Praia Formosa
Along with the neighbouring Praia do Cais da Solária, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to Lagos' town centre. Just a few minutes walk from all of the town's amenities this is the easiest option around. On the flipside this means it does tend to get busy fairly quickly during the summer months.
The beach is just across the main Avenida dos Descobrimentos from the town and can easily be spotted by the large plaza with a statue of São Gonçalo of Lagos that stands overlooking the Praia da Batata.
Towards the southern end of the beach are the familiar ochre-coloured cliffs found on this stretch of the Algarve. At the other end is the Cais da Solária, a breakwater that protects the mouth of the River Bensafrim and Lagos' marina and harbour beyond. Just beyond here is the historic beachfront fortress of Ponta da Bandeira.
The east-facing aspect of the beach makes it sheltered from both the prevailing winds and the Atlantic swells. Calm seas and a seasonal lifeguard service make this a particularly safe spot for taking a dip. It is also something of a suntrap, catching all the morning rays.
