Living in Lagos, Portugal: Lifestyle, Cost of Living, and Retirement

The Lifestyle in Lagos

If you are considering living in Portugal as an expat, then Lagos is a top destination to consider. Below, we explore what your life in Lagos could look like

Weather in Lagos

Lagos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures regularly reach 26 Degrees C (80 Degrees F).

Lagos’ winters are never too cold, with average high temperatures of 16 Degrees C (60 Degrees F) and lows of 10 Degrees C (50 Degrees F). You can also expect more rainfall during the winter months, although this is not too excessive.

Language in Lagos

The official language of Lagos, Portugal, and the entire country is Portuguese, and it is spoken by the majority of the population.

However, English is widely spoken in Lagos as it is a major language in the tourism industry.

However, it’s always recommended to learn some Portuguese to make your integration into Portuguese life easier and to give you the best and most authentic experience of living as an expat in Lagos, Portugal.

Rich culture and history in Lagos

The city of Lagos has a rich history dating back to the 15th century and is home to a number of historical monuments, museums, and churches. Lagos old town is a maze of narrow streets and traditional, white-washed buildings that are worth exploring.

Healthcare in Lagos

Portugal’s healthcare is considered one of the best in the world. It includes a public health service that is free or low-cost for citizens and legal residents. You’ll have access to a wide range of public medical services, such as general practitioner care, specialist practitioner care, hospitals, and prescription medication.

Private healthcare is also available and is considerably cheaper than in many other countries. Some expats choose private healthcare as it’s faster and more specific to their needs. Having valid health insurance is also a requirement when you apply for residency, so initially, private health care will be a good option.

Schools in Lagos

Expats with young children will be happy to know that Lagos is home to several schools, both public and private, that cater to the needs of different students and families.
Public schools follow the Portuguese curriculum and offer classes in Portuguese, English, and other languages.

Private and international schools, on the other hand, offer education in different languages such as English, French, and German. These schools typically follow the curriculum from the originating country. International schools in Lagos include Barlavento International Primary School, Vale Verde International School, and Nobel Algarve British International School.

Although not located directly in Lagos, higher education institutions are not far away either. These include the University of Algarve (about an hour away) and the Polytechnic Institute of the Algarve, which offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.

Retiring in Lagos

Given the excellent weather, stunning beaches on your doorstep, excellent healthcare, and rich culture, it’s no mystery why Lagos is also popular with those who are looking to retire in the Algarve.

Retirees are able to enjoy a relaxed retirement close to the Atlantic Ocean, with all the conveniences to make a comfortable lifestyle. There’s a beautiful marina, quaint cafes and restaurants, easy access to transportation, tons of outdoor activities like golfing and watersports, and historic sights and attractions not too far away.

Business in Lagos

The Algarve region is not just popular with tourists, but other businesses outside the tourism sphere are also realizing the potential of setting up companies and enterprises. Although Lagos has its closest links to the tourist and hospitality industries, its proximity to other towns and cities with excellent businesses makes it a great destination for expats.

Vibrant nightlife in Lagos

Those who appreciate a lively nightlife won’t be disappointed. Lagos is known for its bustling atmosphere, and the city offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy socializing, live entertainment, and sampling local beer.

Whether you want to go bar hopping on Rua 25 de Abril, enjoy live music, go to a disco, or want to book a sunset cruise to explore the coast and beaches, there is something for every taste to enjoy.

Stunning beaches in Lagos

Lagos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, such as Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, and Praia da Batata. Close by are also Meia Praia and a little further afield, Praia da Luz. These beaches offer crystal clear waters and golden sand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, a boat tour, and water sports.

Meia Praia is the largest beach (4 km long) in the Lagos region. Many expats, digital nomads, and locals alike flock to this popular destination in the Algarve region.

Outdoor activities in Lagos

Lagos, Portugal, offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as boat trips, water sports, hiking, and golf. Lagos’ beautiful surroundings, cliffs, grottos, and natural parks are perfect for exploring and experiencing the natural beauty of the Algarve region.

From Lagos, you can also book various trips, such as dolphin watching with a marine biologist, an off-road sunset tour in a Jeep, or, for those seeking adventure, a tandem sky-dive.

Safety in Lagos

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Lagos is equally considered a safe place to live. Compared to other bigger cities and European cities, the crime rate is relatively low. Its neighborhoods are safe and well-maintained, and most areas are considered safe for visitors and residents alike.

Public transportation is equally safe, but like everywhere else, it’s recommended to take care of your belongings and take common-sense precautions.

