Ponta da Piedade, Lagos: How to See It

Ponta da Piedade, just south of Lagos, is the most dramatic stretch of the Algarve coast. It’s a maze of golden sea stacks, arches and grottos rising from emerald water. You can see it from the clifftop paths, down a long staircase to the water, or best of all from a small boat or kayak. Here’s how.

Quick answer: Ponta da Piedade is about 2km from Lagos centre, a 30-minute walk or short drive. Walk the clifftop paths to the lighthouse, take the staircase down to the water, then book a small boat or kayak tour from Lagos to glide through the grottos. Come at sunrise or sunset for the best light. See Ponta da Piedade boat trips.

How to see it

From the clifftops

Wooden boardwalks and paths run along the clifftops between Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo and the lighthouse. It’s free and open at all times.

Down the staircase

A long stone staircase leads down from the lighthouse to a small landing at the water’s edge, where local boatmen sometimes offer short trips.

By boat

Small boats leave from Lagos marina and the waterfront for trips of about an hour through the grottos. These are smaller than the Benagil boats, so they can get closer. See boat trips.

By kayak or SUP

Guided kayak tours from Praia da Batata in Lagos paddle right inside the caves. See kayak tours.

Nearby beaches

• Praia Dona Ana: golden sand framed by rock stacks.
• Praia do Camilo: a small cove at the bottom of a long wooden staircase. The staircase has been closed for safety works, so check whether it has reopened before you go.

See the best Algarve beaches.

Tips

• Sea conditions: boat and kayak trips run when the sea is calm, usually in the mornings.
• Cliff edges are crumbly, so stay on the paths.
• Parking near the lighthouse is limited in summer, so walk from Lagos.
• Photos: see the best Algarve photo spots.

More: things to do in Lagos, the best hotels in Lagos and Algarve boat trips.

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