Lagos Coastal Walk: The Most Beautiful Trail on the Algarve Coast

I love hiking, and I’d heard the cliffs along the Lagos coastal walk were some of the most stunning in Portugal.

I had already seen them from the water during a kayak tour to Ponta da Piedade, and my guide pointed out the trail that winds along the cliffs above us. He told me it was worth seeing the coast from both perspectives – from the water and from above – because each offers something special.

He also mentioned that the Lagos coastal walk was recently completed with a wooden boardwalk to help protect the cliffs from erosion and give visitors a safe, easy way to enjoy the incredible views.

As soon as he said that, I knew I’d be adding this coastal walk to my itinerary.

Starting Point: Praia da Batata

Praia do Estudantes Bridge

I began my hike at Praia da Batata, a small beach right by the fort in Lagos. It’s an easy place to find and a great starting point because you can actually explore a few of the rock tunnels and the Praia dos Estudantes bridge before you even start the trail.

If the tide is out, you can walk through a couple of tunnels connecting the beaches, but you can’t continue all the way along the sand to Ponta da Piedade because the tide cuts off parts of the route.

After exploring Praia de Batata for a bit, make your way up from the beach to Avenida dos Descobrimentos. That’s the main road and you’ll want to walk south for about 10 minutes. There’s a sidewalk the whole way so it’s an easy, pleasant walk.

Finding the Entrance to the Lagos Coastal Walk

After about ten minutes, you’ll come to a small trail marker for Ponta da Piedade on the left. Follow the trail.

The start of the trail doesn’t look like much. You’ll walk down a dirt road with concrete walls and fences on either side. It might make you wonder if you’ve gone the wrong way, but keep going. You’re on the right path.

At the end of that road, you’ll see a temporary metal barricade, but just to the right is the official entrance to the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk. You can’t miss it. There’s even a sign explaining the geology of the cliffs and the route ahead.

Once you step onto the boardwalk, the views begin immediately, and they only get better the farther you go.

What the Trail is Like

The Lagos coastal walk is a combination of wooden boardwalk, steps, cobblestone paths, short paved sections, and even some sandy or dirt stretches. You can still see the original dirt path winding through the landscape, but it’s important to stay on the new boardwalk to help protect the cliffs.

The walk is mostly flat and easy, though there are a few stairs and one or two short inclines. For me, the mix of terrain made it interesting but never too difficult.

Along the way, you’ll come across a few gazebo-like shelters with benches, if you need to take a break or just gaze out at the ocean. The views of the cliffs and rock formations are breathtaking from every angle. Just stunning!

First Stop: Praia do Pinhão

Praia do Pinhao

The first beach you’ll see below the cliffs is Praia do Pinhão, a small, peaceful beach tucked between rugged rock formations. I didn’t walk down to it, but it looked like a lovely spot if you wanted a quiet break from the trail.

From here, the boardwalk continues with more incredible coastal views, the water shifting from deep turquoise to a brilliant blue as you go.

Next Up: Praia Dona Ana

A little farther along, you’ll reach Praia Dona Ana, one of the most famous beaches in Lagos. I actually took a wrong turn here and ended up walking down to the beach instead of continuing up along the boardwalk. It turned out to be a happy mistake because the beach was absolutely gorgeous.

Surrounded by towering cliffs and soft golden sand, Dona Ana is one of those Algarve beaches that looks like it was made for postcards. I explored for a bit before climbing the stairs back to the top.

There are stairs on either side of the beach, so don’t worry if you make the same detour I did.

Travel Tip:
If you don’t want to hike the full trail, Praia Dona Ana is a great midpoint. You can start or finish your walk here and easily catch an Uber or Bolt ride back to town.

Getting Back on the Boardwalk

Parking lot at Praia de Dona Ana beach

This area between Praia Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade can be a little confusing. You’ll walk along a sidewalk across from hotels and restaurants before reconnecting with the trail.

Follow the sidewalk and you’ll soon come to a parking lot. Keep walking. At the far end of the parking lot there’s a shaded entrance with a sign marking the continuation of the boardwalk. 

From here, the trail continues toward the cliffs’ edge. This is where some of the most dramatic views on the Algarve coast are.

Trail Snapshot

Distance: ~3 miles (5 km) roundtrip

Time: About 3 hours with stops

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Surface: Boardwalk, cobblestone, paved, and dirt sections

Highlights: Praia da Batata, Praia Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade, incredible rock formations

Reaching Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade

You’ll know you’re nearing Ponta da Piedade when you see a small building with a café and a restroom. There’s also a parking lot nearby, so this section can get a little busier with visitors who drive instead of hike.

