Wherever you go to on Portugal’s Algarve, you’ll discover family-friendly points of interest and boat journeys galore – however if you happen to’re visiting the quieter western finish on a household vacation, save a while to discover Lagos with youngsters.
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One of many greatest cities within the Western Algarve – though it’s definitely not big – it’s not onerous to fill a day or extra. A brief drive from standard vacationer resorts like Praia da Luz, if you happen to’re taking a ship tour to Ponta da Piedade or a dolphin watching cruise, you’ll most likely end up ranging from Lagos anyway.
So whether or not you’re basing your self within the city or seeking to fill the remainder of your day round a ship journey, listed here are among the finest issues to do in Lagos with youngsters.
In case you’re searching for issues to do in Lagos, Nigeria with youngsters, I’m afraid this isn’t the submit for you – all my suggestions are about Lagos, Portugal with youngsters
The perfect seashores close to Lagos with youngsters
Like the remainder of the Algarve, you’ll discover loads of locations to paddle and sunbathe, with a string of larger seashores, in addition to smaller coves round Lagos.
Meia Praia seaside stretches for a few miles from Lagos if you happen to’re searching for golden sands, plus there’s browsing right here. Praia de Alvor continues alongside the coast east, however keep in mind that if you happen to’re heading right here from Lagos, you do need to detour inland to achieve it because the stretch of water between the 2 is impassable.
On the stretch of coast main from the fortress, Praia da Batata can also be in strolling distance of the city centre. It’s small so can get busy, and isn’t the prettiest seaside although. Close by Praia dos Estudantes is equally small however has the quirky bonus that you just enter by way of a tunnel, and at low tide you possibly can stroll by way of a rock arch to the following cove over.
In case you’ve acquired a automobile, it’s value heading a bit additional to Praia Dona Ana with these typical Algarve golden cliffs and golden sand, whereas Praia do Camilo, a bit means on, can also be beautiful – typically fairly quiet, with picket steps main down from its cliffs to the seaside.
It may be value heading a bit means out of Lagos to discover a family-friendly seaside. Praia da Luz has a carpark close to the seaside and is just a 10-minute drive, with sunloungers to lease (anticipate to pay from 17 Euros for a pair with parasol for the day), watersports and a string of eating places and cafes lining the seaside.
Head to the western finish of Luz, and there’s one other small seaside simply past the outdated fortress – the sandy space is lined with big rocks and there aren’t any loungers however it may be quieter. Strolling distance from the Ice Cream Manufacturing facility, it’s value queueing for his or her mixture of flavours and taking a cone all the way down to the sand with you.
For surfers and wannabe surfers, Praia Porto do Mos is one other big open stretch of sand with some nice waves – equally good for letting youngsters burn off some power and fly kites although too.
Praia do Canavial subsequent door is smaller and likewise good for browsing, however could be quieter. Carry your personal parasol and attempt to keep away from excessive tide although because the seaside shrinks dramatically because the waves are available in.
The clifftop boardwalk path to Ponta de Piedade begins simply above the seaside, so it’s straightforward to mix a stroll to the lighthouse with a while on the sand.
For extra improbable seashores and nice issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Take a ship tour
A household vacation within the Algarve isn’t full with out not less than one boat journey – and there are many differing kinds which go away from Lagos for households, so that you’ll be tempted to decide on a couple of.
You’ll be able to simply flip as much as the marina, the place you’ll see a complete string of stalls and kiosks (and one other set in entrance of the Mercado Municipal), making an attempt to steer you to purchase tickets to their specific tour – it’s value wanting on-line prematurely although, as some do promote out rapidly, whereas others haven’t any shade on the boat so aren’t all the time very best for youths.
For extra concepts of the finest Algarve boat excursions with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Boat excursions to Ponta de Piedade
The rock formations and caves simply down the coast from Lagos are one of many greatest points of interest and also you received’t be in need of alternative for a ship journey taking you right here.
Some journey in small boats from Lagos marina, whereas others take you down the coast in a bigger boat earlier than heading into the caves and coves in a smaller boat, similar to this two-hour cruise with Boat Journeys – the choice we selected, which had an important guided tour from the smaller boat.
By the way, numerous boat excursions – together with ours – embody time to swim and snorkel. It’s value understanding that there’s little or no to see underwater round this space, as the ocean is just too cloudy, and even in peak summer season, the water of the Atlantic are nonetheless on the chilly facet!
