Praia de Porto de Mós – the #1 guide
Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the Algarve’s most underrated gems. It is a wide, golden beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rolling Atlantic waves. Located just 4 km from Lagos, it offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty, space to unwind, and just enough waves for water sports lovers. Whether you’re here to surf, swim, or simply soak up the sunset with your toes in the sand, Porto de Mós is a laid-back alternative to the busier beaches nearby. It’s the kind of place where locals go to escape, and visitors come back to again and again.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Porto de Mós 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 Praia de Porto de Mós
- Expansive and peaceful – one of the longest beaches near Lagos, there’s always room to spread out, even in peak summer.
- Scenic surroundings – framed by steep cliffs and open skies, it’s one of the Algarve’s most photogenic stretches of coastline.
- Surf-friendly waves – with bigger swells than most Lagos beaches, it’s a favorite spot for surfers and bodyboarders.
- Easygoing atmosphere – less crowded than central beaches, it’s loved by locals and travelers looking to escape the noise.
- Sunset views – the west-facing beach offers unforgettable sunsets, best enjoyed with a drink at one of the beachfront restaurants.
If you would like to discover the beauty of this beach, then watch the short video below. It gives you an overview of the beach and its surroundings.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Porto de Mós is surrounded by two high cliffs on both sides. This makes it a very scenic beach.
The sand here is fine and golden. It feels nice on the feet. The water is clean, very clear and not too cold. Watch out for rocks in the water though. It can be easy to hurt yourself here. During low tide, the sea has small rocks on the floor. This can be a bit hard on the feet. It is best to swim here during high tide, as you will will be standing on sand, as opposed to standing on small rocks.
Praia de Porto de Mós is situated to the west of Ponta da Piedade, unlike most of the other beaches of Lagos. Ponta da Piedade acts as a natural defense against the waves from the southwest. This means that there are bigger waves near Porto de Mós than on the other beaches of Lagos. The sea can be quite rough, so be careful with children in the sea. Porto de Mós is the best beach in Lagos for surfing and other water sports. You will probably see several surfers in the water.
Praia de Porto de Mós is quite long: it stretches for over a kilometre. It is the second biggest beach near Lagos, after Meia Praia. This gives everybody enough space to find a spot easily.
There is no shade on the beach however, so make sure to bring your own parasol. If you don’t have one, there is the possibility to rent a sunbed. On this beach you can also rent kayaks and pedal boats, which you can use to go all the way to Ponta da Piedade. This is a fantastic experience.
In summer, the beach can get a bit crowded. However, because the beach is 4 kilometres from Lagos, it is less crowded than the other beaches of Lagos. This is the biggest advantage of the beach and makes Porto de Mós a great escape from the crowded city beaches of Lagos. Praia de Porto de Mós is mostly visited by locals and Portuguese families.
Sunset
The sunset from Praia de Porto de Mós is marvelous. Make sure to stay on the beach for the sunset.
Cliff views
Standing on the cliffs surrounding Praia de Porto de Mós, you will have a good view over the beach. From these cliffs you can walk to the east, all the way to the lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade. This walk is highly recommended, since it offers you great views of the Lagos coast. There is also a walking trail towards the west. Walking in this direction, you will find a nice viewpoint called Atalaia. From there you can see the village of Luz and the coastline, all the way up to Sagres.
Beach walk
The size of Praia de Porto de Mós makes it ideal for a walk along the sea. The beach is long enough to walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Praia de Porto de Mós is already peaceful, but you will find even more peace and quiet when you go for a beach walk.
You can walk all the way to the east (on the left side). There is another small beach, which is separated from Porto de Mós by a cliff. During low tide, you can walk around the cliff and reach the other beach, called Praia do Canavial. It is not easy to enter Praia do Canavial, but the beach is very beautiful. The beach is also significantly quieter than Porto de Mós. By the way, Praia do Canavial is an unofficial nude beach.
Stone structures
When walking on the beach, you might encounter some stone structures, looking like pyramids. Building them is a local tradition.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Porto de Mós like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Visit just after high tide for the best swim. At low tide, small submerged rocks can be uncomfortable on your feet. Around mid- to high tide, the water shifts over the sandbank, giving you a smoother and safer swim.