From the café, it’s only a short two-minute walk to the very tip of the cliffs. When you arrive, you’ll see why this place is so special. The rock formations here are otherworldly with tall arches, sea stacks, and caves shaped by centuries of wind and water.

From above, you could see the boat tours and kayak tours weaving through the narrow tunnels below. It was surreal to realize I’d been down there just the day before. Seeing the coast from this angle gives you a whole new appreciation for its raw beauty.

The sound of the waves echoing through the cliffs, the endless blue horizon, the contrast of golden rock and turquoise water. It’s a scene that’s hard to forget.

Travel Resource:
Want to see Ponta da Piedade from both perspectives? Read my Kayak in Lagos Tour post next — it pairs perfectly with this walk.

Comparing the Kayak Tour and the Coastal Walk

Honestly, I don’t know which I enjoyed more — kayaking or hiking. I love being out on the water, and the kayak tour let me glide through caves and under arches that you can only reach by boat. But walking the trail let me explore at my own pace and take in the full scope of the coastline.

If you have the time, I’d highly recommend doing both. The kayak tour gives you an up-close look at the cliffs, while the Lagos Coastal Walk gives you the sweeping panoramic views. Together, they show you two completely different sides of the same stunning coast.

What to Bring and Wear

There isn’t much shade along the boardwalk, so it’s important to be prepared for the weather. When I went, it was hot and sunny but also windy. I wore my Brooks sneakers, which had great traction and support — proper shoes are a must because some sections can be uneven or slippery.

I also wore sunglasses and a hat, although I spent half the time chasing my hat down the trail because of the wind! I even saw a few people with scarves tied over their hats to keep them in place.

Don’t forget water and sunscreen, because there’s very little shade along the way.

Solo Travel Tip:
Go early in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds. You’ll feel like you have the cliffs all to yourself — it’s peaceful, safe, and an easy walk for first-time solo travelers.

How Long the Lagos Coastal Walk Takes

From Lagos to Ponta da Piedade, the round-trip distance is about three miles (five kilometers). It took me roughly three hours total, including stops for photos, detours to the beaches, and time spent just admiring the view.

If you walk straight through without stopping, you could easily do it in half that time, but honestly, this isn’t the kind of place you want to rush. The magic of this trail is in taking your time — listening to the ocean, watching the changing light on the cliffs, and simply absorbing the beauty all around you.

Map of Walk From Lagos to Ponta da Piedade

How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn the layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.

To save this map, click on the little star next to the title of the map. That will add it to your Google account. Next, go to your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. The map title will now appear in your list.

Transport Options and Accessibility

If you don’t want to walk the entire route, you can always start or end at Praia Dona Ana or the Ponta da Piedade parking lot. Both have nearby access points and are easy to reach by car or rideshare.

Public transport within Lagos is limited, but everything is close enough that you don’t really need it. The town itself is compact and walkable, and if you’re staying anywhere near the center of Lagos, you can reach the start of the trail on foot.

Boardwalk on Lagos coast

Tips for Solo Travelers

If you’re visiting Portugal solo, this is a wonderful activity to do on your own. The Lagos Coastal Walk is safe, clearly marked, and has enough other visitors that you’ll never feel completely alone.

You can walk at your own pace, stop for as many photos as you like, and just enjoy the freedom of being outdoors with the sea beside you. For me, it was one of those experiences that reminded me why I love solo travel so much — it’s peaceful, empowering, and just the right mix of adventure and reflection.

A few solo travel tips for the trail:

• Start early to avoid the midday heat.
• Bring snacks or a light lunch if you plan to spend time at the beaches along the way.
• Let someone know your plans, especially if you’re heading out early or late in the day.
• Stay on the boardwalk and avoid getting too close to the cliff edges for safety.

Final Thoughts

The Lagos Coastal Walk was one of my favorite experiences in Portugal. Between the cliffs, beaches, and endless views, it’s a route that shows off the very best of the Algarve coast.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, it’s an easy, rewarding way to experience the natural beauty of this part of Portugal. And if you’ve already done a boat tour or kayak trip, walking the cliffs gives you a completely new perspective.

If you love hiking, photography, or just want a peaceful few hours surrounded by incredible scenery, add this walk to your list. You’ll be glad you did.