Things to do in Barao de Sao Joao

Activities, attractions and tours

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Top places to visit

1. Praia da Luz

The Praia da Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Luz (shortened to Praia da Luz) or Beach of the Church of our Lady of Light is Blue Flag beach, an award it won for water quality and sand cleanliness, making it an ideal and safe beach destination for those travelling with kids.
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Praia da Luz is a beautiful sandy beach located just 6 km away from Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal. It’s located in the picturesque village of Luz, known for its narrow roads lined with bougainvillea flowers.

2. Marina de Lagos

The Lagos Marina is a harbor full of speedboats and yachts. The marina, which is flanked by swaying palm trees spread across elegant wooden docks, has many lively bars and cafés. Relax with hot or cold drinks and snacks in a coffee shop and enjoy the picturesque views and serene atmosphere.
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Lagos Marina showing a bay or harbour

3. Rocha Beach

The beautiful Rocha Beach, known as Praia da Rocha in Portuguese, is one of the most well-known on the Algarve. Luckily, thanks to its vast size and length, it has ample room to accommodate sunbathers. Follow the wooden walkway that hugs the length of the beach to find the perfect spot.
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Rocha Beach which includes general coastal views, a city and a beach

4. Alvor Beach

Spacious, sandy Alvor Beach is a good choice for those seeking a quieter alternative to nearby Praia da Rocha. Find a peaceful spot somewhere along the lengthy stretch of golden sand and take advantage of the beach’s many facilities.
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Kitesurf, head out on the water on a paddleboat or kayak around the surrounding coastline at this Blue Flag-awarded beach.

5. Dona Ana Beach

With its rugged cliffs, golden sands and sea stacks, the Dona Ana Beach is one of the most scenic of all the bays in Lagos. It has clear and calm water and an accessible location, just a short walk south of the city’s historic center. Spend the afternoon marveling at the spectacular terrain of this sandy inlet.
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Dona Ana Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach

6. Camilo Beach

Camilo Beach is a secluded cove at the bottom of a set of wooden stairs in the outskirts of Lagos. The stunning stretch of sand is backed by colorful cliffs that display a range of red and yellow hues. Descend the wooden steps to the base of these cliffs and spend the afternoon at this picturesque inlet.
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Camilo Beach featuring rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views

7. Portimão Marina

Enormous yachts fill up the 620 berths of the Portimão Marina, a vast harbor in the corner of its namesake town. Historical forts stand beside upscale restaurants, bars and stretches of sand. Relax on the sand of Angrinha Beach or Rocha Beach and snap photos of the forests of masts rising from the large vessels.
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Portimao Marina which includes a bay or harbour

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What to do in Barao de Sao Joao

Popular places to visit

Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz is a beautiful sandy beach located just 6 km away from Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal. It’s located in the picturesque village of Luz, known for its narrow roads lined with bougainvillea flowers.

Praia da Luz
Lagos Marina showing a bay or harbour

Marina de Lagos

4.5/5(182 reviews)

Admire the exclusive yachts in the harbor, enjoy sangria at a bar in view of the water and visit the wax museum.

Marina de Lagos
Dona Ana Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach

Dona Ana Beach

4.5/5(67 reviews)

Marvel at the stunning red and yellow cliffs of the Golden Coast and swim to the stacks in the calm ocean.

Dona Ana Beach
Camilo Beach featuring rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Camilo Beach

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Climb down the elegant staircase to this hidden bay at the base of colorful cliffs and enjoy the spectacular natural views.

Camilo Beach
Ponta da Piedade Lagos Lighthouse featuring kayaking or canoeing, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Ponta da Piedade Lagos Lighthouse

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Check out this historic lighthouse, descend the steps to the beach and take a boat tour of the sea stacks and arches.

Ponta da Piedade Lagos Lighthouse
Lagos Zoo showing zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Lagos Zoo

Pet and feed the animals in the spacious enclosures, bring your kids to the playground and dine at the restaurant of this zoo.

Lagos Zoo
Batata Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sunset

Batata Beach

Explore the grottoes and crevasses, go for a refreshing swim in the calm water and relax in a bar after sunset.

Batata Beach
First European Slave Market

First European Slave Market

2/5(1 review)

Find out about the abysmal conditions in which the first slaves from West Africa were kept in this former slave market.

First European Slave Market
Pinhao Beach

Pinhao Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Pinhao Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Lagos.

Pinhao Beach

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Lagos which includes a coastal town, swimming and views

Lagos

Frequently asked questions

Is Barao de Sao Joao worth visiting?
Barao de Sao Joao offers a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Barao de Sao Joao?
Kick your day off with a visit to Espiche Golf Course. Then, check out other parts of Barao de Sao Joao for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barao de Sao Joao?
The top tourist attraction near Barao de Sao Joao is Espiche Golf Course, so don't forget to include it on your trip itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Barao de Sao Joao?
Book an escape in Barao de Sao Joao for three days and you'll comfortably be able to tick off its key sights and get a feel for the local vibe. For the chance to enjoy highlights in the surrounding areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider sticking around for up to 10 days.
Is Barao de Sao Joao a walkable neighbourhood?
With the centre of Barao de Sao Joao as your starting point, several key attractions like Espiche Golf Course are within walking distance. If you'd like to keep moving, the neighbourhood of Bensafrim e Barão de São João is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Barao de Sao Joao with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Barao de Sao Joao with kids.

What to do in Barao de Sao Joao for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Barao de Sao Joao for adults.
Are there free things to do in Barao de Sao Joao?
With loads of free things to do in Barao de Sao Joao, you can discover the area without taking out your wallet. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or explore the local neighbourhoods.