LAGOS OR ALBUFEIRA: WHICH IS BETTER?
The Algarve, Portugal’s southern gem, is a top destination for sunseekers, beach lovers, and culture enthusiasts. Lagos and Albufeira are two of its most popular towns, each with its own unique character. But which one is better for your next holiday?
We’ve spent time exploring both to help you decide. From nightlife to beaches, accommodation to restaurants, here’s the ultimate comparison – with a verdict for each category.
Which is better Lagos or Albufeira?
When deciding between Lagos and Albufeira, it’s important to consider what kind of holiday you’re after. Are you looking for laid-back charm, history, and dramatic coastlines? Or do you prefer lively nightlife, family-friendly attractions, and long sandy beaches?
Both towns have a lot to offer and whilst they are fairly close to one another, they cater to quite different tastes.
Lagos: Our experience
We arrived to Lagos after a couple of weeks of walking the Fisherman’s Trail – a long distance hike in the south west of Portugal. Lagos was our first whiff of a busy town in what felt like ages and it was super exciting to arrive.
Lagos has a relaxed, bohemian vibe that instantly made us feel at ease. It has the feel of a proper town, somewhere people actually live, but that is also visited by tourists. There’s an old town, which is a touch hipster, buzzy and a treat to get lost in.
One of our favourite things about Lagos is its size. It’s compact enough to explore on foot but packed with hidden gems. From boutique shops selling Portuguese ceramics and colourful homewares to quirky cafes. We spent hours soaking up the atmosphere at Praça Infante Dom Henrique, the main square, visiting the Fort and Castle, and generally bouncing around the old town (fuelled by some pretty fierce coffee picked up at trend shop Black & White.)
The coastline here is breath-taking. Even after seeing 200km of coast, we were still chuffed to see Ponta da Piedade, with its dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are two of the most wildly pretty beaches we’ve ever seen, perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming if the weather is fine.
Whatever the weather, the boardwalks around Lagos’ beaches are pretty awesome for a morning run, or an afternoon stroll.
Albufeira: Our experience
We headed down to Albufeira with some friends for a post-wedding celebration (theirs not ours) in the height of summer.
Albufeira is a tale of two halves. The old town, should be charming with it’s little squares and narrow streets. It is pretty, but has perhaps lost some original charm, replaced by many shops and tourist centred restaurants. Then you have the strip – a lot more high energy to say it politely. Neon lights, booming music, and packed bars.
We found Albufeira’s beaches to be its biggest draw. Praia dos Pescadores, located right by the old town, is a long, golden stretch of sand perfect for families and groups. I visited this beach in the morning to have a quiet swim and practise some beach yoga (having not hit up the strip the previous night!).
Further afield, Praia da Coelha and Praia da Falesia offer quieter, more picturesque spots.
For families, Albufeira has plenty of attractions like water parks and boat trips. Zoomarine, a marine park with shows and rides, is a hit with kids. There’s also some fun things to do in like kayaking and visiting sea caves.
We also enjoyed heading out on a boat tour with friends – we hired a catamaran for the day, locked and loaded with wine and it was a total treat. Boats are easy to hire with a skipper, but best reserved in advance. Or, you can join a group boat trip. This one, includes a open bar.
Lagos or Albufeira: which has better accommodation?
Lagos excels in boutique accommodations. Many of the guesthouses, apartments and small hotels have a personal touch, with stylish interiors and friendly hosts. Like Alto Mar Inn. We stayed at a a causal guesthouse, Little Break, in the heart of the Old Town, an absolute bargain considering we had our own terrace. For those seeking luxury, there are cliffside villas and upscale hotels offering stunning ocean views on the edges of Lagos.
Albufeira, meanwhile, has a wide range of resorts and all-inclusive hotels like the Velemar Boutique Hotel or W Hotel. If you’re traveling with kids or in a large group, the convenience of a resort with pools, restaurants, and entertainment may suit you. Budget travellers can stay in Albufeira, but I’d say that mid-range and budget accommodation is perhaps not as good value as you’d find elsewhere, Lagos for example.
Verdict: For boutique charm and a more intimate experience, Lagos is the winner. It also offers better value for money if you’re looking for hostels or budget hotels. For families and those seeking resort-style convenience, Albufeira takes the crown.
