days of Adventure and Actual Boat Trips are two of the companies offering this.
Dolphin spotting boat tours
The western Algarve is one of the best places to see dolphins while you’re in this part of Portugal, so there are a string of boat tours leaving from Lagos.
This 90-minute catamaran cruise with Days of Adventure was a great option: as well as keeping a respectful distance from the dolphins, there’s a viewing platform around the front and shade over the catamaran’s seats for the journey to and from Lagos.
Two things worth knowing: if you want to get a good sight from the viewing platform, head there early – on our cruise, people moved up front early on so it wasn’t easy to find space later for a good view (and there isn’t room for everyone to fit on). Secondly, you’ll almost certainly get wet from the spray on the ride back!
There are several trips led by marine biologists too – this 90-minute marine safari from SeaLife Dolphin Watching Algarve (part of Bom Dia) is great for older kids, or a good option if you’re visiting outside peak summer as there’s no shade on the boat.
For a longer trip, this half-day catamaran cruise includes dolphin spotting and time to swim and sunbathe aboard.
Needless to say, no operator will guarantee dolphin sightings – they’re wild animals after all, and it does depend on the day and the weather. Most will offer a voucher for another trip if you don’t though.
During our cruise, the dolphins were hunting in the waters around Ponta da Piedade, so we hardly had to travel to find the pod, while the day before, the boat had to head 20km out to sea. But either way you’ve got a very good chance of spotting them first time.
Speed boat tour from Lagos
If you want to get your heart racing as well as seeing a few views of the coastline, there are also speedboat tours from Lagos.
This Jetboat tour is for age 8+ and you’ll spend 45 minutes hurtling along the coastline.
Benagil Caves
While a lot of boat tours to Benagil leave from Portimao, around 30 minutes’ drive down the coast, you can also find tours leaving from Lagos.
To whisk you along the coast, this speedboat tour to Benagil is suitable for aged 8+, or for a slightly more relaxed option in a RIB boat, Lagos Grotto Trips has this two-hour Benagil and Carvoeiro cruise, for age 6+.
For a family-friendly option, if you’re travelling with younger kids, this 2 1/2 hour catamaran cruise from Lagos visits Benagil, as well as time to swim.
Or combine dolphin watching with a cruise to Benagil with this two and a half hour boat trip.
If you’re planning to visit Portimao, you can also find plenty of alternative boat tours to Benagil – we tried this two-hour RIB tour from Atlantis Boat tours which was great, but it’s probably not worth travelling there just for the boat tour given the alternatives leaving from Lagos.
Pirate ship cruise
If it’s the cruise experiences rather than the destination that tops your list, it’s hard to beat a pirate ship cruise.
One of the most fun things to do in the Algarve with kids, sailing along the coastline in search of hidden bays and coves (and maybe even buried treasure), there are several different options to try – but unfortunately none depart from Lagos.
The closest option leaves from Portimao, aboard the Santa Bernarda – probably the Algarve’s most famous pirate ship, there are both half-day and full-day options. Around 30 minutes from Lagos by car, it’s easy to do for a day trip.
The Leaozinho also departs from Albufeira, but that’s over 45 minutes away, so not the best choice if you’re basing yourself in Lagos with kids, unless you’re already planning a day out around Albufeira.
Try some watersports
With its long stretch of coastline and pristine waters, the Algarve is the ideal spot to try out a string of watersports, especially if you’re visiting with older kids and teens.
Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the Algarve. There are plenty of places for younger ones to give surfing a go too, whether it’s their first time or they’re already a pro.
And Lagos (as well as Sagres further to the west of the Algarve) are the best spots in the region to find kids’ surf schools and surf hire.
TSE Surf School has locations in both Lagos and Luz with group lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced, as well as private lessons.
There’s also a kids and family surf school if you’re travelling with younger kids, with maximum group sizes of 4 to each instructor, with morning or afternoon sessions starting at the family surf school base in Luz.
Other than surfing, you’ll find plenty of other ways to take to the Algarve waters. You can try stand up paddleboarding – usually for older tweens and teens only, although this SUP tour to the Ponta da Piedade caves is suitable for 12+.
Check out companies like Kite School Portugal which also has SUP hire and lessons in Lagos, plus there’s bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing – whether you want to learn to sail in nearby Portimao or prefer a skipper to take you out.
Visit Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo is another of the most popular Algarve family attractions, especially for animal lovers.
The small zoo is home to over 140 different animal species, including many exotic birds and primates but there’s also a petting zoo where kids can interact with friendly goats, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs – perfect if you’re visiting Lagos with toddlers and younger kids.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about the animals and the work being done to protect them. Don’t miss feeding times and the regular keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extremely accessible if you’re visiting the Algarve with toddlers, and it’s easy to navigate the entire park with pushchairs (as well as wheelchairs).
It’s worth knowing that the zoo isn’t in Lagos itself, but near Bensafrim, so around a 15-minute drive away.
Centro de Ciencia Viva (Science Museum)
If you want to discover more about the natural world – from the sea to space – there are several branches of the Centro de Ciencia Viva museums across the Algarve.