- Head to the far west end of the beach (the right side of the beach when looking at the sea). Fewer crowds, more cliff shade in the afternoon, and often the best spot to stretch out without paying for sunbeds.
- Walk the clifftop trail toward Ponta da Piedade. Start from the east end of the beach and head up. The views over Porto de Mós and the coastline are jaw-dropping, especially around golden hour.
- Rent a kayak and go west. While most tourists paddle east to Ponta da Piedade, going west toward Praia da Luz gives you dramatic cliffs and sea caves with barely another soul in sight.
- Bring reef shoes if you’re planning to explore. Especially if you want to walk east toward Praia do Canavial during low tide. It’s rocky and slippery but totally worth it.
Beach restaurants
There are two restaurants right on the beach, one called Antonio and the other one called Campimar. Both serve lunch and dinner. Antonio gets mixed reviews. Our favourite is Campimar. The food at Campimar is tasty and the service is excellent. Prices are reasonable. The restaurant provides great views over the beach and the surrounding cliffs. Also it is a perfect place to watch the sunset from. You can sit either inside or outside. During high season it is best to make a reservation, to guarantee a spot when you are hungry.
How to get there & parking
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. When you are in Lagos, follow the Avenida dos Descobrimentos and turn left at the roundabout near the fire station. From then on, just continue straight and follow the signs. Otherwise, you can enter the following address in your GPS: Estrada Porto de Mos, 8600, Lagos, Portugal. There is plenty of space to park your car near the beach.
By taxi
A taxi from Lagos can take you to Porto de Mós beach in 10 minutes. A taxi costs around € 6.
By foot
The beach is about 30 minutes walking distance from the center of Lagos. The fastest route is not along the coast, so there are no beautiful panaramas on the way.
By bus
Praia de Porto de Mós can also be reached by bus. Take bus line number 2 from Lagos, which goes every hour and follows the beach route. A bus ticket costs around € 1,20.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia de Porto de Mós? 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:
- Belmar Spa & Beach Resort. This four star resort offers luxurious spa treatments, Turkish bath and has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. It overlooks the beach of Porto de Mós.
- Villa Esmeralda. Located only 30 metres from the beach, this Villa has a tropical palm garden and balconies with sea view.
- Porto de Mos Golf & Beach B&B. This bed & breakfast provides excellent value for money, and is highly rated.
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.
Top excursions nearby
Looking for unforgettable things to do around Lagos? Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic caves of Ponta da Piedade or cruise along the stunning Algarve coastline by boat. These experiences are not only breathtaking; they’re easy to book online in advance, so you skip the lines and secure your spot. Below, we’ve handpicked the top-rated excursions you shouldn’t miss. Book now and make your trip extraordinary.
FAQ
Yes, Praia de Porto de Mós is popular with families due to its spacious sand, lifeguard presence in summer, and relatively clean facilities. However, the waves can be stronger than at other beaches, so supervision is key for small children.
Yes, there’s free parking just above the beach with enough space for many vehicles. Still, it can fill up quickly during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early.
The sand is golden and fine, very comfortable for walking or lounging. It’s one of the softest among the western Algarve beaches.
Yes, but with caution. The waves here can be stronger than at more sheltered beaches, especially in the afternoon.
Absolutely. It’s one of the best surf spots around Lagos thanks to consistent swell and open exposure to the Atlantic. Surfboards can be rented nearby, and local schools offer lessons.
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy softer light. The best months are May through September.
Yes, it’s about a 30-minute walk from the town center. The route is direct but not scenic, so many opt to take a car or taxi.
You can swim, surf, kayak, paddleboard, and even walk along scenic cliff trails. Excursions and gear rentals are available nearby.
No natural shade is available, so bring your own umbrella or rent one. The cliffs offer some protection from wind but not from sun.
Yes, the sunset views here are incredible. The beach faces west, making it one of the best sunset spots near Lagos.
Yes, the clear waters and nearby rocky areas make for decent snorkeling conditions, especially early in the day when the sea is calm.
Beach facilities
There are good facilities around the beach. Water sport enthusiasts can have a lot of fun, since there is a good variety of water sports that can be experienced here. There are sunbeds available, costing € 13 for two beds for a full day. The beach is supervised by lifeguards during the summer. Praia de Porto de Mós is easily accessible, also by wheelchair.
Facilities in Praia de Porto de Mós:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
