How to Visit Ponta da Piedade: Complete Guide (+Map)
One of our favorite places to visit on our trip to the Algarve was Ponta da Piedade, known for its unreal rock formations, crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and spectacular sunset views.
There is no entrance fee to Ponta da Piedade, so you can visit at any time of day. But for the best experience, we recommend visiting at sunset or sunrise. Explore the stunning caves and rock formations on a guided boat tour from Lagos, or descend the nearly 180 stone steps to the ocean and admire the spectacular scenery.
This ultimate guide to Ponta da Piedade includes the best time to visit, all the ways to get there, what to expect during your visit, and some inspirational photos.
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Where is Ponta da Piedade?
It is located just a 10-minute drive from the old town of Lagos in the Algarve region of Portugal.
What is Ponta da Piedade?
Ponta da Piedade is a rocky cape surrounded by stunning caves, grottoes, and sea arches. The golden limestone cliffs along the coastline can be up to 20 meters high. These incredible rocks were formed over thousands of years by erosion from wind and sea waves.
It is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful sights in Portugal, and we completely agree that it is not to be missed. Whether you reach it by boat or via coastal walk, you won’t be disappointed with the epic views and fantastic photo opportunities.
How to Get to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos & Parking
There are several ways to get to Ponta da Piedade, the most popular ones are described below.
- Take a boat tour from Lagos and see the spectacular rock formations, caves, grottos, and sea arches. Or join this guided kayak tour
- You can hike from Lagos Old Town or Dona Ana Beach along a scenic boardwalk
- Simply drive to the parking lot by car or motorbike
- Take the Lagos Tourist Train
We rented a motorbike in Lagos and explored the nearby beaches and attractions at our own pace. After we arrived, we parked for free near the lighthouse (we marked where we parked on the map).
Read our → Portugal Itinerary
Hike from Lagos Old Town or Dona Ana to Ponta da Piedade
If you start from the old town of Lagos, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Praia Dona Ana, where the boardwalk to Ponta da Piadade starts. From Dona Ana, the scenic coastal trail first leads to the magical Praia do Camilo Beach, which is definitely worth a visit.
From there, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the lighthouse. The walk there and back takes 1.5-2 hours in total. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way.
Tourist Train from Lagos
Another great way to get to Ponta da Piedade is to take the Hop-on Hop-off Lagos tourist train. One ride ticket costs 4,50 EUR, and a full-day ticket costs 5,50 EUR per person. It departs from Marina de Lagos every hour between 10 AM and 7 PM, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
Boat Tour from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade
See Ponta da Piedade’s towering natural arches and golden cliffs from the water and admire secluded grottos and beaches like Praia do Camilo and Praia de Dona Ana.
Book this top-rated boat tour via GetYourGuide or Viator.
Ponta da Piedade
There is a cafe and souvenir shop near the lighthouse, as well as toilets. From here, head left, where many stairs lead down to the ocean among impressive cliffs. On the way down, you can enjoy the spectacular view and take some great pictures. When we got down to the small pier, we took some photos of ourselves, but sometimes the waves were big, and we got wet.
Although some people on our visit took a quick, refreshing dip after climbing down the steps, swimming is not recommended at Ponta da Piedade. It can be dangerous due to the proximity of rocks and boats and the strong currents, so it is better to swim at one of the beautiful beaches nearby.
Ponta da Piedade Viewpoint
After you’ve taken enough pictures at the small pier, head back up the stairs to the lighthouse. Be sure to walk around the area as you can enjoy the view of the rock formations from different angles.
When we visited, we waited for sunset, and the lights were beautiful.
TIP
Bring warm clothes because it will be colder in the evening due to the sea breeze.
See also → Things to Do in Algarve
Where to Stay in Lagos, Portugal
If you are traveling to the Algarve for the first time and want to explore as many beaches as possible, Lagos is one of the best choices. In Lagos, Portugal, you can choose from 3 neighborhoods.
The historic center is the best choice if you arrive in the town by public transport and want to be close to the best restaurants, nightlife, and shops.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, it is close to Porto Mos beach, which is a very peaceful and relaxing area.
Or choose an area that is close to the best beaches and within a quick walk of the old town.
Recommended post → Best Areas & Hotels in Lagos, Portugal
Best hotels in Lagos, Portugal
- Luxury: Lagos Atlantic Hotel
- Mid-Range: Apartamentos Pinhão or Villas D. Dinis – Adults Only
- Budget: Lagos Village
Most hostels like Orange3 or Boutique Taghostel are located near the best markets and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for budget travelers.
Keep reading → Best Towns to Stay in the Algarve
Best Time to Visit Algarve, Portugal
Portugal is the perfect all year round destination, with beautiful and sunny weather. But the best time to visit the Algarve is from May to September. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, kayaking, boat trips, and exploring the charming towns. If the weather is bad, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves, the water tours may be canceled.
The summer months are the peak season, meaning hotel prices are higher and attractions are more crowded. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance! Alternatively, you can visit the region in winter if you have a low budget or want to avoid crowds.
Good to know
The water in Portugal is cold almost all year round. But if you visit the Algarve when the weather is warm, you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Ponta da Piedade Map
We hope you found our guide to Ponta da Piedade useful and will inspire you to visit Portugal’s Algarve region. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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