Plan To Explore The Ponta da Piedade Cliff Walk On A Visit To Lagos
On a stay in the Algarve, we explored the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk on a visit to Lagos. We were amazed at this view of more cliffs and caves along the Algarve Coast.
We started our day trip exploring the Carvoeiro Algar Seco cliff boardwalk. And headed to Lagos for more cliff views. But when we arrived in Lagos we found so much more to see and do.
The harbour marina area in Lagos offered many treats and a tasty lunch too. Wandering just outside of town we visited the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and the Lagos Castle as we wandered along the upper cliffs.
We continued along the coast and when we saw the Piedade Lighthouse we knew this was the spot to explore the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk. Every view we got of the stunning cliff views confirmed our love of the Algarve area in Portugal.
Exploring The Harbour Marina In Lagos
When we arrived in Lagos, we headed right for the waterfront. We found a restaurant with a water view and ordered a good lunch. After our hike on the Carvoeiro Algar Seco cliff boardwalk we needed a break and some fuel. Â
After we ate we wandered around the marina area. We saw a multitude of different ways to tour Lagos. We even saw the hop-on-hop-off train to see all the major sites in Lagos. And we found lots of ways to have fun on the water.
We went up on the pedestrian bridge over the water and watched the water traffic. But we did not cross the bridge to explore the shops along the waterway. Beside the bridge we even found a fun tuk-tuk coffee stop.
There were a few sites we wanted to explore in Lagos so we backtracked and got our car.
Exploring The Tourist Sites In Lagos
We headed up Avenida dos Descobrimentos to the hill that overlooked the harbour and found a public parking spot. As we walked down the hill, we saw several of the stops we planned. We paused at the S Goncalo de Lagos statue and took in the views from all sides. S Goncalo de Lagos was a local saint from a fishing family in Lagos.
We next stopped at the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira (also known as Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França). It was built to defend Lagos in the 17th Century. We stopped by the drawbridge over the moat and then wandered around the building. On this trip, we had no time to explore the inside of this fort to see this well-preserved naval fortification or the chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara. Art exhibitions were regularly hosted inside.
On our walk along the water, we paused and looked out at more of the cliffs of the Algarve and the sheltered swimming area. Off in the distance surfers checked out the waves.
We found much to see along the waterfront on the Avenida dos Descobrimentos but we saved time to explore the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk.
A Stop At The Lagos Castle
Across the street from the Fort was the Lagos Castle – also known as the Governor’s Castle or Castelo dos Governadores. This National Monument was originally built by the Romans and was expanded after the conquest by the Moors. It served as the House of the Governors of the Algarve until the great earthquake of 1755.
We started our walk at the Jardim Da Constituição and explored the outer walls. At one end outside the walls we saw the Igreja Santa Maria.
At one time, the walls of the Lagos encircled what was the town of Lagos. We walked through the St. Goncalo’s Gate. This gate was named for the saint whose statue we saw earlier. Inside the portal we found a shrine in the saint’s honor. And on the other side we got a glimpse of the streets of old town.
We had no time to explore more of the Lagos Castle. It was time we moved on to the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk.
Wandering Along The Ponta da Piedade Cliff Walk
We moved the car a third time in Lagos and parked close to the Ponta da Piedade (Piety Point). The Piedade Lighthouse was our first stop. From there we headed along the boardwalk on top of the cliffs. But it soon became obvious that this was not the spot for great cliff views.
We went back towards the parking lot and headed out on the cliffs at that point. The Ponta da Piedade cliff walk took us out over the view of the limestone coastline. We were amazed when we walked right to the cliff edge with no fence or guard rails. But we saw people as they scrambled up to the top of the rocky peaks.
From there we walked along the shore to the left and got a great view of towering sea pillars from different sides. We saw rock faces all chiselled from pounding waves.
Our first view at the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk had us entranced.
A View Down To The Caves
We headed to the right side and again were awed by the view down at the cliffs and caves of the Algarve Coast. The rocky cliffs were fascinating. As we moved on, the vista ahead showed stunning rock arches and hidden grottos. We saw the stairway that led to the lower levels. But on this visit, we did not go to the bottom.
We were intrigued with the variety of caves and arches carved into the limestone. Through the arches we saw the bright blue green seas.
When we walked further down the path, we got a view down along the shore. And saw the boardwalk we started on.
There were some shops and a cafe by the parking lot. But we were ready to head back. The views of the cliffs and caves from the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk were simply stunning. We were glad we made a day trip to Lagos and did not miss this treat.
Happy We Explored The Ponta da Piedade Cliff Walk On A Visit To Lagos
Our day trip on our stay in the Algarve gave us some stunning views of the cliffs and caves along the Algarve Coast. We headed to Lagos to explore the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk and were amazed at the fantastic views we got.
It was great to explore the cliffs from the top. We drove to the site but saw that the Lagos hop-on-hop-off bus stopped here too. But also we learned there were boat trips from the harbour to see the cliffs and caves from the water level.
