Praia da Luz to Lagos Coastal Hike in the Algarve

The hike from Praia da Luz to Lagos is a stunning coastal trail on the cliffs overlooking the ocean between these two beautiful towns in the Algarve, Portugal. The Praia da Luz to Lagos hike is the last walking stage of the Fishermen`s Trail multi-day hike. Starting at the beach in the beautiful little coastal town of Luz the trail leads past some of the highlights in the Algarve, including Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana Beach, and Camilo Beach. A fantastic day-hike in the Algarve, it is easy to make your way to the starting point, by bus or Uber.

Praia da Luz to Lagos Hiking Trail

• Route distance – 10,5 km
• Time – 2 and a half -3 hours
• Total ascent – 251 m
• Difficulty – easy/moderate
• Route Markings – well-marked with green and blue stripes visible in both directions
• Walking route – Praia da Luz – Porto de Mos Beach – Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse – Camilo Beach – Dona Ana Beach – Batata Beach – Lagos Old Town

Praia da Luz to Lagos Trail Distance

The complete distance from Praia da Luz to Lagos train station is 11 km/6,8 mi.

The Praia da Luz to Lagos walk trailhead (starting point)

Walking from Praia da Luz to Lagos is the last walking stage of the Fishermen´s Trail, a 230 km multi-day hiking route on the West Coast of the Algarve. The Fishermen´s Trail is part of the Rota Vicentina network of hiking trails and is often ranked as one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the world. The scenery along the route is breathtaking; rugged cliffs, sandy beaches In the town of Luz, around Bar Habana (GPS pin) in Avenida dos Pescadores at Luz beach is a convenient spot to get a drink and start the hike. In Summer time there is usually live music and this is a great spot to have Galao (Portuguese coffee with milk) and prepare for the walk.

For a longer hike you can start walking in the town Salema, the trail from Salema to Lagos is 22 km all along the coast.

Where does the trail finish?

Lagos train station is the official endpoint of the Fishermen´s Trail and of this day hike. The trail goes all the way through Lagos, some hikers end the day earlier if they will walk past their accommodation. At the Lagos train station there is a sign with all the Fishermen´s Trail information.

Can the trail be walked both ways?

The trail can be walked in either direction, from Praia da Luz to Lagos or from Lagos to Praia da Luz. If you walk from Luz to Lagos the trail starts with a steep climb to the top of the cliffs. If you have problems with steep descends, walking the route in reverse (Lagos to Luz) might be a challenge with the final descent into Luz town.

Walking from Praia da Luz to Lagos in the morning you will be having the sun from the front, remember sunglasses and a hat.

Getting to Praia da Luz?

Lagos can be reached from all over Portugal by bus (check Rede Expressos and Flixbus) or by train. From Lagos it is the easiest to get to Praia da Luz by Uber, it is a 15 minute drive that costs around 7 Euros. Ask to be dropped off at Bar Habana (GPS pin).

Luz to Lagos Hike Trail Description

Praia da Luz to Porto de Mos Beach, 4 km/2,4 mi

Walking from Praia da Luz to Porto de Mos Beach in Lagos is a beautiful 4 km/2.4 mi walk. The trail starts with a short paved road surrounded by villa’s for about 400 m until you reach the start of the climb marked with a green and blue fishermen´s trail post marking. From here it is about a 900 meter climb lookout point of Praia da Luz and Rocha Negra, gaining 100 m elevation in a steep ascent. A couple of switchbacks makes the hike to the top a bit less steep.

On the top it is a fairly flat walk for about 2.5 km with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is easy to follow, just walk on the path next to the ocean. This is a nice nature walk with no roads, vehicles or buildings. Just before Porto de Mos you have a great view to watch the surfers when there are waves.

At Porto de Mos you will descend to the beach. Campimar is nice restaurant on the beach to stop for a drink, an ice-cream or something to eat. This is a nice place to go for a swim. This beach is very busy in season. Public toilet facilities here are open in summer. The restaurants at Porte de Mos also have toilet facilities.

Walking from Praia da Luz this is the first spot where you can get an Uber or catch a bus from.

Porto de Mos Beach to Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, 3 km/1,8 mi

The walk from Porte de Mos beach to Ponta da Piedade lighthouse starts with a steep hill then it is fairly flat most of the way. From Porte de Mos you walk on cobble stone sidewalks through a fairly quiet neighborhood with many villas and return to the coast through a side street on the route. You can see the lighthouse from this area. After about 1.5 km until you reach the boardwalks at Ponta da Piedade. From the cliffs there are several look out points that offer fantastic views of the coast and the cliffs. I love the viewpoint facing Porto de Mos Beach from here. Walking on the side trails to the look out points in this area can add more than a kilometer to your walk.

Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse to Lagos Old Town, 3,5 km/2,1 mi

Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse – Praia do Camilo – Praia Dona Ana – Praia dos Estudantes – Praia da Batata – Lagos Old Town

Walking from Ponta da Piedade to Lagos Old Town you will walk past some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, Praia dos Estudantes, and Praia da Batata. The Ponta Piedade viewpoint at the lighthouse is spectacular and one of the highlights of the trail. Facing the lighthouse to the right there is a long staircase leading down to the old traditional pier.

Ponta da Piedade recently underwent a refurbishment (2024). This boardwalk leads to Praia da Batata, passing by the beautiful Praia do Camilo, ending at Praia D. Ana (GPS pin). Taking the 200 steps down to Praia do Camilo is definitely worth it, I think this is the most beautiful beach in Lagos!

From Praia Dona Ana the trail returns to the town following Avenida dos Descobrmentos past Estudantes Beach and Praia da Batata.

Highlights of the Luz to Lagos Hiking Trail

Walking from Praia da Luz to Lagos you get to see some of the main attractions in the area. 

• The beautiful beach, Praia da Luz.
• Rocha Negra lookout point over Praia da Luz.
• Praia de Porto de Mos Beach, a beautiful beach nice for swimming with some restaurants.
• Ponta da Piedade, beautiful viewpoint and traditional fishing pier underneath the cliffs.
• Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse.
• Camilo Beach, spectacular beach with a long wooden staircase
• Dona Ana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve, in Lagos town, surrounded by limestone cliffs and pinnacles

When is the best time for walking?

In summer months between June and September early morning is the best time to walk from Praia da Luz to Lagos. It gets very hot in mid day.