Lagos things to do

1. Lagos
2. LAGOS FOR FAMILY TIME
3. LAGOS THINGS TO DO
4. LAGOS RESTAURANTS
5. LAGOS NIGHTLIFE
6. LAGOS BEACHES
7. LAGOS HISTORY
8. LAGOS AWARDS

Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Lagos: Top Family Activities & More

Lagos, nestled along the picturesque coast of Portugal, is a destination brimming with wonders. From its turquoise waters to its vibrant cultural scene, this guide uncovers the most captivating Lagos activities. If you're wondering about the best things to do in Lagos or looking for family-friendly adventures, we've got you covered.

1. Embrace the Ocean's Beauty in Lagos

Watersports Extravaganza: Dive headfirst into the aquatic charm of Lagos. Engage in windsurfing or get your balance right with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). For those craving an adrenaline rush, the thrill of jet skiing, parasailing, and flyboarding awaits. Beginners to professionals, the vast ocean caters to every watersport enthusiast.

Boat Grotto Trip: The Ponta da Piedade, with its limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves, stands as a testament to nature's artistry. Opt for a kayak expedition or a serene boat tour to delve deeper into these wonders.

Dolphin Watching: Few experiences can rival the joy of watching dolphins gracefully navigate the waters. With guided dolphin watching tours, this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle is just within reach.

2. Land Adventures: Experience Lagos Beyond its Shores

Jeep Safari: Traverse through the untouched terrains surrounding Lagos. These safaris provide a unique opportunity to discover secret locales and appreciate the region's diverse flora and fauna.

Active Tours: Cycle through the scenic trails with bicycle tours or rev up your engines for the exhilarating motorbike tours. And if you're traveling with family, opt for guided walks, ensuring a wholesome experience for every member.

Climbing & Horse Riding: Challenge yourself with climbing adventures set against Lagos' rocky landscapes. Alternatively, feel the wind in your hair with serene horse riding sessions through the tranquil countryside.

Gastronomic Delights: Immerse yourself in Lagos' culinary heritage with country cooking classes. Learn age-old recipes and complement the experience with curated wine tasting tours.

3. Cultural Immersion & Family Activities in Lagos

Lagos Zoo: One of the top family activities in Lagos, the zoo offers a delightful day out. Witness a diverse range of animals and engage in educational sessions about their habitats.

Lagos Live Science Museum: An edifying experience awaits at this museum. Interactive exhibits ensure both kids and adults walk away with newfound knowledge.

Luxury Coastal Cruises: Elevate your Lagos experience by embarking on luxury cruises. Witness the majestic sunset over the horizon, providing a fitting end to your day.

Cliffs Walk at Ponta da Piedade: Marvel at panoramic ocean views and the juxtaposition of rugged cliffs with serene waters. A perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The charm of Lagos is undeniable. Whether you're seeking adventures, cultural experiences, or simply looking to relax, Lagos promises unforgettable memories. Dive deep, explore, and let Lagos mesmerize you.

Lagos, renowned as an exceptional family-friendly destination, presents an abundance of activities and experiences that cater to families looking for both fun and educational opportunities. This picturesque city is a treasure trove of activities designed to delight visitors of all ages, making it an ideal spot for family vacations. From the engaging and educational attractions like the Lagos Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and diverse range of animals, to the interactive exhibits at the Live Science Museum, Lagos offers a unique blend of learning and leisure that is perfect for family time.

For those families seeking adventure and nature, Lagos does not disappoint. The city boasts a variety of outdoor activities that are both fun and family-friendly. Embark on bicycle tours that take you through scenic routes, offering a glimpse of Lagos' natural beauty and historic sites. Horse riding excursions provide a unique way to explore the countryside, suitable for all ages and experience levels. For families fascinated by marine life, dolphin watching tours offer an unforgettable experience, providing the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Kayaking and Grotto trips are other popular activities in Lagos, allowing families to navigate the crystal-clear waters and explore the stunning caves and rock formations along the coastline. These excursions not only offer adventure but also the chance to create lasting memories together as a family.

A visit to Lagos would not be complete without experiencing the simple pleasures that the city has to offer. Enjoying an ice cream in the charming old town, savoring a “Galão” (a traditional Portuguese coffee) paired with the famous “Pastel de Nata” (custard tart) while listening to street music, captures the essence of local life in Lagos. These moments of leisure are perfect for families to unwind and enjoy each other's company. A leisurely walk down to the Marina, with its serene river views, provides a tranquil setting for family strolls and photo opportunities.

