Explore holidays in Praia da Luz & the Western Algarve
We love the laid-back feel of Praia da Luz, a low-key beach town that’s also the gateway to the western Algarve. Whilst there are vestiges of the village’s history in the form of its pretty central church and historic fortaleza – now a popular restaurant with fantastic sea views – Praia da Luz has moved with the times to become an attractive, family-friendly resort, meaning all the holiday facilities and activities you could wish for are conveniently to hand.
Find your next holiday from our collection of villas around Praia da Luz.
A selection of our holidays in Praia da Luz & the Western Algarve
* Package prices for UK departures include seven nights’ accommodation, flights and transfers/car hire, based on the lowest rate for maximum occupancy.
Our guide to Praia da Luz & the Western Algarve
In this section...
Introduction to Praia da Luz & the Western Algarve
The star of the show here is the beach, a generous crescent of soft, golden sand flanked by the imposing Rocha Negra at one end and flat, rocky slabs at the other. Calm clear waters invite you to try all kinds of watersports above and below the surface, from inflatable rides, kayaks and SUPs to diving the Vapor da Luz wreck which was sunk along with three other ships by a German U-boat in April 1917. When it’s time to eat out there are restaurants and cafes along the palm-lined promenade, offering everything from traditional cataplana to cocktails with a view.
Just a few kilometres from Praia da Luz is Burgau, a delightful small town where the impact of tourism is minimal, save a handful of restaurants, cafés and a couple of shops for your beach necessities. The beach is a gem, sheltered by high cliffs and recommended by our local team as a good choice on a windy day. Close by is Salema, a little more substantial than Burgau and famous for the dinosaur footprints embedded in the limestone rocks at the western end of its beach.
Contine west and the landscape takes on a wilder, frontier feel; nature is unquestionably in charge here on the continent’s southwestern edge, where the air carries a sea-salt tang and the light is uncommonly pure. Take a boat trip from Sagres fishing port and you’ll have a good chance of spotting dolphins and whales, or just relax in the unspoilt and often-deserted sands of beaches like Ingrina, Zavial and Furnas. Beyond the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente – the most westerly point in mainland Europe – the Atlantic Costa Vincentina is one of Europe’s last great undeveloped coastlines. Rugged cliffs hold off Atlantic rollers, creating huge surf breaks that are almost as exhilarating to watch as to surf in. Lessons and kit hire are widely available if you want to surf, and summer is a good time to learn as the waves are much less intimidating. Alternatively there are many coastal paths to explore, including the long-distance Rota Vincentina, or just take a drive out here in the early evening for a truly magical sunset.
At a glance
Beaches
Praia de Alvor
One of our favourites in this part of the Algarve, this beach is 5km of fine golden sand that runs from Alvor harbour, which bustles with beach bars and sunbeds, all the way to the empty space at the mouth of the river Alvor, where flamingos, spoonbills and many other birds can be seen in spring and autumn. A designated Accessible Beach.
Location…
Adjacent to Alvor village, about a 10 minute walk from the centre
Meia Praia
If space and accessibility are important, head for this huge sweep of sand east of Lagos, good for long walks, families and watersports. There are no steep steps to contend with, just 4km of sand lapped by calm shallow water. The area close to the marina has beach bars, but walk east and you’ll soon find empty space even in the height of summer. A designated Accessible Beach.
Location…
Adjacent to Lagos marina
Praia Dona Ana
Perhaps the best known of the Lagos beaches, with ochre rock formations and turquoise water ideal for snorkelling. It’s fantastically photogenic and therefore does get very busy, so walking the 15 mins from Lagos rather than trying to park in the small car park is a good bet, and remember to factor in the 100-odd steps down to the sand.
Location…
On the edge of Lagos
Praia do Camilo
One of several spectacular little coves near Lagos, surrounded by golden limestone cliffs and clear water. There are some 200 steps to reach the beach but the setting is worth the effort for those who are able. Best for scenery, swimming and snorkelling. There’s a small car park, or you can park in Lagos and walk along the cliff path in about 25 minutes.
