Located in the southern region of Portugal, Lagos boasts a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty and amazing weather. Whether you are a retiree looking for a peaceful and welcoming community, a sun lover seeking the warmth of the Mediterranean climate or a family wanting a safe and fun-filled environment, Lagos Portugal offers something for everyone.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about living in Lagos, including its location, weather, education, cost of living, real estate, things to do, lesser-known facts, and more.
Where is Lagos, Portugal?
Lagos is located on the south coast of Portugal, in the Algarve region. It’s approximately 56 miles from Faro, the nearest major city, and 174 miles from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landmarks, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Ria de Alvor Natural Reserve and the Serra de Monchique mountains.
What is Lagos like?
Lagos Portugal is a charming small town of around 35,000 residents, with a historic center that dates back to the Roman era. The town is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese architecture and beautiful squares. The region is well known for its excellent seafood and there are plenty of local restaurants that offer fresh, delicious dishes.
Lagos is located on the coast, and it offers plenty of beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery. The city is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling hills and lush flora.
Overall, the relief of Lagos is a unique combination of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and stunning hills that make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
What’s the weather like in Lagos?
Lagos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures in Lagos can reach highs of around 82°F, while in the winter, temperatures average around 60°F. The city is known for its sunny weather, with an average of around 300 days of sunshine per year. However, like most coastal cities, Lagos can be quite windy, especially during the winter months.
The rainy season in Lagos runs from November to March, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Despite the occasional rainfall, Lagos is a great destination for those looking for warm weather and plenty of sunshine. The best time to visit Lagos is from May to September when the weather is warm, and the beaches are at their best.
How to get to Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is easily accessible by air, train and car. The nearest airport to Lagos is Faro Airport, which is located about 56 miles east of the city. The airport is served by several international airlines and is well-connected to major cities in Europe. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Lagos.
The city also has a train station, which is located in the center and connects Lagos to other major cities in Portugal such as Lisbon and Porto.
For those driving, Lagos is easily accessible by car, with several major highways connecting the city to other parts of Portugal.
Education in Lagos
Lagos has a number of higher education options for students. The largest university in the area is the University of Algarve, which is located in the nearby city of Faro. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields.
Another notable institution is the Instituto Piaget, which has a campus in Algarve and offers programs in education, psychology, health and social sciences.
For international schools, there is the Nobel International School Algarve, which provides education for children aged 3 to 18 in English. Additionally, there are a number of language schools that offer courses in Portuguese as a foreign language.
Cost of living in Lagos
The cost of living in Lagos is generally more affordable than larger cities in Portugal, such as Lisbon or Porto. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Lagos is approximately 31% cheaper than in Lisbon.
The cost is influenced by a number of factors, including housing, transportation and food. Housing costs in Portugal can vary depending on the location and type of property, but on average, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 per month. Groceries are also relatively affordable, but eating out can be a bit more expensive, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around $50.
Transportation costs in Lagos are also reasonable, with a one-way ticket on public transport costing around $1.30. Additionally, taxis are available and relatively affordable, with an average fare of $12 for a short ride.
Real estate in Lagos
The real estate market in Lagos is thriving. And although there are properties available for every budget and preference, property in the Algarve region, where Lagos is located, is about 37% higher than the national average in Portugal.
One of the unique features of real estate in Lagos is the mix of traditional Portuguese styles with modern influences. Many properties feature white-washed walls, red-tiled roofs and balconies or terraces with views of the sea or countryside. Some of the most popular areas for real estate in Lagos include the historic city center and the marina.
The price of real estate in Lagos can vary depending on the location, size and condition of the property. For example, an apartment in the city center costs upwards of $300,000, while a larger villa with a pool can cost around $700,000 or more. The average price per square foot of a house in Lagos Portugal is around $350.
Despite the pandemic, the real estate market in Lagos has remained extremely attractive, with a high demand for properties from both local and international buyers. The location and nice weather are the biggest drivers for real estate prices. House prices in Lagos have increased by 20% compared to a year prior.
