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Wherever you go to on Portugal’s Algarve, you’ll discover family-friendly points of interest and boat journeys galore – however when you’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 actually not enormous – it’s not exhausting to fill a day or extra. A brief drive from well-liked vacationer resorts like Praia da Luz, when you’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 a few of the finest issues to do in Lagos with youngsters.
When you’re searching for issues to do in Lagos, Nigeria with youngsters, I’m afraid this isn’t the submit for you – all my ideas are about Lagos, Portugal with youngsters
The very best 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 when you’re searching for golden sands, plus there’s browsing right here. Praia de Alvor continues alongside the coast east, however keep in mind that when you’re heading right here from Lagos, you do should detour inland to succeed in it because the stretch of water between the 2 is impassable.
On the stretch of coast main from the fortress, Praia da Batata can 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 a tunnel, and at low tide you possibly can stroll by a rock arch to the following cove over.
When you’ve acquired a automotive, it’s price heading a bit additional to Praia Dona Ana with these typical Algarve golden cliffs and golden sand, whereas Praia do Camilo, slightly approach on, can be beautiful – typically fairly quiet, with picket steps main down from its cliffs to the seaside.
It may be price heading slightly approach out of Lagos to discover a family-friendly seaside. Praia da Luz has a carpark close to the seaside and is simply a 10-minute drive, with sunloungers to hire (count on 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 enormous rocks and there are not any loungers however it may be quieter. Strolling distance from the Ice Cream Manufacturing facility, it’s price queueing for his or her mixture of flavours and taking a cone right down to the sand with you.
For surfers and wannabe surfers, Praia Porto do Mos is one other enormous 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 will be quieter. Convey your individual parasol and attempt to keep away from excessive tide although because the seaside shrinks dramatically because the waves are available.
The clifftop boardwalk path to Ponta de Piedade begins simply above the seaside, so it’s simple to mix a stroll to the lighthouse with a while on the sand.
For extra implausible seashores and nice issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters, try my prime picks
Take a ship tour
A household vacation within the Algarve isn’t full with out a minimum of one boat journey – and there are many differing types which go away from Lagos for households, so that you’ll be tempted to decide on a couple of.
You may simply flip as much as the marina, the place you’ll see an entire string of stalls and kiosks (and one other set in entrance of the Mercado Municipal), attempting to influence you to purchase tickets to their specific tour – it’s price trying on-line prematurely although, as some do promote out shortly, whereas others don’t have any shade on the boat so aren’t at all times excellent for teenagers.
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 wanting 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, corresponding to this two-hour cruise with Boat Journeys – the choice we selected, which had an amazing guided tour from the smaller boat.
By the way, numerous boat excursions – together with ours – embrace time to swim and snorkel. It’s price figuring out 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 pace 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 perfect.
Or journey in model 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.
When you actually wish 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 likely one of the finest locations to see dolphins when 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 amazing possibility: in addition to preserving 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 price figuring out: 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 simple to seek out area later for view (and there isn’t room for everybody to suit on). Secondly, you’ll nearly actually 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 possibility when you’re visiting outdoors 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 depend upon the day and the climate. Most will supply a voucher for one more journey when you don’t although.
Throughout our cruise, the dolphins had been looking within the waters round Ponta da Piedade, so we hardly needed to journey to seek out the pod, whereas the day earlier than, the boat needed to head 20km out to sea. However both approach you’ve acquired an excellent probability of recognizing them first time.
Velocity 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, it’s also possible to 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 possibility in a RIB boat, Lagos Grotto Journeys has this two-hour Benagil and Carvoeiro cruise, for age 6+.
For a family-friendly possibility, when you’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.
When you’re planning to go to Portimao, it’s also possible to discover loads of different boat excursions to Benagil – we tried this two-hour RIB tour from Atlantis Boat excursions which was nice, nevertheless it’s most likely not price travelling there only for the boat tour given the options leaving from Lagos.
Pirate ship cruise
If it’s the cruise experiences slightly than the vacation spot that tops your record, it’s exhausting to beat a pirate ship cruise.
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters, crusing alongside the shoreline in quest of hidden bays and coves (and possibly even buried treasure), there are a number of totally different choices to strive – however sadly none depart from Lagos.
The closest possibility 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 automotive, it’s simple to do for a day journey.
The Leaozinho additionally departs from Albufeira, however that’s over 45 minutes away, so not your best option when you’re basing your self in Lagos with youngsters, until you’re already planning a time out round Albufeira.
Strive 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 when you’re visiting with older youngsters and youths.
Browsing is likely one of the hottest water sports activities within the Algarve. There are many locations for youthful ones to offer 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 perfect spots within the area to seek out youngsters’ surf faculties and surf rent.
TSE Surf College has places in each Lagos and Luz with group classes for newbies, intermediate and superior, in addition to non-public classes.
There’s additionally a youngsters and household surf college when you’re travelling with youthful youngsters, with most group sizes of 4 to every teacher, with morning or afternoon periods 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 may strive arise paddleboarding – normally for older tweens and youths solely, though this SUP tour to the Ponta da Piedade caves is appropriate for 12+.
Try corporations like Kite College Portugal which additionally has SUP rent and classes in Lagos, plus there’s bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and crusing – whether or not you wish to study to sail in close by Portimao or choose 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 house 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 when you’re visiting Lagos with toddlers and youthful youngsters.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are many alternatives for youngsters to study concerning the animals and the work being achieved to guard them. Don’t miss feeding instances and the common keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extraordinarily accessible when you’re visiting the Algarve with toddlers, and it’s simple to navigate the complete park with pushchairs (in addition to wheelchairs).
