Lagos, Portugal is one of my favorite towns in the Algarve for countless reasons. Full disclosure: I’m biased because I’ve been living here for a few years now. That said, objectively, one of the reasons Lagos is a go-to coastal town for visitors is because of the spectacular views you can easily find throughout town. As part of our Best of Lagos series, this article shares our favorite places to view Lagos from above.
Best Views & Rooftop Bars in Lagos, Portugal
1. Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade is a must-visit lookout point if you’re coming to Lagos. You can see the endless ocean horizon and the famous sea caves from above. To get the most views, hike from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade, stopping at beaches and restaurants along the way. If you’re on a time crunch or really only want it for the views, you can e-bike, take the local Onda bus, hop on the tourist train, self drive, or call an Uber/Bolt.
If you have limited mobility, the tourist train is a good option because it stops right before the boardwalk that leads to the famous Ponta da Piedade view points. You can get more details on our Lagos Public Transportation Guide.
Here’s a little preview of a sunset hike and picnic to Ponta da Piedade:
2. Mare Restaurant
Mare is a restaurant located above the historic fish market near Old Town Lagos. We’ve been here to eat a couple times, and it’s not our favorite food in town (although we do enjoy the fondue holiday specials). However, the views are spectacular.
You can stop by Mare for a drink at one of the balcony tables for an amazing view of Meia Praia, the channel where boats go in and out all day, and the constant activity of Avenida dos Descobrimentos.
3. Skybar
Skybar Lagos is a rooftop bar that overlooks one of the main town squares: Praça Gil Eanes. Skybar serves cocktails and other drinks (no food). It’s open in the evenings, making for a perfect sunset or nighttime view of Lagos. Sometimes, they even have live music too!
Side note: check out our favorite live music venues in Lagos if you’re looking to dance and sing throughout your next visit.
4. Bon Vivant Rooftop Bar
Bon Vivant Rooftop Bar is a busy rooftop bar in Old Town Lagos that’s great for people watching. You can find views of one of the most active streets in Lagos and of the nearby church. It can be tricky to get a table during peak hours, and you’ll be taking several flights of stairs to reach this rooftop so plan accordingly!
5. MAR – Restaurant & Bar
If you’re looking for nature views but don’t want to make the trek to Ponta da Piedade, one of our favorites is from the MAR restaurant. It has some stunning views of the sea and beautiful rocks surrounding Praia dos Estudantes. Plus, out of all our favorite viewpoints, this restaurant actually serves some delicious food as well. You can enjoy a variety of dishes while soaking in the scenery.
6. Monumento à São Gonçalo de Lagos
A classic viewpoint of Praia da Batata and Meia Praia is the lookout area that has huge statue of São Gonçalo de Lagos. It’s a great place to stop while walking along town or as a place to soak in the view before heading to the beach.
7. Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant
Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant takes you a bit out of town while still being pretty easily accessible. This rooftop overlooks Praia Dona Ana with plenty of food and drink options. They also feature live music from time to time. It’s a great place to soak in the views with friends or for a special date night.
We hope you enjoy your visit in Lagos and get to see the entire town from these favorite viewpoints. If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our Best of Lagos series on our blog or head to our YouTube and Instagram for daily updates!
Leave a Reply