Location…
About 2km south of Lagos centre
Praia do Porto de Mós
This 500m stretch of sand is a great family choice, with gentle waves and golden cliffs behind. There are sunbeds for hire, plus beach bars on the sand and restaurants on the cliffs above. This is a designated Accessible Beach, with some steps and a paved slope leading down from the large car park above.
Location…
20 minute walk/short drive from Lagos
Praia da Luz
A broad, golden, gently shelving bay with relatively calm water, a seafront promenade and plenty of cafés and restaurants. The distinctive Rocha Negra volcanic headland gives it its character. A designated Accessible Beach.
Location…
Praia da Luz
Praia do Burgau
A small sandy beach beneath the whitewashed fishing village of Burgau. More intimate than Luz, with a traditional village atmosphere and a sheltered bay that works well on a windy day.
Location…
About 8 km west of Luz
Praia de Salema
A well serviced beach with plenty of space for all, including the fishing boats that land here in the early mornings. There are many restaurants in the village behind the beach; don’t miss the famous dinosaur footprints preserved in the limestone slabs at the western end of the beach.
Location…
About 10km west of Luz
Praia da Ingrina
A quiet sandy bay that’s as deep as it is wide, well sheltered by surrounding cliffs. Clear water makes it popular for diving, with sunbeds for hire, a small restaurant and parking making for easy access to the sand.
Location…
South coast, about 5kms south of Raposeira village
Praia do Zavial
A wide and usually very serene spot, with fine soft sand backed by cliffs. Access from the car park is easy, and there’s a well-rated restaurant. There are further little coves to explore at the eastern end, though take care not to get caught out by the tide. Lovely coastal walks here along marked trails to Furnas and Salema.
Location…
South coast, about 5kms south of Raposeira village
Praia das Furnas
Post-card perfection on the south coast, with fine sand, clear water and cliffs and caves for added drama. The road access is a little rough and parking is limited, but it’s definitely worth the effort to get here.
Location…
South coast, about 6kms south of Raposeira village
Praia do Castelejo
A dramatic long sandy surfing beach popular with surf schools as it is near to Vila do Bispo. Wonderful wild feel coupled with easy access as you can drive down and park right next to the beach where there’s also a small café.
Location…
Atlantic coast, about 10 minutes’ drive from Vila do Bispo
Things to do
Ponta da Piedade
This point near Lagos is probably the most famous cliff-scape in the Algarve, and its spectacular limestone cliffs, arches, caves and grottoes are best experienced from the water by boat or kayak. You can book a trip from Lagos and other resorts, or you can also get a private tour on one of the small boats that wait at Ponta da Piedade for a more intimate experience.
Coastal walks
The Algarve has multiple marked walking routes, including the well-known Fisherman’s Path. You can walk a section of this route between Luz and Lagos, or head west towards Burgau. Stunning sea views are guaranteed whichever path you choose.
Play padel
Ocean Padel in the centre of Luz has four double and one singles court, with lessons available if you’ve never played before, and a pool, restaurant and bar to relax in after your game.
A round of golf
Whilst they might not have the cachet of Quinta do Lago, BoaVista, San Antonio and Espiche are three beautiful courses worth playing near Praia da Luz.
Bike tour from Burgau
For a gentle off-road experience, join a guided mountain bike tour from Burgau. Guides take you along coastal paths for fabulous views, with routes from 12 to 60km to suit all experience and fitness levels.
Lagos farmers’ market
Any time is a good time to visit Lagos, but if you come on a Saturday morning you’ll get to experience the lively farmers’ market, which is one of the best in the area. Pick up some goodies for lunch at your villa, and combine with a wander round the old town and Lagos’ two small museums.
Shop for ceramics
There are lots of places to buy pottery in Portugal, but the roadside ceramics store in Raposeira is one of the best. It’s filled to the brim with locally made ceramics in every imaginable colour, reasonably priced and great to take home; the perfect stop off on the way to or from the west coast beaches.
Dolphin & whale spotting
One of the best places to see marine life in the wild is a boat tour from Sagres fishing harbour. The harbour itself is a working port and not especially pretty, but set sail from here and you should see dolphins, basking sharks and even orcas if you’re lucky.