Things to do in Lagos, Portugal
There are plenty of things to do in Lagos that cater to all kinds of travelers and expats, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or culture. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to check out:
- Explore the Ponta da Piedade, a stunning rock formation with spectacular sea views.
- Take a boat trip along the coast and explore the caves and grottos.
- Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, such as Praia do Camilo or Meia Praia.
- Visit the 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a well-preserved military fortress that offers a glimpse into the city’s history.
- Wander through the historic city center and discover the colorful streets, charming shops, and local restaurants.
- Take a surfing lesson and catch some waves at the nearby surf spots.
- Visit the Lagos Zoo and get up close with exotic animals from around the world.
- Experience the nightlife scene and enjoy live music, drinks, and dancing at the bars and clubs.
Lesser known facts about Lagos, Portugal
While it is well-known for its beaches and tourist attractions, there are also many hidden gems and lesser-known facts about Lagos that are worth discovering. Here are some interesting things you might not know:
- Lagos was once the capital of the Algarve region and was an important center for trade and exploration during the Age of Discovery.
- The city has a long tradition of ceramics, and you can find beautiful handmade pottery at local shops and markets.
- One of the hidden gems of Lagos is the Dona Ana beach, a secluded spot with crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations.
- Another lesser-known attraction is the Igreja de Santo António, a beautiful 18th-century church with ornate gold accents and a stunning blue-tiled dome.
- The local cuisine is influenced by the city’s proximity to the sea, and you can find delicious seafood dishes like grilled sardines and octopus stew at the many restaurants and cafes.
- Another local specialty is the Dom Rodrigo, a sweet dessert made with eggs, sugar and almonds that is often served at festivals and celebrations.
- The city also has a long tradition of music and dance, with popular styles like Fado and Morna often performed at local venues.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture or cuisine, Lagos has plenty of hidden gems and traditions to discover.
Reasons to move to Lagos, Portugal
Lagos offers a high quality of life and plenty of opportunities for residents. If you’re considering a move to Portugal, here are some reasons why Lagos might be the perfect place for you:
- Lifestyle: Lagos offers a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, with a focus on outdoor activities, great food and socializing with friends and family. With a mild climate year-round, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing and swimming on a regular basis.
- Culture and History: Lagos is a city with a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its beautiful architecture, museums and art galleries. You can also enjoy local festivals and celebrations throughout the year, which offer a great way to connect with the local community.
- Safety and Security: Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe and Lagos is no exception. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, and crime rates are relatively low.
- Location: Lagos is located in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal, which offers stunning beaches, beautiful countryside and easy access to other European destinations. You can also enjoy a great quality of life in a welcoming and friendly city that is truly a hidden gem.
The drawbacks of living in Lagos, Portugal
While Lagos is a beautiful coastal city with stunning beaches, charming architecture and a lively atmosphere, the city also has its downsides.
- One of the most significant drawbacks is the higher cost of property, which can be challenging for locals and expats alike.
- Additionally, the city’s popularity among tourists means that it can get overcrowded, especially during peak seasons.
- Traffic congestion can also be a problem, making commuting and running errands time-consuming.
- Finally, like many coastal towns, Lagos is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and storms, which can disrupt daily life and cause damage to properties.
Living the dream in Lagos: A paradise for expats
If you are looking for a picturesque, lively and affordable place to live in Portugal, Lagos might be the perfect fit for you. With a laid-back lifestyle, a beautiful coastline, and plenty of attractions to explore, Lagos is becoming increasingly popular with expats from around the world. So why not join the growing community of expats and discover the perfect blend of sun, sea and culture?
Explore more wonderful destinations for moving to Portugal:
- Guide to Cascais
- Guide to Faro
- Guide to Nazare
- Guide to Aveiro
- Guide to Coimbra
- Guide to Evora
- Guide to Braga