For a shorter tour, you possibly can velocity down the coast from Lagos in smaller boats to go straight into the caves – Days of Journey, Boat Journeys and Lagos Grotto Journeys are a couple of of the most effective.
Or journey in fashion with a crusing boat tour to Ponta de Piedade – though there isn’t an enormous quantity of shade on board, you possibly can select and earlier or later departure to keep away from the warmth of the solar in summer season.
In case you actually need to rise up near the rock formations, you possibly can kayak alongside the shoreline, though if that feels a bit extra effort than you need on vacation, there are kayaking boat excursions the place you cruise alongside the coast earlier than heading out in a kayak – Days of Journey and Precise Boat Journeys are two of the businesses providing this.
Dolphin recognizing boat excursions
The western Algarve is without doubt one of the finest locations to see dolphins whilst you’re on this a part of Portugal, so there are a string of boat excursions leaving from Lagos.
This 90-minute catamaran cruise with Days of Journey was an important choice: in addition to maintaining a respectful distance from the dolphins, there’s a viewing platform across the entrance and shade over the catamaran’s seats for the journey to and from Lagos.
Two issues value understanding: if you wish to get sight from the viewing platform, head there early – on our cruise, folks moved up entrance early on so it wasn’t straightforward to search out area later for view (and there isn’t room for everybody to suit on). Secondly, you’ll virtually definitely get moist from the spray on the trip again!
There are a number of journeys led by marine biologists too – this 90-minute marine safari from SeaLife Dolphin Watching Algarve (a part of Bom Dia) is nice for older youngsters, or choice if you happen to’re visiting exterior peak summer season as there’s no shade on the boat.
For an extended journey, this half-day catamaran cruise contains dolphin recognizing and time to swim and sunbathe aboard.
For sure, no operator will assure dolphin sightings – they’re wild animals in any case, and it does rely upon the day and the climate. Most will supply a voucher for an additional journey if you happen to don’t although.
Throughout our cruise, the dolphins have been looking within the waters round Ponta da Piedade, so we hardly needed to journey to search out the pod, whereas the day earlier than, the boat needed to head 20km out to sea. However both means you’ve acquired an excellent likelihood of recognizing them first time.
Pace boat tour from Lagos
If you wish to get your coronary heart racing in addition to seeing a couple of views of the shoreline, there are additionally speedboat excursions from Lagos.
This Jetboat tour is for age 8+ and also you’ll spend 45 minutes hurtling alongside the shoreline.
Benagil Caves
Whereas numerous boat excursions to Benagil go away from Portimao, round half-hour’ drive down the coast, you may also discover excursions leaving from Lagos.
To whisk you alongside the coast, this speedboat tour to Benagil is appropriate for aged 8+, or for a barely extra relaxed choice in a RIB boat, Lagos Grotto Journeys has this two-hour Benagil and Carvoeiro cruise, for age 6+.
For a family-friendly choice, if you happen to’re travelling with youthful youngsters, this 2 1/2 hour catamaran cruise from Lagos visits Benagil, in addition to time to swim.
Or mix dolphin watching with a cruise to Benagil with this two and a half hour boat journey.
In case you’re planning to go to Portimao, you may also discover loads of various boat excursions to Benagil – we tried this two-hour RIB tour from Atlantis Boat excursions which was nice, but it surely’s most likely not value travelling there only for the boat tour given the alternate options leaving from Lagos.
Pirate ship cruise
If it’s the cruise experiences moderately than the vacation spot that tops your listing, it’s onerous to beat a pirate ship cruise.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters, crusing alongside the shoreline seeking hidden bays and coves (and perhaps even buried treasure), there are a number of totally different choices to strive – however sadly none depart from Lagos.
The closest choice leaves from Portimao, aboard the Santa Bernarda – most likely the Algarve’s most well-known pirate ship, there are each half-day and full-day choices. Round half-hour from Lagos by automobile, it’s straightforward to do for a day journey.
The Leaozinho additionally departs from Albufeira, however that’s over 45 minutes away, so not the only option if you happen to’re basing your self in Lagos with youngsters, until you’re already planning a day trip round Albufeira.
Attempt some watersports
With its lengthy stretch of shoreline and pristine waters, the Algarve is the perfect spot to check out a string of watersports, particularly if you happen to’re visiting with older youngsters and youths.
Browsing is without doubt one of the hottest water sports activities within the Algarve. There are many locations for youthful ones to present browsing a go too, whether or not it’s their first time or they’re already a professional.
