7 days in Lagos: what to do?

Lagos is an ancient city with the sea in the horizon, endless stories in every cobbled street and energy in every square, beach or monument. Lagos is one of the most visited places in the Algarve, as it has bars, restaurants, famous beaches and activities for all tastes. Take a look at what you can visit in Lagos in this 7-day itinerary and find some more tips to have an even more enjoyable holiday.


Photo by Magda Ehlers – Pexels


Follow this 7 day Lagos itinerary and be delighted by the city's wonders. Relax, experience nature, take part in activities for the whole family and unwind on Lagos' most beautiful beaches. Check out what you can do on your next holiday at Belmar Spa & Beach Resort.

Day 1 in Lagos - Spa at the Belmar Resort
Commit the first day to the pleasure of stress relief with the hands of our therapists. Starting your holiday in a spa is perhaps the best way to guarantee you the rest you deserve after long periods of work and successive lockdowns during the pandemic. Now is the time to devote yourself to the pleasures of life, and to facilitate this, at Belmar Resort, you can book your spa treatment as soon as you make your reservation.
Opt for moments of pure relaxation with a massage that promises to restore lost energy (AromaSoul back massage), or experience the power of hot stones as a principle of drainage and detoxification (Hot Stones massage). And last but not least, you can take care of your facial skin with one of the treatments that best suit your skin type. In this article, you will learn more about the individual treatments offered at the Belmar Spa.


Day 2 in Lagos – Birdwatching
Although we are only a few kilometres from one of the most famous places for birdwatching (Sagres, where the Birdwatching Festival takes place), there is also a quiet place in Lagos where birds settle. This place is Paul de Lagos, which is 12 minutes away from the Belmar Spa & Beach Resort. Although there are not many underground lakes here anymore, the birds still live in the floodplain of the Bensafrim stream. If watching these species is your hobby, get your equipment ready on this 2nd day of your holiday and spend a quiet moment just a few minutes from the resort. Here you can observe land and water birds such as the Little Grebe, Little Egret, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin and many other species.
Learn more about bird watching in the Algarve in this article.

Day 3 in Lagos - Lagos Zoo
A day among animals is a well-deserved day! Visit Lagos Zoo and have unique experiences such as watching kangaroo mothers carrying their chicks in their pouch or or witnessing the love of one of the most faithful species in the world, the penguins. Besides the animals already mentioned, there are many others, such as macaws, lemurs and the exotic lynxes. A day at the Lagos Zoo is an educational experience for the whole family. You can also visit Boulders Beach, a replica of the South African beach where a penguin family has lived for several years.
Outside the zoo grounds, you will find a typical Portuguese restaurant where you can listen to fado on Tuesday evenings. Always book your table in advance at the Cangalho restaurant.

Day 4 in Lagos - Urban Art Circuit
Although Lagos is a bustling city all year round, its historical and traditional identity characterises its streets and buildings. Yet, the historical landscape blends with the presence of urban art that brings life to the city's the most worn-out spaces. In Lagos, you can visit the urban art circuit promoted by the Laboratório de Artes Criativas (LAC). Artists from several countries, including Portugal, exhibit their work outdoors, enlivening creativity and art after spending time at the headquarters of LAC as part of the ARTURb initiative. LAC headquarters is a special space that was once the city's prison. Today, each cell is an artistic laboratory where some of the projects developed by the artists are conceived and put into practise. Find out more about the project and the exact location of some of these murals here.

Day 5 in Lagos - The best beaches in Lagos
What to do in Lagos? Of course, we could not leave out the best beaches in Lagos from this list. One day might be too short to visit all the beaches because to see the beauty and enjoy the good weather, you will need several hours at each beach in Lagos. Therefore, we recommend you visit two beaches per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Start with a visit to Porto Mós beach, which is just two minutes from Belmar Resort and has good access, a wide sandy beach, beach restaurants and a viewpoint from which you can watch the coastline stretch to Sagres. Another place not to be missed is Camilo beach. There you will have a magnificent view from the cliff top even before reaching the sand. This beach is not very wide and to get there you have to walk down several steps, so bring only what you need for a good afternoon.
Many award-winning beaches in Lagos are noted for their special beauty. So do not miss the best family beaches in Lagos or the 7 best surf spots in the Algarve, for the more adventurous.


Day 6 in Lagos - Visiting the monuments
A centenary city like Lagos has many hidden stories to tell visitors and a strong connection to the sea. Nothing beats discovering this in the city's numerous monuments and sights. On the sixth day of your holiday, take the time to stroll through the streets of Lagos and get to know every nook and cranny without forgetting that the brave sailors of times gone by passed through here.
Get to know Lagos Castle, an important monument that was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1755, but whose walls can still be seen. Visit Lagos' three churches, which house a unique collection of sacred art. This article contains information on the location and operating hours of each church.

Day 7 in Lagos - A Day dedicated to gastronomy
Portugal is such a diverse country that each region has more than one characteristic dish or more than one recipe for typical sweets. It's no different in the Algarve, and there's so much to try here that you will end up satisfied. On the coast or in the city centre, you will find restaurants that are real gems to discover.
If you like fresh and masterfully grilled fish, visit the Barrigada restaurant (Big belly restaurant). Here, as the name suggests, you should try to repeat the fish of the day until you cannot eat any more. Be sure to book your table in advance, as this restaurant is busy, especially in summer. On the other hand, if you fancy something more sophisticated, you should visit a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, Os Artistas in Lagos. It offers international cuisine with local ingredients in a place with over 250 years of history. Book a table in advance at this restaurant too. For more restaurant options in Lagos, see the article "The best Tapas restaurants in Lagos".
Levante Restaurant will always be one of our best suggestions for your holiday. Fall in love with the innovative flavours of international cuisine with the delights of local and seasonal produce. You can contact reception or use the online form to book your table.

Did you like our tips for a 7-day itinerary in Lagos? Spend your holiday in one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, explore all the sights of Lagos and above all, have fun! For more suggestions for a visit to Lagos, ask at the reception of the Belmar Spa & Beach Resort.