Meia Praia, Lagos's long beach

What it is

Meia Praia is the big beach of Lagos: a straight stretch of sand more than 4 km long that follows the curve of the bay from the marina to the mouth of the Alvor river. Behind it runs a belt of dunes and then flat land, with no cliffs or stairs. It is the opposite of the coves at Ponta da Piedade: lots of space, fine sand and a gentle entry into the water. It has a Blue Flag, lifeguards in season and accessible entrances.

How to get there

On foot from the centre, cross the Bensafrim ria by the marina footbridge, next to the train station; on the other side the beach begins. It is about fifteen minutes' walk from the old town. Anyone arriving in Lagos by train has the sand practically in front of the station.

By car, head towards Portimão on the N125 and take the signposted turn-offs to Meia Praia. A road runs behind the dunes along almost the whole beach, with car parks and entrances spread along it. The further east, the easier it is to park and the fewer people there are.

Which stretch to choose

• The west end, next to the marina and the station, is the closest to the town and the busiest.
• The middle stretch, with access from the dune road, spreads people out better in summer.
• The east end, towards the Alvor ria, is the quietest: dunes, little building and more space.

Swimming and safety

The slope is gentle and in summer the sea is usually calm, which is why it is the most comfortable beach in Lagos with small children. Swim in the lifeguarded areas and respect the flags, which warn of currents on days with swell.

When to go

For swimming, from June to September, when there are lifeguards. In July and August the part near the harbour fills up from mid-morning, but the beach is so long that there is always free sand if you walk east. From October to May it is a long, flat walk, good for walking or running at low tide.

With children and with a dog

With children, bring a sunshade: there is no natural shade. The sand is wide and there are no stairs, so you can get there with a pushchair by the accessible entrances. If you go with a dog, check the signs at each entrance before going down to the sand in the bathing season.