And Lagos (in addition to Sagres additional to the west of the Algarve) are the most effective spots within the area to search out youngsters’ surf colleges and surf rent.
TSE Surf Faculty has places in each Lagos and Luz with group classes for rookies, intermediate and superior, in addition to personal classes.
There’s additionally a youngsters and household surf college if you happen to’re travelling with youthful youngsters, with most group sizes of 4 to every teacher, with morning or afternoon classes beginning on the household surf college base in Luz.
Aside from browsing, you’ll discover loads of different methods to take to the Algarve waters. You’ll be able to strive arise paddleboarding – often for older tweens and youths solely, though this SUP tour to the Ponta da Piedade caves is appropriate for 12+.
Try firms like Kite Faculty Portugal which additionally has SUP rent and classes in Lagos, plus there’s bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and crusing – whether or not you need to study to sail in close by Portimao or desire a skipper to take you out.
Go to Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo is one other of the most well-liked Algarve household points of interest, particularly for animal lovers.
The small zoo is residence to over 140 totally different animal species, together with many unique birds and primates however there’s additionally a petting zoo the place youngsters can work together with pleasant goats, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs – excellent if you happen to’re visiting Lagos with toddlers and youthful youngsters.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are many alternatives for youngsters to study in regards to the animals and the work being executed to guard them. Don’t miss feeding instances and the common keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extraordinarily accessible if you happen to’re visiting the Algarve with toddlers, and it’s straightforward to navigate your entire park with pushchairs (in addition to wheelchairs).
It’s value understanding that the zoo isn’t in Lagos itself, however close to Bensafrim, so round a 15-minute drive away.
Centro de Ciencia Viva (Science Museum)
If you wish to uncover extra in regards to the pure world – from the ocean to area – there are a number of branches of the Centro de Ciencia Viva museums throughout the Algarve.
In addition to one simply exterior Faro, which focuses on the ocean, in addition to in Tavira within the japanese Algarve, there’s additionally a science museum in Lagos, not removed from the Mercado Municipal.
The exhibitions right here deal with navigation and discovery – lots of Portugal’s well-known explorers left from this a part of the Algarve, and in addition to telling a few of their tales, it appears to be like on the science concerned of their voyages.
The museum additionally arranges visits to the Caravel Boa Esperanca, a duplicate of the sixteenth century crusing ships which performed such an enormous half within the Age of Discoveries – docked not removed from the passenger footbridge over to Lagos marina, sadly it was closed throughout our current go to, though you possibly can see if from the surface.
Slave museum (Mercado de Escravos)
Not removed from the stays of Lagos fortress, a small new museum shares the darker facet of the Age of Discoveries. As Portuguese explorers have been venturing additional and discovering new routes to Africa and Asia, it additionally signalled the beginnings of the European slave commerce.
In 1444, after Henry the Navigator arrange a buying and selling submit off the coast of Mauritania in west Africa, a slave market was erected within the centre of Lagos, with Portuguese ships bringing enslaved Africans again right here to be offered.
At present the Mercado de Escravos goals to commemorate those that have been ripped from their houses and offered on this website, in addition to giving guests a small style of their tradition and heritage.
The museum itself is small with only some rooms, though tablets assist deliver shows to life with interactive AR expertise, in addition to extra element in regards to the handful of artefacts on present, so it’s effectively value visiting. You received’t want lengthy to wander round (we spent round half an hour) and it’s not too graphic for youths.
Castelo de Lagos
Little stays of the fortress which as soon as stood on the waterfront at Lagos, though you possibly can nonetheless see a few of its partitions, which as soon as surrounded the entire city.
A lot of the fort was destroyed within the earthquake of 1755 which levelled most of Lisbon, but it surely’s believed among the fortifications dated again to the thirteenth century, earlier than a fortress within the form of a pentagon was constructed within the seventeenth century.
Over the centuries, the fortress noticed loads of motion, from its earliest days defending towards the Moors (who as soon as dominated this a part of Portugal) and later defeating Sir Francis Drake when he attacked the coast – he sailed additional on to strive once more at Sagres, with moderately extra success.
The fortress would even have supported the voyages of the Age of Discoveries, because of its place close to Sagres the place Henry the Navigator (or Infante Dom Henrique to present him his appropriate Portuguese identify) was primarily based. Many caravels have been additionally in-built Lagos, whereas some voyages departed from right here, together with that of Gil Eanes in 1434, the primary to cross Cape Bojador on the West African coast.
