The Meia Praia beach is the largest beach in Lagos and a great place to head to for a day on the beach. The 4km continuous stretch of golden sand is bound by wide grassed sandbanks and stretches from Lagos all the way to the Odiáxere River mouth near Alvor. The beach manages to maintain a very low-key atmosphere with small beach cafes and bars dotted along the edge. The main advantage of Meia Praia over the other beaches of Lagos is the size, even at the height of the tourist season there can be space found.

The Praia da Batata is the closest beach to the historic centre of Lagos, and is just to the south of the Forte Ponta da Bandeira. The Praia da Batata is another attractive beach and is surrounded by the golden coloured cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland. The cliffs shelter the beach from the powerful waves and sea breezes, and this peaceful natural setting makes the Praia da Batata ideal for families and swimming. The only downside to the beach, is the close proximity to the city, which means that it can be very busy in the summer.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches around and possibly the most photographed on the Algarve. Located just west of Lagos, Praia Dona Ana can be walked to by the coastal pathway and has beautiful coves and cliffs. Also abundant near Praia de Dona Ana are caves and rock formations, which are best explored on one of the readily available boat or snorkel trips. The beach is small (200 m long) and very popular even though it is accessed via a cliff stairway (not too steep and not too many steps). It is picture postcard stuff being in a slightly curved half-circle framed by cliffs and the water is crystal clear. Because the beach faces east it is sheltered from the prevailing westerly wind. There is plenty of parking and there are cliff side restaurants overlooking the beach.

Along with neighbouring Praia Dona Ana, the beach of Camilo is Lagos' (if not one of the Algarve's) iconic beach. Whilst Dona Ana may have the slight edge when it comes to outlandish, cohre rock formations and grottoes, Praia do Camilo shares the same golden sand and crystal clear, azure waters. To reach the beach involves negotiating the 200 wooden steps which wind their way down the orange cliffs. These same cliffs offer shelter from the ocean winds making Praia do Camilo a veritable suntrap and safe for swimming. A short walk to the south of Camilo is the stunning Ponta da Piedade, a series of sandstone rock arches and sea stacks off Lagos' most southerly headland.

Porto de Mós is one of the longest beaches in the Lagos area, stretching for well over a kilometre; only Meia Praia on the other side of the town is bigger. This is yet another fine Algarve beach and provides a quieter alternative to Lagos' often busy beaches. Here you will find the same golden sandstone cliffs, fine sand and clear blue sea. There is even a choice of beachside cafes and restaurants along with all the facilities one would expect from a Blue Flag beach. However, at Praia de Porto de Mós you will also find plenty of space.