Few places in Southern Portugal seem to capture the imagination like Ponta da Piedade—a dramatic headland just outside Lagos Old Town where golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and twisting sea caves create one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Europe.
Translating to “Piety Point” or “Point of Mercy,” Ponta da Piedade is a place that blends nature, adventure, and awe. Standing on the top of the golden cliffs as waves crash below, it’s not hard to see why this spot has become one of the Algarve’s must-visit destinations.
This guide covers four of the best ways to experience Ponta da Piedade. Lori and I have geared our choices to suit a range of travelers—from backpackers to luxury vacationers—to help you plan the best visit for YOU.
So let’s dive in!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we might receive a commission (at no added cost to you). Thanks for supporting independent, ad-free blogs!
Why Visit Ponta da Piedade
Just a few kilometers south of Old Town and flanked on both sides by the best beaches in Lagos, Ponta da Piedade’s dramatic headland is a prime example of everything that makes the western Algarve so wonderfully memorable—towering golden cliffs, sculpted arches, sea-carved caves, and water that shifts between turquoise and a deep sapphire depending on the light.
Even after exploring other stretches of coastline in southern Portugal, we think the scale and concentration of rock formations here sets Ponta da Piedade apart from the rest.
If that weren’t enough, the area wins big points with us for its accessibility. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, boater, or swimmer to enjoy it. You can take it all in from a vast network of boardwalks on the clifftops, or descend a staircase or hop a boat to explore the beaches and caves at sea level.
We’re always finding new ways to explore the area—each lending a new perspective we hadn’t previously experience. It’s one of the most rewarding places to spend time in and around Lagos for a full day or just an afternoon.
4 Fun Ways to Experience Lagos’ Ponta da Piedade
See Ponta da Piedade by Boat
Why Choose a Boat Tour
If you’ve got the time and don’t mind shelling out a bit of cash for something that might just be one of the top highlights of your time in the Algarve, we highly recommend taking a Ponta da Piedade boat trip.
✪ Our Top Pick Boat cruise to Ponta da Piedade
Departing from Lagos Marina, small boats follow the coastline toward the headland, weaving through narrow channels and slipping into grottoes that aren’t reachable from land.
Sailboats and other larger vessels hang a bit farther offshore offering a broader panoramic view, which is especially rewarding when the lighting is at its best just before sunset.
✪ Our Sailing Pick Ponta Piedade Sail & Caves Cruise (top-rated + free cancellation)
What to Expect
A typical boat tour lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, which is a good amount of time to cover the main clusters of caves and sea stacks without feeling like your being rushed through it.
Along the way, the boat captain or guide will usually point out notable rock formations, talk about how they were formed, and share interesting (or funny) stories about each one.
Boats pause for photos at key points, and the pace is usually pretty relaxed. In that sense, we can see why this option appeals to a variety of ages and fitness levels.
Types of Boat Tours
- Traditional Grotto Tours: Small motorboats that navigate the caves closely—best for photography.
- Catamaran or Sailboat Cruises: Ideal for a more laid back experience—may include swimming stops and onboard drinks.
- Private Charter Boats: For a more exclusive experience—best for groups or celebrating special occasions.
🔥 HOT TIPS 🔥
Tours fill quickly during peak summer months! We recommend booking in advance during this time period. Morning departures tend to offer the calmest water and the best visibility inside the grottoes. Even on warm days, be sure to pack a light layer—the sea breeze can chill you once the boat’s on its way.
Kayak or SUP to Explore Caves Up Close
Why Choose Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Getting to experience Ponta da Piedade from the water is already going to be memorable. But doing it by kayak or stand-up paddleboard gets you even closer to the action.
✪ Our Top Pick 2-hour guided kayak tour to Ponta da Piedade
Because they’re small and more easily maneuverable, kayaks and paddleboards allow you to squeeze into narrow grottoes, drift beneath sculpted arches, and approach rock formations that motorboats can’t safely access.
This is by far one of our favorites ways to explore the area. We love the active, hands-on approach and it gives us a lot more freedom than a boat tour or even a full day on shore.
What to Expect
Two of the more reliable places to rent kayaks/SUPs or hop on a guided tour are Praia da Batata (year-round) and Praia Dona Ana (in the warmer months).
Out on the water, the route usually follows the sheltered coastline southeast toward Ponta da Piedade, weaving in and out of several of the best-known rock formations.
If you’re going with a guide, they’ll point out the named grottoes, help with boat traffic, and check to make sure everyone is comfortable managing their kayak or board.
A typical outing lasts between two and three hours, which we think is long enough for most people to soak up the highlights.
Best For
- Kayaking and paddleboarding are ideal activities for those who crave an active experience rather than a passive sightseeing trip.
- Eco-minded visitors will appreciate the lighter footprint of these human-powered options over a motorized tour.
🔥 HOT TIPS 🔥
Plan for an early departure when the water is at its calmest and visibility is at its best. Consider bringing water shoes for traction in the kayak or on your board (though we get by fine barefoot), and don’t forget sunscreen—there’s limited shade on the water. A waterproof phone case or dry bag is a good bet if you want to take photos without worrying about water damage.
Hike Cliff Trails for Panoramic Views
Why Choose to Hike
We LOVE hiking the clifftops here! It’s one of the most satisfying strolls you can take in the Algarve, hands down.