Shopping in Lagos

Lagos is a great coastal town for shopping, and there is a huge variety of different outlets available. You can find several local markets in Lagos, Portugal, such as the Mercado Municipal and Mercado Paseo Maritimo, which offer a variety of fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. These local markets are also great places to find traditional Portuguese products and explore the local culture.

Lagos and its surrounding cities also have several modern shopping centers, such as the Algarve Shopping and the Forum Algarve. There, you can find a variety of national and international brands in a variety of shops. Those who love to browse boutiques, specialty shops, and antique shops will find plenty in Lagos, too.

Getting around Lagos

Getting around Lagos is easy, with many options available. The city is compact, so walking is popular among locals and expats. There’s also a bike-share program for exploring on two wheels.

For longer trips, Lagos has a well-connected and affordable bus system linking neighborhoods and beaches, as well as a train station with routes to other Algarve towns and cities. Taxis are easy to find, and car rentals are widely available.

Faro Airport is about an hour away, offering convenient international travel.

Festivals and Attractions

Throughout the year, Lagos is host to many festivals which celebrate music, food, and culture. Some of the most popular festivals are the Lagos International Music Festival, the Lagos Carnival, and the Lagos Food Festival.

Historical Lagos is home to monuments and buildings, such as Lagos Castle and the Lagos Marina (Marina de Lagos), highlighting Lagos’ rich culture and history.

Lagos’ proximity to the sea means there are several marine and sea life centers where you can learn about the marine life in the Algarve, and you can see some of its wonderful sea life, such as dolphins, sharks, and rays.

How to Live in Lagos as a Foreign Citizen: Residence Permits and Visas

Living in Lagos as an expat is no longer a pipedream, but with golden visas and a variety of residency permits available, it can be a real possibility for people of all ages, nationalities, and walks of life.

Before you embark on the relocation process, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with which residency or visa option is the best for you and what documents and funds you require.

Living in Lagos as an EU citizen

As a citizen of the European Union (EU), the freedom to travel, live and work within any member state is at your disposal. Moreover, moving to another member state of the EU is a hassle-free process, and you won’t have to worry about lots of paperwork or visas.

You can stay in any country in the EU as a tourist for three months. After that time, EU citizens will need a residence card to stay longer. You can get a residence permit from any local town hall, and with a valid ID document, this should be a straightforward process.

You will need to prove that your health insurance is up to date, whether that’s private or through your work, and you need to register for your national tax identification number (NIF). Being financially independent is also a requirement, although the income does not need to come from work in Portugal.

Living in Lagos as a non-EU citizen

Non-EU and non-EEA citizens will need a visa to live in Portugal. This is a longer process than if you come from the EU, and you can expect a bit more paperwork before a Portuguese residence card is yours. Although the process is a little bit more complicated, experts can help you to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions is at hand with their specialist advice and experience to help eligible applicants to get their residency visas.

Living in Lagos with the Portugal Golden Visa

A popular route to living in Portugal is the Portugal Golden Visa program. It’s a great way for suitable candidates to become Portuguese residents, taking advantage of the many benefits of living not only in Portugal but also within the EU.

The following investment options are available in Lagos:

• Investment funds
• An investment of €250,000 in support of the arts or reconstruction of national heritage
• A contribution to scientific research (from €500,000)
• Job creation and share capital (from €500,000)

The Portugal Golden Visa gives you permission to stay in the country for up to five years. For a full list and more details of Golden Visa options, you can consult our  Portugal Golden Visa: Your Ultimate Guide 2025.

Living in Lagos with the D7 Visa

With the D7 Visa, you have access to residency in Portugal as long as you have enough passive income to sustain yourself here. This visa type is a great option for retirees.

If you can prove that you earn at least €870 per month through passive income, such as a retirement fund, you will be able to apply for this visa.

Our comprehensive article and guide on Portugal’s D7 Visa will give you more details about this option, including the inclusion of dependents and attractive tax benefits.

Living in Lagos with the Digital Nomad Portugal Visa

In recent years, Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. Its beautiful weather, relaxed lifestyle, great expat community,
welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and friendly locals are attractive factors for remote workers from all walks of life. Moreover, Portugal’s investment in excellent infrastructure, including high-speed internet in most areas, ticks all the boxes a digital nomad needs to get started.

Since its implementation in October 2022, the Digital Nomad Portugal Visa enables remote workers to stay anywhere in Portugal for up to one year, as long as they can prove that their monthly income is at least €3,480 per month. For more detailed information, read our ultimate guide on Portugal for Digital Nomads.