Lagos or Albufeira: which has better restaurants?
Lagos offers a fun dining experience. There’s lots of choice, from seafood spots like O Camilo, to small tapas places in town. You’ll also find the usual sushi places and international food like Italian and Korean. For fine dining, there are also some good options – Avenida, which has a contemporary tasting menu. Or Don Sebastião, which offers traditional food.
Albufeira has a range of dining options, but the quality can be hit or miss in our experience. Along the Strip, you’ll find plenty of international fare – think burgers, pizzas, and pub grub. For a more authentic experience, head to the old town where restaurants serve grilled sardines, cataplana, and piri-piri chicken. There are also a couple of fine dining places – including Vila Joya, which has two Michelin Stars and seaviews for days.
That said, we didn’t find anywhere to eat on our trip that felt genuinely authentic, especially at a reasonable price. Food is normally good value and good quality in Portugal, but Albufeira restaurants didn’t quite hit the mark for us.
Verdict: Lagos wins for foodies who want quality and authenticity. Albufeira is better for variety and convenience.
Lagos or Albufeira: which has better nightlife?
Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s nightlife capitals. The Strip is a hub of bars, clubs, and late-night fun, attracting a younger, party-loving crowd. Even in the old town, you’ll find live music and lively bars that keep the energy going. Find more info on Albufeira’s nightlife here.
Lagos’ nightlife is more low-key. It’s about cozy bars, live music, and late-night drinks. We enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of Three Monkeys Bar and it’s pool table. If you prefer a more relaxed evening out, Lagos is the better choice.
Verdict: Albufeira is the clear winner for partygoers. Lagos is ideal for those who want a more chilled nightlife scene.
Lagos or Albufeira: which has better beaches?
This is a tough one because both towns have incredible beaches, but they offer very different experiences.
Lagos’ beaches are dramatic and photogenic. Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are smaller but stunning, surrounded by cliffs and turquoise waters.
Albufeira’s beaches are larger and more family-friendly. Praia dos Pescadores is perfect for lounging, while Praia da Falesia stretches for miles, offering space even in peak season.
Verdict: Lagos wins for scenic beauty and unique coastal features. Albufeira is better for families and those who prefer larger, more accessible beaches.
Lagos or Albufeira: which is better value for money?
Lagos feels like better value for money when it comes to food, activities, and accommodations. While it’s a popular destination, it hasn’t been overrun by tourism in the same way as Albufeira. You can enjoy high-quality meals and experiences without breaking the bank. Cocktail and wine bars offer very reasonable prices – a €5 G&T or a €3 glass of wine is easy to find.
Albufeira, with its larger resorts and tourist infrastructure, can feel pricier in peak season. All-inclusive deals can also be a cost-effective choice for families and groups. But we found drinks a little spenny in some of the main streets.
Verdict: Lagos offers better value for couples and solo travellers. Albufeira’s all-inclusive deals are great for families and budget-conscious groups.
<<<Find all Portugal content here
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
15 best hikes in Europe for April
15 BEST HIKES IN EUROPE FOR APRIL. April is a wonderful month to enjoy hiking in Europe, whether you’re looking for a long distance trail or a few days of trekking. But, you have to pick wisely to find the best hiking weather. In the north, trails might still be snowbound. But head a little…
10 Hiking Routes in Europe for December: chasing the sun
10 HIKING ROUTES IN EUROPE FOR DECEMBER: CHASING THE SUN. Late last December, we set out to walk the Fisherman’s Trail. A long distance hiking trail that wraps around the very south western point of Portugal and takes in the best of the Algarve. Not a day went by when we didn’t pinch ourselves, feeling…
13 Best Places in Europe to Hike in September
THE BEST PLACES IN EUROPE TO HIKE IN SEPTEMBER. There’s something satisfying about hiking in September. Catching the last of the summer weather, but travelling once the crowds are long gone. Call me selfish, but I’m currently researching our next hiking trip for later this year. We hope to take on a new long-distance hiking…
Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find yours on here and get the travelling started!
USEFUL LINKS FOR FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
CHECK LATEST FLIGHTS
ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please note that some links on our website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate links does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows us to keep writing independent travel guides and your support is greatly appreciated.