We were glad we spent some time in the city of Lagos too. The harbour marina and the local historical sites were great stops on our visit. We were sure there was much more to discover if we planned a longer visit to Lagos.
Did you explore the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk on a visit to Lagos? Did you find other cliff and cave sites close to Lagos?
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I’ve never spent enough time in Portugal – and it’s such an amazing country. Lagos is one of the places I still need to visit. It looks beautiful and I appreciate that I could tour it by public bus. Those rocks really…rock. Looking at your pictures, I’m getting all dreamy – I need summer! Oh, and I have a question: Did you actually eat fish and chips and mushy peas…in Portugal?! Shocker! 😀
With so many British people in Portugal, there was traditional English food everywhere. And yes, one meal one of us passed on fresh grilled local fish! Cravings you know! We love the Algarve and always try to visit when we return.
I have good memories of Lagos as I visited several times from my hometown in Málaga. Love how the beaches are so unique and the soft sand.
Great to be able to visit Lagos regularly. We will definitely go back.
What a great place for a vacation! The scenery and food all look amazing!
We loved our visit to Lagos in the Algarve.
I haven’t been to the Algarve yet but now am tempted. Loved your photos – the caves look amazing!
We have visited the Algarve a few times but this visit we spent more time exploring the cliffs on the coast. The caves below the Ponta da Piedade in Lagos looked stunning. We would have loved to see them from below.
Lagos has some beautiful scenery, doesn’t it? I would also enjoy a walk among the rocky cliffs and caves with a constant view of the waves crashing below. These rock formations almost look like they were formed by giants playing with wet sand! I had no idea the Romans had built anything in Lagos — the castle is very interesting. Portugal is on our list; I’m hoping we can go within a year or two!
I hope you do get to visit Lagos when you get to Portugal. We were delighted with all the things there was to see and do. And the Ponte da Piedade cliff walk would definitely draw us back.
I’d love to explore this area in Portugal. It’s always a nice surprise when you find there’s a lot more to see and do in an area, glad you had the time to explore it. The food at the marina looks delicious too.
Lagos was a great discover and we sure found more than we expected. We went for the cliff walk along the Ponta da Piedade and found so much more!
This seriously looks so beautiful!
Lagos was a great spot for views for sure.
WHOA! Those cliffs and rock faces are STUNNING and you captured them so beautifully! Can’t wait to explore this part of the world some day!
We spent the day chasing cliff views on the Algarve Coast and we so glad we made it to Lago to see the Ponta da Piedade. Hope you do get to visit.
Would love to explore the Ponta da Piedade cliff walk in Lagos. Those caves are especially beautiful!
We really want to go back again to the Ponta da Piedade in Lagos and get down to the water level. And a boat trip would be fascinating too.
Portugal is definitely on my list of places to see and after seeing your photos and reading your blog it just makes me want to go more.
Portugal is one of our favourite countries and we always love the amazing spots we have visited in the Algarve. Those cliff views just can’t be beat!
Portugal has always attached my interest and I’ve only seen a small part of the country. These has been an inviting and enjoying post that has certainly sparked my interest.
I hope you do get to return to Portugal and see the amazing coastline in the Algarve. Simply stunning!
We are visiting Lagos this summer and I am definitely gonna try this cliff walk. The views look spectacular. I cannot wait to visit it. Bookmarking it for our trip 🙂
You are going to love visiting Lagos when you get to Portugal. The Ponta da Piedade was amazing to visit. One day we will go back and explore it from different perspectives. A boat trip would be amazing.
The Ponta da Piedade was my favourite thing in Lagos. The cliffs are so stunning and spectacular! I did just a fraction of the Carvoeiro to Algar boardwalk but would love to go back and do the entire hike.
This whole region in the Algarve is so stunning. Worth more than one visit!
This is beautiful! I’ve seen pictures before, but never knew much about the cliffs. Great information to have for when I plan to visit!
I hope you do get to visit the cliffs in Lagos if you visit Portugal. They are truly worth a visit.
I made some tough choices when in Portugal and skipped Lagos. I can see that I need to go back. The cliff walk is my type of nirvana.
It is always a hard decision on what to see in Portugal and the Algarve may be even harder. You can put it on the list for a return visit.
Looks so beautiful, all the food, views and historical sites. Definitely want to visit one day
We would definitely to back to Lagos when we return to the Algarve.
I can’t wait to go back! Lagos is so nice and Ponta da Piedade is so beautiful. Think next time I might try the sunrise canoe trip! Must be magical during that time of day!
We too want to get out on the water to enjoy another perspective on the Ponta da Piedade. A sunset canoe trip sounds perfect!
Algarve has been on my list for so long now, you really make me wanna go asap! Thank you for sharing all of this, I will keep it for when I go 🙂
I hope you do get a trip planned to the Algarve and don’t miss Lagos. We had only a short visit but will return for a longer visit the next time.
