Planning a trip to Portugal soon? You might be wondering how many days in Lagos is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the area.
If you’re interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least three or four days in Lagos.
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities Lagos has to offer, such as going on a boat trip, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach.
That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.
If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Lagos might be enough for you.
But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend soaking up the sun on the beach, you might want to consider 3 or 4 days in Lagos instead.
I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Lagos you’ll need.
You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Lagos’s highlights.
I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.
How To Decide How Long To Stay In Lagos
Deciding how long to spend in Lagos can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!
To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Lagos, make a list of the things you want to do in the area, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.
At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Lagos you’ll need.
That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Lagos.
Are you planning on staying in Lagos, or do you want to use Lagos as a base to explore the Algarve?
Lagos can be a good base for exploring the area, but it really depends on what you want to do while in Portugal.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure
One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.
To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.
If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.
If you want to get to Lagos early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.
Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.
Staying In Lagos?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Lagos.
Best budget hotel: Dream Lagos B&B
Best mid-range hotel: Lagos Atlantic Hotel
Best luxury hotel: Lagos Avenida Hotel
Things To Do In Lagos And Its Surroundings
Lagos is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time on the beach and relaxing in the sun.
The region also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as visiting ancient ruins, going on boat trips, and snorkeling or surfing.
You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.
The list of highlights below will help you put your Lagos itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.
It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!
Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.
Pace Of Activities
When thinking about how many days in Lagos you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.
So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a foodie who wants to have enough time to appreciate the local cuisine – then 4 days in Lagos will definitely suit you better than 2.
Transportation
Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.
Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus?
Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Lagos.
Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.
That said, if you’re going to Lagos directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.
Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.
What To Do In Lagos Area
Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Lagos, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.
Explore The Beaches
One of the main reasons so many tourists flock to Lagos each year is to explore the beautiful beaches in the area.
Lagos is known for having a wide variety of stunning beaches and you will have plenty to choose from during your trip here.
The most popular beach in the area is Praia de Dona. Here you can enjoy incredible crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling and take in the views of the unique rock formations around the beach.
Another option for the perfect beach day is Praia do Camilo. Here you can follow the charming staircase down to an incredibly beautiful beach.
Meia Praia is another popular beach in Lagos and the largest in the area. Here you will find a long stretch of golden sand and a huge variety of amenities from water sports to beach restaurants.
Keep in mind that this beach can be very busy with families during the summer.
Suggested time: Full day
Visit The Historic Center
Lagos is a city that is full of character, most of which can be experienced in the city’s historic center.
This is an old town area with traditional Portuguese buildings and narrow winding streets and is a charming and picturesque area.
The old town is a perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around, taking photographs, and soaking up the history and culture of the area.
It is surrounded by ancient walls that have stood for hundreds of years and were a method of protection for the city when it was an important port.
Many of the traditional buildings in the old town have been converted into small boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, so you can enjoy an afternoon retreat from the sun in any number of these.
The central square in the old town is a bustling spot with lots of outdoor cafe seating and is a perfect place for a coffee and some people-watching.
Some of the main landmarks worth visiting in the old town include the Igreja de Santo Antônio which is a baroque church with a beautiful exterior.
Suggested time: 2 hours
Take A Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour is a must-do activity when visiting Lagos in Portugal.
It is a relaxing and exciting way to see the incredibly beautiful city from another perspective and enjoy the breathtaking coastline around Lagos.
During a boat trip from the Lagos Marina, you can sail along the turquoise waters of the Algarve and stop for some swimming and snorkeling along the way.
There is a wide variety of boats you can take from fishing boats to luxury yachts.
You will tour around the coast enjoying views of the dramatic cliffs and rock formations that the Algarve is known for.
You can also get a glimpse at the famous sea caves around Lagos. Ponta da Piedade is a popular area to visit along the coast where you can see the towering cliffs in the Atlantic Ocean.
Visiting the Bengali Caves is also a popular boat trip from Lagos. Here you can see some breathtaking sea stacks and learn about the history of the area, including the hiding spots pirates used to have here!
If you’re lucky, you will get to see some incredible marine life during your boat tours such as dolphins and turtles.
Suggested time: Half day
Enjoy A Variety Of Watersports
A popular activity and a great way to enjoy the coast of Lagos is by taking part in a variety of watersports.
Some of the most popular in the area are kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You will find kayaks and paddleboards available to rent on most beaches in Lagos, or alternatively, you can join a tour in the area.
Lagos is also a great place for surfing. The waves here are suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike, depending on where you surf.
The beaches have plenty of surf schools and rental shops for you to get your equipment or book a lesson.
There are two main beaches for surfing in Lagos, Porto de Mos and Meia Praia.
The waves at these beaches are suitable for beginners to surf all year round, however, if you’re more advanced, the winter season will provide you with more thrilling waves.
Suggested time: 3 hours
Best Time To Visit Lagos
Lagos is a dream destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers alike. But when is the best time to go to Lagos to get the most out of your stay?
The high season runs from June – August and provides the most consistent sunshine and dry weather, however, it can get very crowded during these months.
Visiting during the shoulder season in either May or September means you will still have great weather, but the crowds will have died down slightly.
If you are going to Lagos specifically to surf, the months of October to March will provide you with the best surfing conditions.
Final Thoughts On Lagos Trips
We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Lagos is enough.
And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!
Lagos is a great destination to relax and explore the Algarve. In fact, it’s one of the best towns in Algarve.
We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Lagos.
Not sure when is the best time to visit Lagos? We recommend you visit Lagos between May and September.
Traveling to Portugal soon? Read one of the following guides:
