The Algarve is a magical place with a mix of sun, beach, breathtaking views and fun! You definitely can’t go to the Algarve and not explore Lagos and Lagoa.
These two cities belong to the district of Faro and offer some of the most beautiful photo spots in the Algarve region. Lagos and Lagoa are about thirty kilometers (18 miles) away from each other so my advice is to spend one day in each, then you can enjoy the sun, sand and sea while capturing some awesome photos!
Keep reading to find my favorite photo spots in the Algarve!
1) Praia Dona Ana (Lagos)
In 2015, Praia Dona Ana was dubbed the best Portuguese beach by TripAdvisor. The views are spectacular and the water is very warm.
But be careful, there is a specific area for people who want to use a sunshade at the beach and people who don’t. If you are in the city center of Lagos, you can reach Praia Dona Ana in 10 min by car.
2) Praia do Camilo (Lagos)
Praia de Camilo is wonderful for taking photos, although in my personal opinion, is not so good for sunbathing because there is not much beach space. So, my advice is to go to Praia de Camilo just to take photos, or go early when you might have better luck in finding a good place to lay out on the beach.
To find the best beaches in the Algarve, read our complete guide to 4 Coastal Cliff Walks With Breathtaking Views.
3) Ponte da Piedade (Lagos)
Ponte da Piedade is possibly one of the most beautiful spots on the Algarve coast. The coastline is formed by dense corroded cliffs, which have been carved into rocky pillars, with natural tunnels and hidden caves.
The irregularly formed cliffs stand in stark contrast to the deep turquoise and green waters, and the whole region is simply breathtaking! You can do a boat tour to have a better view of this gorgeous coast.
Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Ponte da Piedade are very close to each other, so you can easily walk between them all.
4) Praia de Benagil (Lagoa)
Praia de Benagil, in my opinion, is most worth a visit! Here you will find breathtaking views, crystal clear water, and fun!
I recommend spending all day in Praia de Benagil. In the morning you can do a sightseeing kayak tour of the caves, including Benagil Cave. This little paradise is a bit far from Lagos but is well worth a visit as it is visually stunning.
How To Get From Lagos To Lagoa
There are different ways to get from Lagos to Lagoa, but the easiest way is by car or bus. Make sure to check the bus schedule before going.
What To Know For Visiting Portugal
Portugal Visas
Portugal is part of the European Schengen zone, which typically provides 90 days of free entry every 180 days to visitors from many countries. This means you can enter Portugal and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay.
Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country.
Currency
The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). The current exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR to 1.10 USD. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google.
While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.
Best Tours In Lagos
Some of the best tours and things to do in Lagos are:
- 2.5-Hour Sunset Cruise with Wine & Tapas
- 3-Hour Algarve Classic Food Tour
- From Lagos: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Where To Stay In Lagos
We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change.
Some of our favorite hotels in Lagos are:
- Lagos Atlantic Hotel: Nice hotel with balconies overlooking the water and close to the beach.
- Hotel Marina Rio: Great location in the Lagos Marina with a rooftop heated pool.
- Casa Mãe: Modern looking 5-star hotel, very new with great amenities.
AirBnB is also a great option in Lagos (and you can save $44 using that link to sign up!).
Best Time To Visit Portugal
The best time to visit Portugal is during the dry season between March and November. July and August can be very crowded, so we prefer the shoulder months of March to June and September to November.
Best Books About Portugal
Read more about Portugal before you go! Some of the best books about Portugal are:
What Power Adapters Do You Need
Portugal uses standard 2 prong Type C adapters also commonly used throughout Europe.
You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices.
We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies.
Transportation In Portugal
- Public Transportation: Portugal has extensive public transportation by both bus and train. The trains are particularly good, but make sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best price.
- Rental Cars: If you want flexibility, we recommend renting a car at the airport. This provides the easiest way to see certain beaches and landmarks.
- Uber: Uber is sometimes available in Portugal, though it depends on the area. However, the rules are constantly changing about Uber in Portugal due to the strict permits that are required for drivers to offer rides. There is also a popular app called Bolt which is the European equivalent of Uber which is frequently used in Portugal. Use code BC222 to get a free ride when you sign up!
Travel Insurance
Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Portugal are:
- World Nomads: Comprehensive coverage for medical, travel delays, and electronics.
- SafetyWing: Cheaper monthly coverage primarily for medical, starting at $37 for 4 weeks of coverage.
More Articles About Portugal
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the Algarve. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.
Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.
We Are Travel Girls Contributor Patrícia Corucho
Connect with Patrícia Instagram | Facebook
Pin For Later
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links we may receive a commission. Please see our Disclosures for more information.
Adilene says
Perfect timing! I had just been researching the Algarve Coast this past week for my Europe trip in August. Thanks for the tips!
We Are Travel Girls says
Glad you liked the post Adilene – enjoy your trip!