The sprawling network of boardwalks connecting town with the headland and beyond offers uninterrupted views, refreshing breezes, and lots of room to spread out.
Trail Highlights
- Lagos to Ponta da Piedade Trail: Starting from Lagos town, this 2.5 km trail takes about 30–40 minutes each way. Along the route, you’ll pass Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana, both perfect spots for a swim break.
- Boardwalk at Ponta da Piedade: A newer wooden boardwalk makes it easy to enjoy the views safely, even for families with small kids or visitors with limited mobility.
- Ponta da Piedade to Porto de Mós: Can’t get enough of the views? Keep going! Another 30 minutes gets you to the small community of Porto de Mós where you can grab a bite, enjoy the beach, or hop the bus back into town.
What You’ll See
The views from the boardwalks are surprisingly unobstructed, owing to the headlands’ flat top and absence of development. You’ll get excellent views of the lighthouse, the limestone formations below, and long stretches of coastline in every direction.
🔥 HOT TIPS 🔥
During the hotter months, we recommend planning your hike for early morning or late afternoon when the heat is milder and the lighting is at its best. Carry plenty of water, especially in summer, and wear sturdy walking shoes or sandals—sections of the trail are uneven and can get dusty, making good traction important for a safe and comfortable walk.
Cliff Hike + Small Boat
Why Choose This Option
Taking a water taxi or small boat is one of the better choices for visitors who want freedom and flexibility along with a splash of time on the water.
It’s a bit more relaxed than a full-on tour and leaves time to also explore Ponta da Piedade and the clifftops on foot.
How It Works
Boats depart from Lagos Marina, Praia da Batata, and the small landing at Ponta da Pedade and run throughout the day, especially during the warmer months.
Oftentimes, there is no set schedule. You just show up and wait for a boat operator to approach you. You can even ask the operator to drop you off at smaller, more secluded and harder to reach spots such as Praia do Barranco do Martinho or Praia do Canavial.
Pickup times for your return journey are usually arranged before departure, allowing you to plan a few peaceful hours for swimming, resting, or exploring the surrounding rock formations.
What Makes It Special
We like this option because it gives you a chance to enjoy the coastline on your own terms.
Hidden beaches near Ponta da Piedade typically feel much less crowded than the busier stretches of Lagos. Plus, it allows more time for exploring on foot than a guided trip normally would.
🔥 HOT TIP 🔥
Pack your essentials in a dry bag to keep them protected during boarding or landing, and double-check your agreed-upon return time before the boat pulls away. Most boats typically don’t run after dark, so confirming the pickup helps to avoid a lot of unncessary stress later on.
Best Time to Visit Ponta da Piedade
We think Ponta da Piedade is worth visiting in every season. But choosing the right time of year for you can really have an impact on your visit.
Spring (March–May)
This might just be the most rewarding time to visit for most people. The weather is comfortably mild, the cliffs are dotted with wildflowers, and the trails have an open and relaxed feel to them without the peak-season crowds.
Summer (June–September)
We do love the summer months, but it can be a hectic time in the Algarve. The weather’s hot (but breezy), and sea conditions tend to be ideal for boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. It’s also the busiest period, so it pays to hit the trail and beaches early. Sunset can be a busy time of day around the cliffs, but we think it’s more than worth it!
Autumn (October–November)
Our first visit to Lagos was during this time period—the weather remained warm and sunny into early November, but the sea temps started to be a bit too cool for swimming (for our tastes, at least) by this time. The cooler temps bring smaller crowds, and at times, we felt like we had many corners to ourselves. It’s a great time for coastal walks, guided tours, and water activities that are still available through the season.
Winter (December–February)
This is storm season in the Algarve, and along with it bring crashing waves and less predictable sea conditions. Paths and beaches grow their quietest of the year, and temps get cold. This is a peaceful season for sightseeing, but keep in mind that the chilly water and rougher seas mean it’s not really suited for swimming or boat trips.
Safety + Visitor Etiquette
Ponta da Piedade is safely explored and enjoyed by thousands of people each year. With that said, there are a few key items worth noting regarding health, safety, and conservation.
Locals are passionate about protecting this place, and staying on the marked trails (especially the boardwalks) is one of the simplest ways to protect Ponta da Piedade’s fragile cliffs.
You’ll also want to give those precipitous cliff edges plenty of space, especially when the wind whips up (it gets mighty gusty in these parts!) It’s easy to lose your footing in some areas and high winds don’t help matters.
Because natural shade is limited along the cliffs, we strongly recommend packing water, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed sunhat.
And if you plan to kayak, SUP, or explore sea caves on your own, make sure to take note of the tides, wind and weather forecast, and changing sea conditions. These shifts can happen on a dime and influence which areas are safe to enter.
Final Thoughts
Whether you sail through its grottoes, hike its cliffs, or simply sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon, there are countless ways to enjoy Ponta da Piedade.
Lori and I love Ponta da Piedade! And we think you will too. We hope this guide helps make your time in this unique and stunning corner of Portugal simply awesome.
More Reading for Your Portugal Trip
The Algarve
Lisbon
Sintra
Featured Image: Getty Images / Unsplash+