It’s price figuring out 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 concerning 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 outdoors Faro, which focuses on the ocean, in addition to in Tavira within the jap Algarve, there’s additionally a science museum in Lagos, not removed from the Mercado Municipal.
The exhibitions right here concentrate on navigation and discovery – a lot 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 seems on the science concerned of their voyages.
The museum additionally arranges visits to the Caravel Boa Esperanca, a reproduction 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 latest go to, though you possibly can see if from the skin.
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 had 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.
Right now the Mercado de Escravos goals to commemorate those that had been ripped from their houses and offered on this web site, in addition to giving guests a small style of their tradition and heritage.
The museum itself is small with just a few rooms, though tablets assist convey shows to life with interactive AR know-how, in addition to extra element concerning the handful of artefacts on present, so it’s nicely price visiting. You received’t want lengthy to wander round (we spent round half an hour) and it’s not too graphic for teenagers.
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, nevertheless it’s believed a few of 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 slightly 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 offer him his right Portuguese identify) was based mostly. Many caravels had been additionally inbuilt 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 will need to 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 – when you take any of the boat excursions from Lagos with youngsters, you’ll get view as you depart the marina alongside the Bensafrim river.
Today it hosts artwork exhibitions – though it was closed throughout our latest go to – and there’s a restaurant inside in addition to the outdated tiled chapel, however you will 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 right this moment.
Even when you simply make a brief go to, it’s enjoyable to wander inside and see all of the fish on sale on the bottom ground, from small silver sardines proper as much as a lot larger catches, octopus, lobsters and extra – too many types to call.
The primary ground 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.
Trip the vacationer practice
Good for preserving little ones entertained, you’ll discover the little vacationer trains in cities across the Algarve, together with the Lagos Vacationer Prepare.
The attention-catching trains aren’t solely a enjoyable technique to sightsee however are a straightforward technique to get round when you’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, right down to the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and heading to the seaside.
Kids below 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 different to speedboat journeys and water parks.
The treetop adventures embrace 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 leap straight in on the courageous finish.
The minimal top is 1m for Curious stage, 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 subject in order for you 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 one more have a look at Portugal’s historical past, this wax museum brings the Age of Discoveries alive, with 16 separate scenes targeted 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 a few of the most well-known explorers, corresponding to Vasco da Gama.
Entry prices 10 Euros, or 7 Euros for teenagers (below sixes enter free), and it’s very near Lagos Marina.
For extra ideas and inspiration, try my information to Portugal with youngsters
Extra issues to do close to Lagos with youngsters
Sand metropolis, Lagoa
Maybe probably the most uncommon time out within the Algarve with youngsters, the sand sculptures at Sand Metropolis are distinctly spectacular – I visited anticipating to possibly 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 fable, the ocean and characters from movie and TV – together with Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Anticipate to identify all the pieces 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, after all, produced from sand. There’s even an space with some buckets and rakes the place you will be impressed to make your individual. An amazing possibility for a cloudy day within the Algarve however when you 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 implausible waterparks – the closest to Lagos is Slide & Splash. The massive 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 youngsters’s play space, and the Fast River.
The water park is normally open from early April to late October or very early November, nevertheless it’s price checking the opening dates and instances earlier than your go to, particularly when you’re travelling out of peak season.
Silves Fortress
Silves itself was as soon as a mighty Moorish capital generally known as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in affect, and its fortress continues to be the perfect preserved on the Algarve right this moment.
With some elements relationship from the eighth century, Silves Fortress 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, nevertheless it’s an enchanting distinction to the coast.
Learn out assessment of a day at Silves Fortress with youngsters
Cabo de Sao Vicente
The Romans believed this was the top of the world, and that the solar dissolved into the ocean each evening – looking to the countless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you possibly can perceive why.
Probably 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 concept of how explorers will need to have felt as they set off into the unknown from this spot.
Even on a sunny summer season’s day, count on it to be very windy, and it’s not exhausting to think about how bleak it have to be in winter – below blue skies, it’s merely stunning although.
You may go to the lighthouse on the finish of the world. The lighthouse constructing itself isn’t 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 take in the views.
There’s additionally a small fort close by, though it was closed after we visited, and you may 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 youngsters. Finest to reach early, as it could get unexpectedly busy.
Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort)
Sat on the headland at Sagres, the large fort will be seen for miles – as you’ll know when you’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 achieved within the late 18th century.
Inside there’s a small lighthouse and you may climb a few of the fortifications, in addition to trying right down to the mysterious markings on the bottom – a circle divided into sections, no-one is sort of positive whether or not it’s a form of compass rose, an enormous sundial or one thing else.
Do save a while to wander throughout the partitions, however brace your self for sturdy winds as you do: there are extra nice views, together with again to Cabo de Sao Vicente and right down to the seashores, with boards giving particulars on a few of the crops and animals which reside right here, plus stones piled up into cairns.
The fort can get very busy, so once more it’s price 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 enormous 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 cattle and study extra concerning the nature and wildlife of the world, 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 simple 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 be price a go to.
The realm is legendary for its thermal springs, Caldas de Monchique, which the Romans valued for his or her therapeutic powers – the temperature continues to be a relentless 31C right this moment.
Or head as much as the highest of Mount Foia, the best level within the Algarve at 902m – when you can hike it, the best choice with youngsters is to enterprise up by jeep until you’re skilled walkers.
Inside the identical Serra de Monchique mountain vary, the Serra da Picota is the second highest level at 774 metres and will be quieter than Foia. You may as well drive a lot of the approach 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 elements of the Western Algarve corresponding 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
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