Ponta da Piedade

Name: Ponta da Piedade
Address: Estr. da Ponta da Piedade, 8600-544 Lagos, Portugal, Lagos, PT
Telephone: +351 964 875 617

Watch · 8

Nature spots ·Lagos

4.834.1K

#2Nature spots in Portugal Most reviewed in LagosTravelers' Choice Best of the Best 2026

Visit: about 1 h
Not step-free

Make a plan here

Directions Call Bookmark

About

Ponta da Piedade is a rocky headland on Portugal’s Algarve coast, about two kilometres south-southwest of Lagos.

More photos 11

1 / 11

Why go

Golden-yellow rock formations rise up to about 20 metres.
Grottoes, tunnels, natural arches and boulders line the Atlantic shore.
Boat trips weave between the rocks and explore several grottoes.

Don't miss

Gruta de SophiaNamed after Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, who often visited these caves and referenced them in her work.
Lighthouse viewpointThe lighthouse stands above the cliffs, overlooking caves and grottoes.Above the cliffs
Beach below the capeA sandy beach lies at the foot of the headland.At the foot of the headland

History

A later phase of path improvements added pine trees, organised paths, rest areas, viewpoints and information panels. Geological problems caused by erosion led to plan changes and the addition of boardwalks.

MioceneThe underlying rocks formed about 20 to 7 million years ago.
16th centuryA chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Piedade was built here, though traces point to earlier buildings.
1663A military battery was installed at the headland.
18th centuryThe battery was rebuilt in the second half of the century.
1821The military battery closed.

Show all

1912–1913The chapel was demolished to make way for the lighthouse, built in 1912–1913.
2012A programme to improve visitor paths stalled because of financial problems.
December 2019An agreement included the Burgau–Lagos coastal path in the Trilho dos Pescadores walking route.

Tips for your visit Best time to visit Know before you go

Tips for your visit

Choose between views from paths above the cliffs and views from the sea.
Near the lighthouse, a steep staircase of nearly 200 steps leads down to the rocks.
The walking path from the lighthouse leads west to Canavial and Praia do Porto de Mós beaches.

Best time to visit

At low tide, boat trips can visit more caves.

Know before you go

Do not enter caves or grottoes from the small paths; this is usually dangerous.

On the same route

Praia do CamiloHalfway along the route to Ponta da Piedade.

How to get there

TrainA small tourist train links Lagos harbour with the viewpoint.
BoatBoat trips depart from Lagos marina and the waterfront promenade. Circular boat trips also start directly at the headland.
ParkingA parking area stands beside the lighthouse.

Shorts

Interesting facts3

1/3

Some rock domes resemble animals and have names given by local residents.
Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia
Seawater runs through caves and grottoes eroded over thousands of years.
Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia
Fossil finds include large shark teeth, remains of extinct fish species and coral fossils.
Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia

Sources: Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia · Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia · Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia · Ponta da Piedade - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where

Estr. da Ponta da Piedade, 8600-544 Lagos, Portugal

Phone: +351 964 875 617

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

What kinds of boats make the trip to Ponta da Piedade?

Sailing boats and small fishing boats operate from Lagos marina.

Are there other coves near Ponta da Piedade?

The coast between Lagos and the headland has several small bathing coves; Praia do Camilo lies halfway along the route.

How invme works

See who's going — faces, not ticket counts.
Write to someone who shares your interests — no swipes, no matches, no paywall.
Pick the event or the place to meet at — and go together.

Join free

Reviews on invme

Comment Share