Praia do Porto de Mós is Lagos' surfing beach. It’s one long scenic stretch of golden sand and cliffs, and its waters can be calm or with big surfing waves, depending on the time of year, weather and tides. Located outside the center of town, to the west of the Ponta da Piedade headland, it mostly attracts local families, but the several hotels in the area also bring tourists.
It’s the city’s second longest beach (after Meia Praia), so even on the most crowded days you’ll have plenty of space. A recommended walk from one end to the other (walking at a moderate pace) takes about 20 minutes.
There is little shade, so if you want to avoid the sun, bring an umbrella or you’ll have to rent a sunshade, available in the summer. It’s also possible to rent pedal boats and equipment for other water activities like stand up paddling. During the bathing season there is also lifeguard supervision, and the beach is accessible to the disabled throughout the year.
There are some unexpected rocks in the water, so it’s not the best for swimming. But it’s very clean and the shore is safe for children (except, of course, when the sea is rougher).
You might want to stay at this beach until sunset, as you can see the sun disappear on the horizon behind the promontory of Sagres, Europe’s southwesternmost point. For more views of the coastline, head to the top of the cliffs.
If you get hungry or need refreshments, there are a couple of restaurants right on the beach. Both serve Portuguese cuisine (especially seafood) throughout the day, including dinner, and both have tables facing the sea.
Beach for: Families, Surfers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Porto de Mós
It’s not impossible to walk from the center of Lagos to this beach, but it takes about a half hour. However, walking over the cliffs from the Ponta da Piedade headland to this beach, you have some great coastal views (that would take longer than the half hour following the not-so-scenic road). Alternatively, you can take the hourly bus number 2, that goes to the beaches from central Lagos and stops at Porto de Mós in about 20 minutes (the tickets can be bought from the driver). Note that the tourist train that goes to many of the beaches, does not come all the way to this one. If you have a car, it takes less than 10 minutes from the center of Lagos, and there’s a large parking lot by the beach. There’s also the choice of a taxi, which should cost anywhere between 6 and 10 euros, depending on the time of day and if you are taking luggage.
To know how to get around Lagos, see the transportation guide.
Beaches by Praia do Porto de Mós
Walking all the way east (to the left when facing the sea), you end up at a cliff that separates this beach from that of Cavanial. When the tide is low, you can walk around the cliff and go to Canavial. However, it’s not exactly easy and the tide isn’t usually low enough to go around the cliff. To reach the neighboring beach, you have to walk up the road (in an eastern direction) for about 20 minutes, or drive for about 5. This is an unofficial nude beach and somewhat of a secret, as it requires following an unmarked trail to reach the sand. In the opposite direction, walking west over the cliffs from Porto de Mós, takes you to Praia da Luz, another family-friendly beach.
For the exact locations of these beaches, see the Lagos beaches map.
Hotels by Praia do Porto de Mós
Vivenda Miranda Boutique Hotel
You can have your feet in the sand of Porto de Mós in just 5 minutes from this colorful hotel. It’s a boutique hotel for couples, overlooking the ocean and with uniquely furnished rooms with balconies. In the Mediterranean garden is a swimming pool, while inside is a spa and a gourmet restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vivenda Miranda Boutique Hotel
Lagos Atlantic Hotel
This highly-rated 4-star hotel is about a 5-minute walk to the beach of Porto de Mós. Many of the rooms have sea views and some have balconies. It can be a good value, and there’s an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Lagos Atlantic Hotel
Clube Porto Mos Hotel & Resort
The apartments in this resort offer garden, ocean or beach views. The highlight, however, is the large swimming pool -- one of three pools. The restaurant serves regional and international cuisine, and there’s also a gym and a sauna.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Clube Porto Mos Hotel & Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
The contemporary apartments of this resort overlook the beach of Porto de Mós. Many feature balconies or a rooftop terrace. The state-of-the-art spa has an indoor pool, but there’s also a large pool outside. Other facilities include a well-equipped fitness center and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Villa Esmeralda
This romantic Moorish-style villa is just steps from Porto de Mós. You have a view over the beach from the garden with a swimming pool, and from some of the rooms, which are meant for couples, although the suites can also accommodate families.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Villa Esmeralda
Porto de Mos Golf & Beach B&B
Another good value, this 4-star bed and breakfast is also a short walk from the beach of Porto de Mós. Some of the rooms have sea views, others overlook the outdoor swimming pool area.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Porto de Mos Golf & Beach B&B