As well as one just outside Faro, which focuses on the sea, as well as in Tavira in the eastern Algarve, there’s also a science museum in Lagos, not far from the Mercado Municipal.
The exhibitions here focus on navigation and discovery – many of Portugal’s famous explorers left from this part of the Algarve, and as well as telling some of their stories, it looks at the science involved in their voyages.
The museum also arranges visits to the Caravel Boa Esperanca, a replica of the 16th century sailing ships which played such a big part in the Age of Discoveries – docked not far from the passenger footbridge over to Lagos marina, sadly it was closed during our recent visit, although you can see if from the outside.
Slave museum (Mercado de Escravos)
Not far from the remains of Lagos castle, a small new museum shares the darker side of the Age of Discoveries. As Portuguese explorers were venturing further and finding new routes to Africa and Asia, it also signalled the beginnings of the European slave trade.
In 1444, after Henry the Navigator set up a trading post off the coast of Mauritania in west Africa, a slave market was erected in the centre of Lagos, with Portuguese ships bringing enslaved Africans back here to be sold.
Today the Mercado de Escravos aims to commemorate those who were ripped from their homes and sold on this site, as well as giving visitors a small taste of their culture and heritage.
The museum itself is small with only a few rooms, although tablets help bring displays to life with interactive AR technology, as well as more detail about the handful of artefacts on show, so it’s well worth visiting. You won’t need long to wander around (we spent around half an hour) and it’s not too graphic for kids.
Castelo de Lagos
Little remains of the castle which once stood on the waterfront at Lagos, although you can still see some of its walls, which once surrounded the whole town.
Much of the fort was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 which levelled most of Lisbon, but it’s believed some of the fortifications dated back to the 13th century, before a castle in the shape of a pentagon was built in the 17th century.
Over the centuries, the castle saw plenty of action, from its earliest days defending against the Moors (who once ruled this part of Portugal) and later defeating Sir Francis Drake when he attacked the coast – he sailed further on to try again at Sagres, with rather more success.
The castle would also have supported the voyages of the Age of Discoveries, thanks to its position near Sagres where Henry the Navigator (or Infante Dom Henrique to give him his correct Portuguese name) was based. Many caravels were also built in Lagos, while some voyages departed from here, including that of Gil Eanes in 1434, the first to cross Cape Bojador on the West African coast.
A statue of Eanes still stands near the remains of the castle, although realistically you’ll have to use your imagination to picture it as it once must have been.
Forte Ponta da Bandeira
The Ponta da Bandeira Fort was built in the late 17th century to bolster Lagos’s fortifications and it’s better preserved than the castle.
Officially the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, there’s a drawbridge over a small moat to get in, and it still sits right on the waterfront – if you take any of the boat tours from Lagos with kids, you’ll get a good view as you depart the marina along the Bensafrim river.
These days it hosts art exhibitions – although it was closed during our recent visit – and there’s a restaurant inside as well as the old tiled chapel, but you can get some great views when it’s open to the public.
Visit the Mercado Municipal
The grand market building on the waterfront was constructed in 1924, and it still operates as a market today.
Even if you just make a short visit, it’s fun to wander inside and see all the fish on sale on the ground floor, from small silver sardines right up to much bigger catches, octopus, lobsters and more – too many varieties to name.
The first floor has a few souvenir stalls and some fruit and veg, plus there’s a cafe on the roof terrace with some great views.
Ride the tourist train
Perfect for keeping little ones entertained, you’ll find the little tourist trains in towns around the Algarve, including the Lagos Tourist Train.
The eye-catching trains aren’t only a fun way to sightsee but are an easy way to get around if you’re looking to save little legs, especially in the summer months.
There are nine hop-on hop-off stops around Lagos, starting by Lagos marina, travelling along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, down to the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and heading to the beach.
Children under 4 are free, otherwise it’s 4 euros per person for a single ride, 5.50 Euros for a day ticket.
Lagos Adventure Park (Parque Aventura)
If your kids are looking for more thrills, the Lagos Adventure Park near Meia Praia beach is a great alternative to speedboat trips and water parks.
The treetop adventures include high ropes challenges and zip wires, plus there are activities for three different levels – Curious, Adventurous and Fearless, so younger kids can start slowly if they’re nervous while teens can jump straight in at the brave end.
The minimum height is 1m for Curious level, while you have to be 1.2m for Adventurous and 1.4m for fearless (if you want to take on the hardest black course, there’s a minimum height of 1.5m)
There’s also a paintball field if you want another challenge, all set within a 2,500m square space inside a forest – make your way past natural and artificial obstacles as you battle your family – minuimum age 10.
Discoveries Wax Museum
The Wax Museum of the Portuguese Discoveries is temporarily closed with no confirmed reopening date
For another look at Portugal’s history, this wax museum brings the Age of Discoveries alive, with 16 separate scenes focused on a particular event or journey.
There are battles, discoveries, and even a wedding – of Joao I and Philippa of Lancaster, mother to Henry the Navigator – as well as some of the most famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama.
