Ponta da Piedade

Visiting Ponta de Piedade is a popular day trip from Lagos. Visitors can walk along the headland cliffs or explore the coast by sea. Boat tours to Ponta de Piedade generally depart from Lagos, with options to navigate by motorboat, sailboat, and kayak. Some boat tours include beach stops. Some of these beaches can only be reached from the water, making boat tours a great way to experience a less-crowded side of southern Portugal’s coast.

• Consider the tide before booking; more beaches and rock formations are visible at low tide.

• Some cliffside hiking trails are steep and near sheer drops—visiting by trail isn’t for visitors nervous about heights.

• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, and bring walking poles if you have them.

• There are public toilets in the parking lot.

Ponta da Piedade is located at the southernmost end of M536, 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) from Lagos. In summer, a tourist train comes from Lagos Marina to Ponta da Piedade. Or, you can arrive via public transit. Bus routes 2 and 9 stop at the Estrada da Ponta da Piedade. From there, it’s a 25-minute walk to the parking lot.

Mild, sometimes rainy weather from January through May brings a profusion of wildflowers to Ponta da Piedade. You might also spot the herons that nest there in spring. At any time of year, sunset is a gorgeous time of day to visit. Evening light illuminates the cliffs as the sun drops behind the Sagres cliffs.

While the Ponta da Piedade is more about exploring than seaside lounging, some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal are nearby. Favorites include the grand sweep of sand at Praia Porto de Mós, and the cliff-wrapped Praia do Pinhão. Tiny Praia do Camilo has a jewel-box setting, while Praia da Batata is the go-to for a party atmosphere and stand-up paddleboarding.