Meia Praia – the #1 guide

Meia Praia is one of the Algarve’s most expansive and peaceful beaches, stretching for over four kilometers along the coast of Lagos. With soft golden sand, calm shallow waters, and plenty of space to unwind, it’s a favorite among locals and travelers looking to escape the crowds. Whether you’re here to swim, walk for miles, try water sports, or simply relax with a view, Meia Praia delivers an easygoing beach day with all the essentials. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit.

In this article you will find:

• What makes Meia Praia unique
• Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
• Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
• Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
• Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby

Why visit Meia Praia

• Endless space to unwind – at over 4 kilometers long, Meia Praia is one of the Algarve’s largest beaches, offering plenty of room to spread out, even in peak season.
• Ideal for long walks and runs – the flat, firm sand and uninterrupted stretch make it perfect for barefoot strolls or energizing jogs along the water’s edge.
• Safe, shallow waters – gently sloping shores and usually calm seas make swimming easy and family-friendly, especially for little ones.
• Excellent beach facilities – from beach bars to water sports and sunbeds, Meia Praia has everything you need for a full, comfortable beach day.
• Easy to reach from Lagos – just across the marina, this beach is within walking distance of town but feels like a world away from the buzz.

Curious to see Meia Praia? Then watch the short video below to get an impression.

 

What to expect at the beach

Literally, Meia Praia means half beach. This does not refer to its size. Meia Praia stretches for about 4,5 kilometres and is quite wide, making it the largest beach in the region of Lagos. It is actually one of the longest beaches in the entire Algarve. The beach runs from the eastern side of Lagos all the way to Ria de Alvor, forming a big natural bay. The name Meia Praia in fact refers to half of the long strip of sand from Lagos to Alvor (which is now divided by the river Ribeira de Odiáxere).

The sand on the beach is nice and very soft. It feels great to walk on this beach barefoot. Meia Praia is a very clean beach.

The sea here is very clean. The rock formations of Ponta da Piedade protect Meia Praia against waves from the southwest. This is why the sea here is relatively calm. There are no rocks in the water, which is great for swimming. Be warned that the sea can be very cold, even in the summer. The sea is very shallow at first and gets deeper very slowly. This makes it a good beach for families with young children. The beach is thus popular among Portuguese families, but also tourists find their way to this beach in the summer.

In the summer, the beach attracts many people. However, the size of Meia Praia is also the biggest advantage of the beach. There is plenty of room for everyone. Even in the height of summer it is easy to find a good spot on the beach. It feels uncrowded, even when many people are on the beach.

From the beach you have a great view over the town of Lagos.

The busiest part of the beach is the western side, because it is close to the marina of Lagos. From here, the more you walk to the east, the more quiet it will become. The eastern side of the beach is much less touristic than the western side. This part of the beach is perfect for people that like privacy, but want to stay close to a big town as well.

Unlike other beaches in Lagos (like Dona Ana and Camilo), Meia Praia is not surrounded by cliffs. The beach is backed by dunes. This makes that the beach can be quite windy on some days. Make sure to bring a parasol, which protects you from both the sun and the wind. And just as important: anchor your parasol securely into the ground, otherwise it might fly away. The wind on this beach also has its advantages. You will find a great variety of water sports here, including surfing, paragliding, sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and kitesurfing. If you don’t have any equipment, don’t worry, you can rent it on the beach.

From Meia Praia, you have a great view over the city of Lagos. The beach almost feels like a city viewpoint. On a clear day, it is possible to see quite far as well. To the west, it is possible to see as far as the coast of Sagres. To the east, you can see Alvor, the beaches of Portimão and even Carvoeiro on the horizon.

East of Meia Praia, you can find Ponta da Piedade and the other beaches of Lagos, including Camilo and Dona Ana. West of Meia Praia lies the beach of Alvor and Praia dos Três Irmãos. Lagos has so many nice things to see and do, it really is one of the best towns to visit when you are in the Algarve.

If you are lucky, you can see local fishermen bringing in the traditional nets to catch fish.

Other names

The western side of Meia Praia is sometimes called Praia de São Roque. Here you can also find the São Roque restaurant. The eastern side of the beach is sometimes referred to as Praia do Vale da Lama. Even though a different name is sometimes used, these parts of the beach all belong to Meia Praia.

