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Praia do Camilo beach in Lagos (Algarve, Portugal)

Last updated on July 23, 2022 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Praia do Camilo is one of the best beaches in Lagos, Portugal.
Located between Praia Dona Ana and Ponta Da Piedade, the small Camilo Beach offers stunning cliffs and rock formations.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with map, access, tips and photos.

praia do Camilo beach Portugal lagos

Table Of Contents
Why visit Camilo Beach in Lagos, Algarve? 
Planning tips & Map - Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal
View from top of the cliffs
Access to the beach of Camilo - stairs
The arch & tunnel
More rock formations with Camilo beach photos

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


Why visit Camilo Beach in Lagos, Algarve? 

Is Praia do Camilo worth visiting?

Yes, it is worth visiting in my opinion. Camilo is one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve and in Portugal.
It is a small but impressive cove with:

  • Steep giant cliff walls in the shape of waves carved by the sea,
  • Arches,
  • Sea stacks,
  • ...
visit Camilo Beach, Algarve

Camilo Beach, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Video - Virtual visit

Have a look at this short video to get an idea of what your visit could look like:

More photos and details after the planning tips.


Planning tips & Map - Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal

Where is Praia do Camilo in Portugal? Map

  • On the West Algarve coast
  • In the town of Lagos, between the magnificent Praia Dona Ana and Ponta Da Piedade
  • South of the city center of Lagos, Portugal
  • Lagos Portimao to Dona Ana beach = 5min drive
  • Portimao to Dona Ana beach = 30min drive
  • Albufeira to Dona Ana beach = 45min drive
  • Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Location Praia do Camilo Beach Portugal Map

Location of Praia do Camilo in Portugal - Map

This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Portugal road trip:

Plan your dream road trip around Portugal!

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  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
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How to get to Praia do Camilo in Lagos

  • 3km from the center of Lagos
  • By car or on foot from Lagos
  • Take the bus (line 2) to Dona Ana and finish on foot
  • In Summer, there is also a touristic train
  • In summer, the carpark would get full quickly (very limited spaces). 
Praia do Camilo road sign

Praia do Camilo - road sign

Need to rent a car in Portugal?

Renting a car Portugal tips

See my 36 practical tips
to choose the best car to rent
from Lisbon, Porto or Faro
for the roads in Portugal
and find the best deals

+ read more

or directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

Best time to visit Praia do Camilo

  • Better at low tide, otherwise there is not much sand
  • Early or late to avoid the crowds and find parking space
  • Don't come too late, there is no light when the sun is too low

Visit Tips

  • 225 steps on a wooden staircase to access the beach
  • Praia do Camilo facilities: Restaurant and toilets at the top of the stairs only
  • There is nothing at sea level
  • Being close to Lagos and quite small, it can get really busy in Summer (however the 225 steps discourage many...)
  • The area is great for boat tours and kayaking with the cliffs, the rock formations and caves - Check out the water tour options
  • It is also a good place for snorkeling

Restaurant O Camilo

There is a restaurant at the top of the cliffs.
It is  popular. They serve fish and seafood with a great view.
Closed on Mondays.

Accommodations in Lagos near Praia do Camilo

In Lagos you can either stay in the city center where all the restaurants and night activities are, or you can stay near the amazing beaches of Camilo and Praia Dona Ana.

I stayed near the beaches, just 10 min walk from the beaches in the beautiful Uma Casa a Beira Sol apartments/hotel.
My parents and I loved the place with the beautiful garden and the amazing breakfast. Check out availability and photos

For other choices, you can check this link to the best rated accommodations in Lagos, Portugal on Booking.com

Lagos Algarve Accommodations Portugal

Uma Casa a Beira Sol

Looking for the best place to stay in the Algarve?

Where to stay in Algarve best places

See my selection of the 15 best areas to enjoy beach, easy access, attractions...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

View from top of the cliffs

Praia Do Camilo is located in the coastline tips, South of the town of Lagos, Portugal. At this area, you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and in Portugal.
The most famous is Praia Dona Ana because it has a lot of sand. But I think Praia Do Camilo is way more scenic and best for photographers.

From the carpark, you can first easily walk on the cliffs to admire the views below you: impressive erosion work and sea stacks.

Camilo Beach Algarve 1
Camilo Beach Algarve 4

In the 2 photos below, in the foreground you have Camilo beach, and, in the background, you can see Praia Dona Ana. 

Camilo Beach Algarve 2
Camilo Beach Algarve 3

The West side of Camilo beach, gives an idea of the beautiful coastline which will come if you head West to the magnificent promontory of Ponta Da Piedade.


Access to the beach of Camilo - stairs

But to see this scenic beach, you need to make an effort. At this location, the cliffs are quite high. And you will have to get down 225 steps to reach the sand!!! It is hard on the knees... and worst, you know you will have to climb them to go back up!
However, I think it is absolutely worth it at low tide.

Don't forget anything in the car and use the toilets before starting the descent.

Access to praia do Camilo Portugal 1

At least as you walk down, the views are splendid and you get you more and more excited at reaching the beach.

Access to praia do Camilo Portugal 2
Access to praia do Camilo Portugal 3
Access to praia do Camilo Portugal 4

The arch & tunnel

One of the first features you will notice is a small arch. This is the feature that often allows you to recognize Camilo beach.
You can walk under it.

I found it very attractive and took many pictures from various angles! 

Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 2
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 3
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 4

On the picture below, to the left of the arch you can see the entrance to a tunnel that allows you access to the next cove to see even more rock formations.

Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 1

Need to rent a car in the Algarve?

Renting a car Faro Algarve tips reviews

See my 36 practical tips
to choose the best car to rent
from Faro Airport
for the roads in Algarve
and find the best deals

+ read more

or directly see the best deals on my favorite platform


More rock formations with Camilo beach photos

And now let's have a look at some pictures of Praia Do Camilo. I think it is best visited at low tide to explore the coves and have the foreground of rock formations.

The sand is golden and the cliffs yellow/orange. And the water is particularly clear.

Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 5
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 6
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 7
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 8
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 9
Praia do Camilo Lagos Portugal 10

Want to see more of the Algarve and Portugal?

  • 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal - read article
  • Best things to do in Portugal - read article
  • The best beaches in Portugal  - read article
  • The best things to do in the Algarve region - read article
  • Benagil cave and Algarve boat tours - read article
  • The magnificent Ponta da Piedade - read article
  • The famous Marinha beach - read article
  • The unique Tres Irmaos beach - read article
  • The magnificent orange cliffs of Praia da Falesia - read article

Planning a trip to Portugal?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your ideal road trip around Portugal

Portugal road trip guide ebook cover
  • 13 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 120+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning tips to make the most of your time
  • 200+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

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