Ponta da Piedade Lagos: The Most Beautiful Cliff Walk in the Algarve (Yes, Even with Kids)
If you only do one thing in Lagos, make it Ponta da Piedade. These golden cliffs dropping into turquoise water are one of the absolute highlights of the Algarve, and truly for good reason. It is the kind of place that makes you stop and just be in awe, even if you have seen a thousand photos before.
And yes, you can absolutely do it with kids. You just need to know which side to walk.
🧭 The Two Sides: Right (Family) vs Left (Scenic but Steep)
When you arrive by car and walk towards the cliffs, you have two options.
The right side is more relaxed for families. The paths are wider, kids can run around more freely, and there is space to explore without anyone's heart rate going through the roof. This is where we usually go with the little ones.
The left side has the most stunning viewpoints, but there are sections with fences and steep drops. For small explorers it is safer to keep the youngest ones in a stroller or baby carrier here. Older kids who listen well are fine!
Both sides are worth seeing. If you have time, do both. If you only have an hour, go right with small kids.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
This is essential. There are several sweet little spots along the cliffs where you can sit down, enjoy a snack with the most incredible view. Otherwise there is also a little basic Café close to the lighthouse or O Camilo at Praia do Camilo for lunch or dinner.
🪜 The Famous Staircase
Next to the lighthouse you can walk down the famous staircase to the water level. It is a beautiful short adventure, especially for kids who enjoy stairs and exploring. The views from the bottom looking up at the cliffs are completely different from the top. Well worth the descent (and the climb back up).
🍽️ Food Stop Nearby
For a food stop after your walk, O Camilo is a lovely restaurant right nearby. You can also walk down to Praia do Camilo from there, but for a longer beach day with kids we would rather recommend Praia Dona Ana, which is more comfortable for staying and playing and has shade in the early afternoon.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning or sunset. Fewer crowds, it is not too hot, and the light on the golden cliffs is absolutely magical. At sunset the whole place turns golden and it is genuinely one of the most beautiful things you will see in the Algarve. During midday in summer it can be very hot and exposed with no shade.
🅿️ Parking
There is a car park right at the main viewpoint area. In peak summer it fills up by mid-morning, so arriving early helps. The paths from the car park are stroller-friendly on both sides.
✨ Insider Tips
Combine it with a sunrise at Praia Dona Ana (15 minutes walk) and then a morning stroll along the cliffs. Sunrise, cliffs, then breakfast at Sunrays or Kestè. That is a perfect Lagos morning.
📍 Location: Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
❓ FAQ
Is Ponta da Piedade safe for kids? Yes, especially the right side which has wider paths and more space. The left side has steep drops and fences, so small children need to be carried or held. But also the left side is manageable with care.
How long does the Ponta da Piedade walk take? The right side takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a relaxed family pace. Doing both sides plus the staircase takes 1 to 2 hours. Add time for a picnic.
Is there parking at Ponta da Piedade? Yes, there is a car park right at the main viewpoint area. Arrive early in summer as it fills up.
When is the best time to visit Ponta da Piedade? Early morning or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Avoid midday in summer as there is no shade along the cliffs.