The Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse is an impressive structure with red tops, perched at the edge of a tall cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It stands in an area of extraordinary natural beauty, offering panoramic views of towering orange sandstone cliffs and the sparkling water below. Bring your binoculars for this breathtaking vista off the southern cape of the region around Lagos.
Arrive at sunset for the best views of the surrounding cliffs, which turn a darker golden color as the sun goes down. See the lighthouse at night, when the entire structure lights up in fiery light. Gaze out over the shimmering ocean and spot the caves and crevasses in the pockmarked coastline.
Capture photos of the lighthouse itself, which is not open to the public. It was completed in 1913, at a height of 16.4 feet (5 meters) and an elevation of around 164 feet (50 meters) above the sea. The light was once operated manually but is now automated. Enjoy snacks and refreshments from the souvenir shop and stores nearby.
Make your way to the adjacent Ponta da Piedade, a natural point comprised of rock pillars, sea stacks, arches, tunnels and caves. Embark on the trails that run along the coast. You can also take a boat tour with an agency in Lagos between the rock formations in the ocean to see hidden grottoes.
Climb down the set of stairs to reach the small beach. Visit the spot for free at any time. Alternatively rent a kayak to explore the water or join a stand-up paddleboard tour along the shoreline.
The Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse marks the southern cape of the region around Lagos in the Algarve. Walk south from the Lagos town center for roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to get here in about 30 minutes. See other sights in the area, including Balança Beach, Camilo Beach and Canavial Beach.