Moreover, Lagos is home to several hotels that offer entertainment options catered specifically to families and children. These hotels welcome guests, whether they are staying on the premises or not, ensuring that every family visiting Lagos has access to a variety of fun and engaging activities.

In summary, Lagos stands out as a destination that truly values family time, offering a wide range of activities and experiences that cater to families looking for both relaxation and adventure. With its combination of educational attractions, outdoor adventures, and simple pleasures, Lagos ensures that every family visit is filled with joy, learning, and unforgettable moments. Whether it's exploring the natural beauty, delving into the rich marine life, or just enjoying the local culture and cuisine, Lagos provides the perfect backdrop for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

"The sea dictates the table while the almond tree dictates the dessert". One of the biggest temptations, the traditional desserts/sweets of the Algarve came up with the idea of the “Arte Doce” festival that took place, for the first time, in 1986 in Lagos. Lagos has several own specialties like poached mackerel, goose barnacles, deep-fried squid, pork with clams and sardines.

Every Saturday the local farmers come with produce for the Lagos Farmers market. Everything here is fresh, local, cheap and take you back to a time when life was less complicated.

Most of Lagos restaurants are sought after, with the traditional atmosphere and incredible ocean views.

Here are a few restaurant suggestions for you to try:

Restaurante Adega da Marina 

This restaurant is located near the Lagos marina and serves traditional Portuguese dishes such as seafood rice and grilled fish. They also have a good selection of wine.

Dom Sebastiao

This restaurant is located in the heart of Lagos and serves a variety of Portuguese dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. They also have a great selection of wine and a cozy atmosphere.

Casinha do Petisco 

This is a great spot for a casual meal or snack. They serve a variety of petiscos (small plates) such as grilled sardines, octopus salad, and fried shrimp. The atmosphere is relaxed and the prices are reasonable.

O Camilo

This restaurant is located on a cliff overlooking Praia do Camilo and serves seafood dishes such as grilled fish, seafood rice, and octopus salad. The view is stunning and the food is delicious.

Restaurante Vila Lisa

This restaurant is located in the countryside just outside Lagos and serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. They have a great wine list and a beautiful outdoor terrace.

Portofino 

This restaurant is located near the Lagos marina and offers a mix of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They have a varied menu with options such as pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. Their outdoor terrace has a great view of the marina, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends

I hope you enjoy your dining experience in Lagos!

Lagos is surround by a beautiful coastline with 9 diverse beaches, from long sandy bays to ochre-coloured cliffs.

The Meia Praia is the largest beach of Lagos (5 km), and is probably the beach where most tourists spend the majority of their time, with waves suitable for beginners kitesurfing, body boarding, Jet ski, Parasailing, Fly board.  Meia Praia translated means “Half Beach” and is named so, as the Odiáxere River divides the beach into two. The other side of the beach is called the Praia do Alvor Meia.

Batata beach is the closest to central Lagos with calm waters and suitable for families. Batata beach is where many of the kayak tours depart from.

The Praia dona Ana beach is one of the most stunning beaches of the coastline. It has covered many of the submerged rocks that were fun to snorkel and swim.

The Praia de Porto de Mós beach is another large sandy beach surrounded by cliffs suitable for different watersports as surfing, wake boarding, windsurfing. 

The Praia do Camilo is another idyllic beach set amidst the sandstone cliffs. It famous for its golden sands and calm crystal clear waters and is a perfect place for paddle boarding and kayaking.

At the end of the golden coast line, there’s a lighthouse called Ponta da Piedade, the “mercy point”. So-called because, according to legend, when the men were departing from here, to the unknown, their women would remain on the cliffs, crying for them. Cliffs walk at Ponta da Piedade is one of the most popular attraction in Lagos.

QualityCoast Gold Award received in 2012 and the 450 berth marina, which has both the Euromarina Anchor Award and the Blue Flag award, make Lagos even more known and attractive for tourist all over the globe.

In 2012, travel website TripAdvisor, classified Lagos as the number 1 travel destination, on a list of "15 destinations on the rise" worldwide.

Cittaslow (an organization, which goals include improving the quality of life in towns by slowing down its overall pace) is part of a trend known as the slow movement included Lagos in list of “slow cities”.