We had terrible weather when we went to Lagos – always said we would go back one day to do this walk
We had amazing weather for our whole stay on the Algarve and this sure did help with how much we saw and did. But a good reason to go back.
I do love a coastal walk and this one looks incredible, the views down to the rocks is stunning. I have never considered Lagos as a destination but now I have seen your post it has changed my mind. The harbour looks a lovely place to wander around and try out some freshly caught fish.
We were surprised at how much we found to see and do in Lagos. Seafood is always a great reason for us to pick a spot. And we’re glad we left time to wander the cliff walk at the Ponta da Piedade.
Wow! what an incredible walk. The views are stunning. Have you followed the staircase to the bottom before?
Sadly we did not have time to go down and explore the caves at the water level. Next time for sure.
That’s a cool hop-on, hop-off train. It reminds me of Noddy in Toyland from Enid Blyton’s books. I would love to do this walk, The old town looks well preserved, that fish laid out in blue tiles (i am presuming it’s tiles) on the street really adds to the vibe. A little dreamy, but it would be so cool to sail through the arches. It’s so blue and beautiful.
So many great things to find when we wandered in Lagos. So glad we did not miss the views from the Ponta da Piedade.
I have not visited Portugal yet and am hearing about Lagos for the first time. The cliffs look so picturesque with the sea pillars, arches and grottos. The staircase to reach the bottom looks a bit daunting but adventuous. I am adding Lagos to my bucket list. Your food images are inviting! 🙂
I do hope you get to visit Lagos and the great cliffs at the Ponta da Piedade one day. A great day trip for us.
I have heard before that Algarve is a great place to explore if you like cliff walks. I am stunned at how big the contrast is between the Lagos waterfront and the cliffs – taking in consideration that it doesn’t take long to walk from one to another. I’m also amazed that there is a boarded walkaway all the way down to the sea level, from the top of the cliffs. I can imagine that under the cliffs it’s a really cool spot to sunbathe but also enjoy a bit of natural shade as well, when you get too hot. Swimming in those grottos would be pretty exciting as well.
We loved the view from the top of the Ponta da Piedade. But next visit we will plan to go down and explore. And maybe even get on the water for another view.
This sounds like it was an incredible trip. From the tuk-tuk coffee shop to the amazing cliff walk. I’d love to have this experience. Thank you so much for sharing!
We were surprised at how much we found to see and do in Lagos. We want for the cliff views from the Ponta da Piedade and found so much more!
Sounds like an epic adventure! We just got back from Portugal last week but only the northern part of the country this time (Porto and Coimbra). Have yet to discover more of Algarve. The breathtaking cliffs, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the dramatic rock formations make me wish we were going to Lagos this summer. I can almost feel the salty breeze on my face as I imagine myself navigating through the narrow pathways and exploring the hidden caves that youve detailed here. And the views! It’s incredible how nature has sculpted such a stunning landscape.
The cliffs that nature has sculpted in the Algarve truly are stunning from one end to the other. I hope you get back to Portugal one day and get to head south.
Oh no, I missed the cliff walk at Lagos! I must go back!
I definitely recommend a return visit to Lagos to enjoy the Ponta da Piedade.
The Ponte da Piedade cliff walk is definitely somewhere I’d like to visit. The views of the sea and cliffs are memorable and the colours of the water! The tuktuk you mentioned, we call ‘ape’ in Italy. There are so many here, mainly used still for transport purposes. You will see them when you visit Sicily this year 🙂 The castle and fort looks in great condition, I can’t wait to visit Lagos when we next make it to Portugal.
It was funny to see an “ape” and have it outfitted for coffee. So fun! Lagos was definitely a great spot to wander and enjoy all the sights.
This journey appears to be interesting and pleasurable. The S. Goncalo de Lagos statue and all of the surrounding scenery look appealing to me. Lagos Castle also sounds like a fun place to explore. The vivid blue and green waters off of Ponta da Piedade seem to make the walk along the cliffs worthwhile. If I ever visit this place, I want to go down the staircase and see what’s at the bottom.
We were surprised at how much we found on our visit to Lagos. We too plan to head down the staircase at Ponta da Piedade the next time and enjoy the view from the bottom.
I wasn’t born and grew up along the coast, so cliff walk is always fascinated me. I like there are so many beautiful rocks and caves to be seen at Penta da Piedade. Your pictures are beautiful, but I’m sure it’s more attractive to see them in person. Especially when you see the sea from the arches’ opening. Too bad you didn’t have time to take the stairway to the bottom. Maybe you can do it next time when you go back, and also see them from the water level.
We do love the cliff views in the Algarve. And it was great to discover some new ones at the Ponta da Piedade.
I would love the cliff walk and exploring around the coastal caves. My husband is a big history buff so he’s be heading straight for the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and governors castle. It looks like there is so much to explore and find. I’d love to see further up the coast too from the hop on and hop off bus.
It was good to find so many things to see and do in Lagos. Definitely something for everyone.