Surf’s up
Head west to catch the surfing spirit of the Algarve. Sagres is full of rental outlets and surf schools, or if you already know what you’re doing, catch the waves at Castelejo, Amado, Carrapateira/Bordeira, Monte Clérigo and Odeceixe to name a few.
Taste the seafood speciality
Percebes – or goose barnacles in English – are a delicacy found in western Portugal. They grow only on the wave-battered rocks of the west coast, making them dangerously difficult to harvest. Their strange appearance can be off-putting, and it’s an acquired taste, but an important part of western Algarve culinary culture.
Sagres & the lighthouse
Perched the southwestern tip of Portugal, Sagres feels wild and elemental, with towering cliffs and vast ocean views. The town has a buzzy surfing vibe with plenty of tempting restaurants, but perhaps the biggest draw is the Cabo de São Vicente. With just the lighthouse clinging to sheer cliffs, it’s a magical spot that’s refreshingly free of tourist development, and a fine place to catch the sunset.
Alvor boardwalk
This delightful boardwalk leads from the harbour, past the fishing huts and into the Alvor estuary, which is one of the most important wetlands in southern Portugal. The 5km route is flat and suitable for all the family.
Towns and Villages
Vila do Bispo
For all its surfy vibe, Vila do Bispo still feels like a traditional Algarvian town, threaded through with narrow streets lined with white houses. There’s a small but well-supported local market for fish and fresh produce, a good morning stop to pick up some picnic things before you head to one of the huge west coast beaches.
Salema
Salema is a lovely local place to visit when you feel like slowing the pace. It has a 1-km stretch of golden sand for strolling, playing or simply lounging on, and if the kids are at that dinosaur-loving stage, walk along to the western end of the beach and they can see actual dinosaur footprints preserved in the limestone rocks.
Luz
Lovely Luz – aka Praia da Luz – has developed into a watersports centre in recent years; its wonderful sandy beach is sheltered from strong ocean winds and currents by the distinctive Rocha Negra at one end of the calm bay. There are several WWII wrecks in the bay, making it a mecca for divers. But above all this is a family-friendly beach town, with an attractive promenade for your pre-dinner stroll and restaurants to tempt even the pickiest toddlers as well as fine diners.
Lagos
Once the capital of the Algarve, Lagos is part working town and part holiday port, and partly encircled by the remains of its vast city walls. The most intact remnants are at the Castelo dos Governadores, which forms an arched entrance into the town. The old town is a cobbled network of pedestrianised streets lined with restaurants, shops and houses with colourful azulejo-tiled facades. You could easily spend a day here, taking in the sobering Slave Trade Museum, the central market and the old Ponta da Bandeira fortress by the marina, and finishing up enjoying the views from the Ponte da Piedade.
Alvor
Alvor’s narrow cobbled streets brim with restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Evenings invite strolls to the riverfront for fresh seafood: daily catches grilled over open flames, paired with crisp Portuguese wine, and perhaps a live band playing. Nearby is the Ria de Alvor natural reserve, the western Algarve’s most important estuary where you can see riverfront fishing huts and shellfish gatherers on the mudflats at low tide. Alvor also has a fantastic long sandy beach with plenty of parking and easy flat access to the sand.
Monchique
Whitewashed houses sit in a sea of green in the hills of Monchique. This small town has become a centre for local artists and crafts people, and is one of the few places where the classic folding wooden chairs are still made. It’s a delightful place to wander, shop and enjoy the views, and if you feel like tackling something more strenuous, there are various walking paths from town that lead out through the forest to waterfalls and viewpoints. Try and allow enough time to pop to the hot springs just below at Caldas de Monchique, a thermal spa since Roman times with mineral-rich waters said to ease muscle pains and respiratory problems.
Things to do with kids
Lagos Zoo (Barão de São João)
This one is particularly good for younger children, with plenty of shade and a more relaxed atmosphere. With 140 species represented, you’ll find all the favourite animals are here, including monkeys, flamingos and penguins, and interactive feeding displays to give you a closer look.
Parque Aventura (nr Lagos)
Nestled in shady forest between Albufeira and Lagos, this tree-top high ropes park caters for kids as young as 4 (1m tall), with rope bridges, ziplines, spiderweb nets and more. Thrilling for all ages and a nice alternative to the beach for a few hours.