Our tips

Want to experience Meia Praia like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:

• Start at the marina and walk east (towards the left when looking at the sea). Most people stick to the west end near Lagos, but if you walk 10-15 minutes east, the crowds vanish and the beach becomes wider, quieter, and absolutely serene.
• Swim near São Roque for warmer, calmer water. The western side tends to have slightly warmer water due to the marina’s sheltering effect and less breeze. It’s also where lifeguards are usually stationed.
• Watch for fishing nets in the early morning. Local fishermen still haul in nets at dawn. It is an incredible photo opportunity and one of the last remaining glimpses of traditional Algarve life.
• Try kitesurfing here if you’re curious. The eastern part of Meia Praia is a favorite for local kitesurfers thanks to the steady breeze and wide launch area. Lessons and rentals are available on-site, no experience needed.
• There’s a secret panoramic viewpoint above the train station. Walk up the road behind the station for sweeping views of the entire bay, Lagos, and even Alvor in the distance. Perfect at golden hour.

Beach walks

The size of Meia Praia makes it perfect for long beach walks or running on the beach. It is so peaceful to just walk along the ocean and hear the sound of waves and seagulls in the background. The best way to walk is to the east (to the left when you are looking at the ocean). The further you walk east, the more quiet it will become. If you walk far enough, you will even reach an area where nudism is allowed. The eastern side of the beach is quite popular among naturists and dog owners.

Beach bars and restaurants

There are many restaurants and bars on Meia Praia, especially on the western side of the beach. They are open all day long, also in the evening. Every entrance to the beach has at least one bar. Some good beach bars/restaurants are:

• Linda Beach Bar (on the western side)
• Bahia Beach Bar (on the western side)
• Palmares Beach Club (in the middle section of the beach)
• Bar Quim (in the middle section of the beach)

How to get there & parking

It is possible to get to Meia Praia on foot or by car, bus, train or water taxi.

Walking

If you are in the marina of Lagos, the beach is only a couple minutes by foot. You can literally cross the bridge in the harbour and you will be on the beach in minutes.

By car

The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. If you come by car, there is a road along the beach, called M534. There is plenty of space to park your car near the beach. The more you are on the eastern side, the easier it will be to find a parking spot.

By bus

When you go by bus, you can take bus number 2, which follows a route along several beaches, including Porto de Mós and Dona Ana. Buses usually go every hour.

By train

There is also a small train station at the eastern, more quiet side of Meia Praia. However, the train goes at very irregular times, so going there by train is not recommended.

By water taxi

Finally, it is also possible to reach Meia Praia by water taxi. You can take the water taxi from Avenida dos Descobrimentos in Lagos. The boat takes you over the estuary near the town center.

 

Top excursions nearby

Ready to make your trip unforgettable? The Lagos area offers some of the Algarve’s most epic adventures, from boat tours along dramatic sea cliffs to exploring the caves and grottos of Ponta da Piedade. Whether you’re into kayaking, dolphin watching, or hidden beach discoveries, there’s something here you’ll never forget. The best part? You can book the top-rated experiences online right now. Scroll down to see our handpicked favorites.

 

Best hotels near the beach

Looking for a great place to stay near Meia Praia? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:

• Apartamento Nora. This apartment is located near the middle section of the beach and offers great value for money. Highly rated.
• Marina Beach Apartment. Located right near the marina, this hotel is one of the highest rated in the area.
• Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel. This five star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a great restaurant. This hotel is located almost two kilometres above the east side of the beach, a bit further from the center. Many possibilities for hiking and cycling nearby. Excellent if you prefer a peaceful holiday.

Since Meia Praia is such a big beach, make sure to check the location of your hotel before you book it. It could be disappointing to find out that your hotel is far from the center of Lagos and requires a taxi drive.

Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.

 

Beach facilities

On the western side of the beach, near the marina of Lagos, there are more facilities than on the eastern side of the beach, which is more quiet. There are plenty of sunbeds around. Lifeguards overlook the tourists on several parts of the beach. Also, many kinds of water sports are available. The beach is furthermore accessible by wheelchair. Finally, there is a 18 hole golf course above the eastern side of the beach, called Onyria Palmares Golf.

Facilities in Meia praia:

• Restaurant: yes
• Bar/club: yes
• Toilet: yes
• Shower: yes
• Water sports: yes
• Sunbeds: yes
• Parking: yes
• Lifeguards: yes, on several parts of the beach
• Blue Flag beach: yes