Praia do Camilo – Discover one of the most beautiful beaches of Lagos | Algarve

Praia do Camilo is one of the most beautiful beaches the Algarve has to offer. This small sandy beach is hidden on the outskirts of Lagos in a picturesque landscape of yellow-orange rocks and cliffs. It is reached by a wooden winding staircase that leads down to the sand. Due to all the natural beauty, it is a popular destination for a photo or a day of relaxing on the beach.

Below you can read everything you need to know before visiting Praia do Camilo and the surrounding area.

Praia do Camilo location and visitor information

Praia do Camilo is located one and a half kilometers from the center of Lagos and is therefore easily accessible on foot if you are staying in this place. The beach is part of the beautiful coastline around the Ponta de Piedade and a visit is often combined with a walk to the lighthouse.

On the map below you can see the exact location of Praia do Camilo in relation to Lagos:

Discover Praia do Camilo, at the bottom of the wooden stairs

One of the most recognizable features of Praia do Camilo is the winding wooden staircase that takes you from the cliffs down to the beach, resulting in many beautiful pictures, especially when the sun is low in the morning or evening.

The staircase has just over 200 steps and is wide enough to let others pass while you take a photo. Although there are quite a few steps, it is definitely worth the effort! Plus, the descent and climb up will help to work up an appetite, as there are some excellent restaurants around Praia do Camilo!

The soft sand of Praia do Camilo

Once down you are standing on the golden sand of Praia do Camilo and you immediately notice how small the beach actually is. Left and right, but also in the sea, you see the playful lines in the rocks and cliffs that are the result of centuries of efforts by weather and wind.

During high tide the water can rise quite a bit, sometimes even up to the steps when there is a new or full moon, so the best time to visit Praia do Camilo is at low tide .

It can get very busy here in high season, so I recommend coming in the morning or around sunset. Not only is it quieter, but the rocks and beach look a little more magical with the low sun!

Swimming at Praia do Camilo

Swimming at Praia do Camilo is almost always allowed, but is not recommended in winter when there are big waves. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that in summer, when the water is usually clear blue.

The sea temperature is a bit on the cool side in June and July, but will be much warmer in August and September.

If you decide to go swimming at Praia do Camilo, it is best to enter the water in the middle of the bay, because that is where most of the sand is. On the sides there are many rocks and stones underwater, which you can bump into.

Snorkeling along the rocks

A fun and also free activity to do at Praia do Camilo is snorkeling . Bring a snorkel and mask from home or from a shop in Lagos and see the underwater life around the rocks and cliffs. In the summer, after a few windless days, the visibility is excellent and you can see up to 10 meters underwater.

Kayak along Praia do Camilo

A very popular and sporty activity to do at Praia do Camilo is kayaking . Thanks to the calm waters in the summer, you can kayak from Lagos along the coastline at your own pace and speed, passing beautiful beaches and sailing under eroded cliffs.

During guided tours, you will not only pass by Praia do Camilo, but also the tip of the Ponta de Piedade, Oraia dos Pinheiros and Praia da Balança.

Kayaking along the coast is suitable for all ages and starts at €25.00 per person. Below you will find a selection of my favorite kayak tours.

Restaurant tips rondom Praia do Camilo

Within walking distance of Praia do Camilo you will find a number of excellent restaurants where you can go for lunch and dinner. In the summer I recommend making a reservation, but in the low season there is often a table available. These are the restaurants I recommend near Praia do Camilo:

O Camilo . Located right at the top of the wooden steps leading to Praia do Camilo, this restaurant excels in fish and seafood. The grilled octopus and fried swordfish are highly rated. Tip: order a mixed starter platter to sample different Portuguese appetizers such as marinated olives and sardine pate.
Monte Mar Lagos . This restaurant is where you go for fine dining (or fine lunching) and is a bit more expensive than O Camilo, but the quality of the fish dishes here is excellent.
Snack Bar O Amigo . For simple yet tasty dishes, this gastropub is a budget-friendly option. From sandwiches to salads and steaks, you’ll never spend more than €15.00 for lunch here.

Excursions around Praia do Camilo

The best way to discover Praia do Camilo and the surrounding coastline is a combination of a walk and a water activity, so you can see the beach and the rugged coastline first from above and then from the water surface.

From Lagos, daily boat trips take you past Praia do Camilo, Ponta de Piedade and other highlights of the area. Prices range from €20.00 pp for an hour and a half, to full day trips of €50.00+.

If you want to do something more sporty, a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) excursion is also a very fun activity. This way you paddle along the beautiful coastline under your own power. Moreover, thanks to the small size of a SUP, you can also sail through caves where boats are too big!

Parking at Praia do Camilo

If you come to Praia do Camilo by car, there is more than enough parking space despite its popularity. The best place to park your car is along the M536 or in the parking lot next to restaurant O Camilo.

Parking is free and from the car park it is only a few hundred meters walk to Praia do Camilo.

Hotel tips near Praia do Camilo

Lagos is one of the nicest places in the Algarve to stay near. The city has a village atmosphere and many beautiful beaches, such as Praia do Camilo and Meia Praia, are within walking distance. In addition, Lagos is an excellent base to explore the rugged west coast, which is only half an hour’s drive away.

These are my 4 recommendations of nice accommodations near Praia do Camilo :

	1. Cascade Wellness Resort. A beautiful resort with all the amenities you would expect. Click for more information
	2. Henri’s Apartments. Cheerfully decorated apartments where each room has its own theme. Click for more information
	3. Olive Hostel Lagos. A friendly and well-regarded hostel popular with international backpackers. Click for more information
	4. Villa Zawaia B&B. A cozy B&B with a handful of rooms in a relaxed setting. Click for more information

More great tips for your Algarve holiday

In addition to the above-mentioned sights, this website is full of other great tips for your adventure to the Algarve. You will find a complete overview of all the activities you can undertake, discover special overnight locations and find the best car rental company in the Algarve. If you have any questions, feel free to send a message and I will be happy to help you!

Activity tips

Have you always wanted to see dolphins in the wild? Or visit a local vineyard? The Algarve is full of fun activities on land, at sea and in the air that you can do during your holiday. View all activities on the activities page.

Activities Algarve

Accommodation tips

Do you like to stay in a special accommodation? Besides many beautiful hotels and resorts, there are also a number of special glamping and tiny houses to be found in the Algarve. View all my accommodation tips on this page:

Accommodation tips

Rental car tips

Finding a good car rental company can be quite a challenge. After all, you don’t want to be faced with unexpected costs or strange surprises. The Algarve Specialist therefore works exclusively with the best rental company in the Algarve: Luzcar.

View Luzcar