A statue of Eanes nonetheless stands close to the stays of the fortress, though realistically you’ll have to make use of your creativeness to image it because it as soon as should have been.
Forte Ponta da Bandeira
The Ponta da Bandeira Fort was constructed within the late seventeenth century to bolster Lagos’s fortifications and it’s higher preserved than the fortress.
Formally the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, there’s a drawbridge over a small moat to get in, and it nonetheless sits proper on the waterfront – if you happen to take any of the boat excursions from Lagos with youngsters, you’ll get view as you depart the marina alongside the Bensafrim river.
As of late it hosts artwork exhibitions – though it was closed throughout our current go to – and there’s a restaurant inside in addition to the outdated tiled chapel, however you may get some nice views when it’s open to the general public.
Go to the Mercado Municipal
The grand market constructing on the waterfront was constructed in 1924, and it nonetheless operates as a market immediately.
Even if you happen to simply make a brief go to, it’s enjoyable to wander inside and see all of the fish on sale on the bottom flooring, from small silver sardines proper as much as a lot greater catches, octopus, lobsters and extra – too many sorts to call.
The primary flooring has a couple of memento stalls and a few fruit and veg, plus there’s a restaurant on the roof terrace with some nice views.
Experience the vacationer prepare
Excellent for maintaining little ones entertained, you’ll discover the little vacationer trains in cities across the Algarve, together with the Lagos Vacationer Practice.
The attention-catching trains aren’t solely a enjoyable method to sightsee however are a simple method to get round if you happen to’re seeking to save little legs, particularly in the summertime months.
There are 9 hop-on hop-off stops round Lagos, beginning by Lagos marina, travelling alongside the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, all the way down to the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and heading to the seaside.
Kids beneath 4 are free, in any other case it’s 4 euros per particular person for a single trip, 5.50 Euros for a day ticket.
Lagos Journey Park (Parque Aventura)
In case your youngsters are searching for extra thrills, the Lagos Journey Park close to Meia Praia seaside is a good various to speedboat journeys and water parks.
The treetop adventures embody excessive ropes challenges and zip wires, plus there are actions for 3 totally different ranges – Curious, Adventurous and Fearless, so youthful youngsters can begin slowly in the event that they’re nervous whereas teenagers can bounce straight in on the courageous finish.
The minimal top is 1m for Curious degree, whereas you need to be 1.2m for Adventurous and 1.4m for fearless (if you wish to tackle the toughest black course, there’s a minimal top of 1.5m)
There’s additionally a paintball area if you would like one other problem, all set inside a 2,500m sq. area inside a forest – make your well past pure and synthetic obstacles as you battle your loved ones – minuimum age 10.
Discoveries Wax Museum
The Wax Museum of the Portuguese Discoveries is quickly closed with no confirmed reopening date
For an additional have a look at Portugal’s historical past, this wax museum brings the Age of Discoveries alive, with 16 separate scenes centered on a specific occasion or journey.
There are battles, discoveries, and even a marriage – of Joao I and Philippa of Lancaster, mom to Henry the Navigator – in addition to among the most well-known explorers, similar to Vasco da Gama.
Entry prices 10 Euros, or 7 Euros for youths (beneath sixes enter free), and it’s very near Lagos Marina.
For extra suggestions and inspiration, take a look at my information to Portugal with youngsters
Extra issues to do close to Lagos with youngsters
Sand metropolis, Lagoa
Maybe probably the most uncommon day trip within the Algarve with youngsters, the sand sculptures at Sand Metropolis are distinctly spectacular – I visited anticipating to perhaps whereas away an hour with my daughter and got here away marvelling on the element.
Divided into sections impressed by the totally different continents, there are different areas themed by delusion, the ocean and characters from movie and TV – together with Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Count on to identify every part from the Queen to Yoda, the temples of the Mayans, Ta Prohm in Cambodia, the Wild West, Historic Egyptian god Anubis, a herd of elephants and a large octopus.
All of that are, in fact, constituted of sand. There’s even an space with some buckets and rakes the place you could be impressed to make your personal. A fantastic choice for a cloudy day within the Algarve however if you happen to go to in midsummer, head there early or late as there’s no shade.
Slide & Splash water park
For extra water-based enjoyable within the Algarve with youngsters, the area has some improbable waterparks – the closest to Lagos is Slide & Splash. The large family-friendly waterpark, is near Portimão and Alvor, round half-hour from Lagos.
