You can easily spend a whole afternoon inside Lagos’ 16th-century walls, walking the cobblestone streets, admiring the tiled buildings and historic churches, and stopping in cafes and shops. But this is all an starter to the city’s main course—its dozens of stunning beaches where sandy coves are sandwiched between dramatic limestone rock formations like those of Ponta da Piedade. Meia Praia’s 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is dotted with cafes and bars, and every water sport imaginable is happening out in the waves, from paddle boarding to paragliding. The fun continues after dark, with some of the best nightlife in Portugal’s Algarve region.