THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN AND AROUND LAGOS
The beaches in and around Lagos are without doubt some of the best in the Algarve. Close by to Boavista there is the wonderful 4kms of golden sands along Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach with its spectacular rock formations nestling beneath the cliffs, the minute, sheltered Camilo Beach on the way to Ponta de Piedade and the beautiful sandy bay of Porto de Mós Beach – the nearest beach to Boavista.
Porto de Mós Beach and Meia Praia Beach are both classified as ‘Accessible Beaches’ and both have sunbeds to hire and are supervised during the summer season. Praia da Batata is the closest beach to Lagos town centre and consequently is known locally as the “town beach”. As you arrive to the beach you are met with the magnificent sight of the fortress, Forte Ponta da Bandeira, which was historically used to guard Lagos by protecting the river mouth from attack. Although small compared to Meia Praia, Praia da Batata is wonderfully sheltered and is divided into smaller coves accessible by holes in the rocks. There is a beach bar at the main entrance to the beach and another further along, which is also accessible down some quite steep steps. There are sunbeds for hire and activity kiosks at the entrance to the beach for water sports and sea kayak tours.
Further afield our favourite, Zavial is near to Vila do Bispo. A pretty beach with safe swimming and an excellent beach bar (closed on Mondays). Alternatively, en-route to Zavial there is Figueria. It’s a bit of a local secret – they’ve even covered the sign from the village (take the tiny turn-off next to the bus stop). When the road gives out, a narrow path through a lush valley of olive and fig trees brings you to 175 yards of perfect sand, penned in between yellow limestone cliffs – beautiful.
If you are looking for something more unspoilt, beautiful, wild, rugged and all-round beautiful then drive west from Boavista, heading towards Sagres and then head north up the Atlantic coast. Here you’ll find the beaches at Murracao, Penedo and Bordeira (Carrapateira). Reminiscent of the beaches near our home in Cornwall these really are spectacular. Ideal for surfing, walking or messing about in the breakers, although bear in mind that the currents on this coast are very much stronger than those on the south.