Older youngsters and youths can get their adrenaline pumping on the corkscrew and kamikaze, whereas little ones can take advantage of the froth slides and tropical paradise. There’s additionally a kids’s play space, and the Speedy River.
The water park is often open from early April to late October or very early November, but it surely’s value checking the opening dates and instances earlier than your go to, particularly if you happen to’re travelling out of peak season.
Silves Fort
Silves itself was as soon as a mighty Moorish capital often known as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in affect, and its fortress remains to be the most effective preserved on the Algarve immediately.
With some components courting from the eighth century, Silves Fort nonetheless towers above the city, with its fairly twisting streets and cathedral – it’s principally the partitions and fortifications which stay, so be ready to make use of your creativeness, but it surely’s an interesting distinction to the coast.
Learn out evaluate of a day at Silves Fort with youngsters
Cabo de Sao Vicente
The Romans believed this was the tip of the world, and that the solar dissolved into the ocean each night time – looking to the countless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you possibly can perceive why.
Essentially the most south-westerly level of mainland Europe, it’s round 900 miles to the Azores and greater than 4,500 miles to the US, which provides you some thought of how explorers should have felt as they set off into the unknown from this spot.
Even on a sunny summer season’s day, anticipate it to be very windy, and it’s not onerous to think about how bleak it have to be in winter – beneath blue skies, it’s merely lovely although.
You’ll be able to go to the lighthouse on the finish of the world. The lighthouse constructing itself is never open, although you could possibly get entry on Wednesday afternoons, however you possibly can wander contained in the partitions and look out to that countless blue ocean and absorb the views.
There’s additionally a small fort close by, though it was closed after we visited, and you’ll stroll out on the headland to look over to the lighthouse and again to Sagres – with uneven floor and sheer drops, do watch the place you stroll although and watch out with youthful kids. Greatest to reach early, as it could get unexpectedly busy.
Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort)
Sat on the headland at Sagres, the massive fort could be seen for miles – as you’ll know if you happen to’ve visited Cabo de Sao Vicente already.
Whereas the earliest sections date from the fifteenth century, most could be unrecognisable to Henry the Navigator because it has been repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and fortified since then, with main rebuilding work executed within the late 18th century.
Inside there’s a small lighthouse and you’ll climb among the fortifications, in addition to wanting all the way down to the mysterious markings on the bottom – a circle divided into sections, no-one is kind of certain whether or not it’s a kind of compass rose, an enormous sundial or one thing else.
Do save a while to wander inside the partitions, however brace your self for robust winds as you do: there are extra nice views, together with again to Cabo de Sao Vicente and all the way down to the seashores, with boards giving particulars on among the crops and animals which dwell right here, plus stones piled up into cairns.
The fort can get very busy, so once more it’s value arriving early. You’re additionally strolling distance from Sagres city right here – refuel with one of many nice pizzas at Arte Bianca – in addition to the city’s seashores, though these are finest for browsing than paddling with some big waves.
Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a distinction, the place you possibly can journey again in time to find how life was lived within the Algarve in instances passed by.
In addition to an outdated farm, the place you possibly can feed livestock and study extra in regards to the nature and wildlife of the realm, there’s a museum set inside a home, furnished as it might have been within the early 1700s.
When you’ve explored these, head down into the decommissioned coal mine in addition to exploring the park, together with a bridge over a waterfall. Set round 5 miles from Portimao, it’s straightforward to go to on a day journey from Lagos with youngsters.
Monchique
If you wish to uncover extra of the Algarve away from the coast, there’s some nice strolling and mountain biking within the space round Monchique – the colorful city itself can also be value a go to.
The realm is known for its thermal springs, Caldas de Monchique, which the Romans valued for his or her therapeutic powers – the temperature remains to be a relentless 31C immediately.
Or head as much as the highest of Mount Foia, the best level within the Algarve at 902m – whilst you can hike it, the most suitable choice with youngsters is to enterprise up by jeep until you’re skilled walkers.
Throughout the identical Serra de Monchique mountain vary, the Serra da Picota is the second highest level at 774 metres and could be quieter than Foia. You can too drive many of the means up, though it’s finest to stroll the final part.
There are additionally day excursions visiting Monchique, together with Foia, Caldas de Monchique and different components of the Western Algarve similar to Sagres, or do that half-day off-road tour of Serra de Monchique.
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Praia Dona Ana/Lemur/Monchique courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photos copyright MummyTravels