Entry costs 10 Euros, or 7 Euros for kids (under sixes enter free), and it’s very close to Lagos Marina.
For more tips and inspiration, check out my guide to Portugal with kids
More things to do near Lagos with kids
Sand city, Lagoa
Perhaps the most unusual day out in the Algarve with kids, the sand sculptures at Sand City are distinctly impressive – I visited expecting to maybe while away an hour with my daughter and came away marvelling at the detail.
Divided into sections inspired by the different continents, there are other areas themed by myth, the sea and characters from film and TV – including Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Expect to spot everything from the Queen to Yoda, the temples of the Mayans, Ta Prohm in Cambodia, the Wild West, Ancient Egyptian god Anubis, a herd of elephants and a giant octopus.
All of which are, of course, made from sand. There’s even an area with some buckets and rakes where you can be inspired to make your own. A great option for a cloudy day in the Algarve but if you visit in midsummer, head there early or late as there’s no shade.
Slide & Splash water park
For more water-based fun in the Algarve with kids, the region has some fantastic waterparks – the closest to Lagos is Slide & Splash. The big family-friendly waterpark, is close to Portimão and Alvor, around 30 minutes from Lagos.
Older kids and teens can get their adrenaline pumping on the corkscrew and kamikaze, while little ones can make the most of the foam slides and tropical paradise. There’s also a children’s play area, and the Rapid River.
The water park is usually open from early April to late October or very early November, but it’s worth checking the opening dates and times before your visit, especially if you’re travelling out of peak season.
Silves Castle
Silves itself was once a mighty Moorish capital known as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in influence, and its castle is still the best preserved on the Algarve today.
With some parts dating from the 8th century, Silves Castle still towers above the town, with its pretty twisting streets and cathedral – it’s mostly the walls and fortifications which remain, so be prepared to use your imagination, but it’s a fascinating contrast to the coast.
Read out review of a day at Silves Castle with kids
Cabo de Sao Vicente
The Romans believed this was the end of the world, and that the sun dissolved into the sea every night – looking out to the endless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you can understand why.
The most south-westerly point of mainland Europe, it’s around 900 miles to the Azores and more than 4,500 miles to the US, which gives you some idea of how explorers must have felt as they set off into the unknown from this spot.
Even on a sunny summer’s day, expect it to be very windy, and it’s not hard to imagine how bleak it must be in winter – under blue skies, it’s simply beautiful though.
You can visit the lighthouse at the end of the world. The lighthouse building itself is rarely open, though you may be able to get access on Wednesday afternoons, but you can wander inside the walls and look out to that endless blue ocean and soak up the views.
There’s also a small fort nearby, although it was closed when we visited, and you can walk out on the headland to look over to the lighthouse and back to Sagres – with uneven ground and sheer drops, do watch where you walk though and be careful with younger children. Best to arrive early, as it can get unexpectedly busy.
Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort)
Sat on the headland at Sagres, the huge fort can be seen for miles – as you’ll know if you’ve visited Cabo de Sao Vicente already.
While the earliest sections date from the 15th century, most would be unrecognisable to Henry the Navigator as it has been repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and fortified since then, with major rebuilding work done in the late 18th century.
Inside there’s a small lighthouse and you can climb some of the fortifications, as well as looking down to the mysterious markings on the ground – a circle divided into sections, no-one is quite sure whether it’s a sort of compass rose, a huge sundial or something else.
Do save some time to wander within the walls, but brace yourself for strong winds as you do: there are more great views, including back to Cabo de Sao Vicente and down to the beaches, with boards giving details on some of the plants and animals which live here, plus stones piled up into cairns.
The fort can get very busy, so again it’s worth arriving early. You’re also walking distance from Sagres town here – refuel with one of the great pizzas at Arte Bianca – as well as the town’s beaches, although these are best for surfing than paddling with some huge waves.
Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a difference, where you can travel back in time to discover how life was lived in the Algarve in times gone by.
As well as an old farm, where you can feed farm animals and learn more about the nature and wildlife of the area, there’s a museum set inside a house, furnished as it would have been in the early 1700s.
Once you’ve explored those, head down into the decommissioned coal mine as well as exploring the park, including a bridge over a waterfall. Set around five miles from Portimao, it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Lagos with kids.
Monchique
If you want to discover more of the Algarve away from the coast, there’s some great walking and mountain biking in the area around Monchique – the colourful town itself is also worth a visit.
The area is famous for its thermal springs, Caldas de Monchique, which the Romans valued for their healing powers – the temperature is still a constant 31C today.
Or head up to the top of Mount Foia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902m – while you can hike it, the best option with kids is to venture up by jeep unless you’re experienced walkers.
Within the same Serra de Monchique mountain range, the Serra da Picota is the second highest point at 774 metres and can be quieter than Foia. You can also drive most of the way up, although it’s best to walk the last section.
There are also day tours visiting Monchique, including Foia, Caldas de Monchique and other parts of the Western Algarve such as Sagres, or try this half-day off-road tour of Serra de Monchique.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Praia Dona Ana/Lemur/Monchique courtesy of Depositphotos, all other images copyright MummyTravels
