# Meia Praia, Lagos's long beach

What to do en Lagos · Lagos

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/things-to-do/meia-praia · Revisado: 2026-11-12

- Duración: 4 h
- Temporada: June – September for swimming
- Para quién: Families with small children

More than 4 km of flat sand between Lagos harbour and the Alvor ria, with a Blue Flag and lifeguards; reached on foot from the station.

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.

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 37.113, -8.65

## Cerca de aquí

- [D. Sebastião Restaurant](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/where-to-eat/don-sebastiao), a 2.3 km
- [Avenida Restaurant](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/where-to-eat/avenida), a 2.3 km
- [Lagos Avenida Hotel](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/where-to-stay/lagos-avenida-hotel), a 2.3 km
- [Surf camp in Lagos with transfers to both coasts](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/things-to-do/lagos-surf-camp), a 2.5 km
- [Casinha do Petisco](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/where-to-eat/casinha-do-petisco), a 2.5 km
- [Slave Market, the Rota da Escravatura museum site](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/things-to-do/lagos-slave-market-museum), a 2.5 km
- [Casa Mãe](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/where-to-stay/casa-mae), a 2.8 km
- [Kayaking through the caves of Ponta da Piedade](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/things-to-do/ponta-da-piedade-kayak), a 3.8 km

## Consejos

### Walk east
If the harbour area is full, every kilometre towards Alvor has fewer people.

### Go on foot from the centre
The marina footbridge saves you looking for parking in August.

### Check the flag before going in
On days with a ground swell there can be a current even if the shore looks calm.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How long is Meia Praia?
More than 4 km, from the Lagos marina to the Alvor ria.

### Is it good for small children?
Yes. The entry to the water is gentle, there are no cliffs or stairs and it has lifeguards in season.

### Can you walk there from Lagos?
Yes, crossing the marina footbridge, next to the station. In a quarter of an hour you are on the sand.

Destino: [Lagos](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos.md)