Lagos is tricky. If you've ever spent an afternoon wandering the cobblestone mazes of the old town, you know the vibe is all history and hidden gin bars. But the moment you cross the bridge toward Meia Praia, everything changes. The wind picks up. The horizon opens. This is where you find the Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, a massive, glass-fronted statement of a hotel that honestly feels like it belongs in a different zip code than the rustic sardine shacks just down the road.
Most people book this place because they see "Algarve" and "Iberostar" and assume they're getting a cookie-cutter beach club. They aren't. It’s actually one of the few spots in southern Portugal that manages to feel incredibly high-end without the stuffy, velvet-rope energy you get in Vilamoura.
What's the Real Deal With Meia Praia?
Location is everything here. You’re looking at a four-mile stretch of golden sand called Meia Praia. It’s huge. It’s also famously windy, which is something the glossy brochures sort of gloss over. If you're staying at the Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, you’re positioned perfectly to catch the sunrise, but you've gotta be prepared for that Atlantic breeze.
The hotel doesn't sit on the sand. It sits across a small coastal road and a train track. Don't panic—the train is basically a two-car shuttle that bumbles past a few times a day; it’s actually kinda charming. To get to the water, you walk through a private tunnel or over a boardwalk. It takes maybe four minutes. If you're expecting to step off your balcony into the surf, you’ve got the wrong hotel. But if you want a view that stretches all the way to the Alvor estuary, this is the spot.
The Architecture is Weirdly Refreshing
Most Algarve hotels go for that whitewashed, Moorish look. Not this one. The Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is all sharp angles, massive windows, and dark stone. It looks like a Bond villain’s summer home. Inside, it’s a massive U-shape that hugs a central pool area.
The lobby is basically a giant glass box. When you walk in, the first thing you see isn't the check-in desk—it’s the ocean. It’s an intentional flex. The designers wanted to make sure that no matter where you are in the public spaces, you never forget you’re in Portugal.
Rooms, Sleep Quality, and the Ocean View Gamble
Let’s talk about the rooms because this is where people get confused. You’ll see "Side Sea View" and "Direct Sea View." Honestly? Unless you are a total stickler for symmetry, the side views are often just as good and significantly cheaper. The rooms are huge. We’re talking enough floor space to do a full yoga routine without hitting the minibar.
The beds are firm. Very firm. That’s a common thing in high-end Portuguese hotels, but if you’re used to a soft pillow-top, you might find it a bit of a shock. The bathrooms are separated by a glass wall—it’s a vibe, but maybe not the best if you’re traveling with a casual acquaintance. There are privacy blinds, obviously.
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Everything is automated. The lights, the "do not disturb" signs, the climate control. It’s sleek. But it’s also the kind of room where you might spend five minutes trying to figure out how to turn off the reading lamp without shutting down the entire electrical grid of the building.
The Pool Scene: Calm vs. Chaos
The main pool is an infinity-edge masterpiece that looks out over the Atlantic. It’s stunning. But it’s also unheated.
In July, that’s a godsend. In May or October? It’s basically a polar plunge.
If you want warmth, you head to the indoor pool in the Spa Sensations area. Most resorts charge you extra to use the spa facilities, but here, the heated pool, sauna, and Turkish bath are usually included for guests. It’s a game-changer on those days when the Atlantic mist rolls in and the beach feels a bit too rugged.
There’s also a smaller pool area that’s a bit quieter. If you’re looking to dodge the "Aperol Spritz and loud music" crowd, head to the edges of the property. The lawn area is actually the best place to post up. You get the grass under your feet, the view of the ocean, and you’re far enough from the pool bar that you can actually hear yourself think.
Eating Your Way Through Lagos (Inside and Outside the Hotel)
The main restaurant, Kitchen, is a buffet. I know, "buffet" usually implies lukewarm pasta and sad fruit salad. Not here. They do a lot of live cooking stations. You can get fresh sea bream or local "cataplana" (a seafood stew) made right in front of you.
The breakfast is a marathon. You’ve got everything from traditional pastéis de nata—the iconic Portuguese custard tarts—to full English breakfasts and a massive array of local cheeses and cured meats. It’s easy to accidentally spend two hours eating breakfast.
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Why You Shouldn't Eat Every Meal Here
Despite how good the hotel food is, you’d be crazy not to venture out. Lagos is a 5-minute taxi or a 30-minute walk away. Go to the marina. Go to the fish market.
There’s a spot called Casinha do Petisco in the center of town. It’s tiny. You’ll probably have to wait for a table. But their prawns in garlic oil and the pork with clams will make you realize why people move to the Algarve and never leave. The Iberostar is great for luxury, but the "soul" of Portuguese food is found in those little backstreet tascas.
The Sustainability Factor: More Than Just a Marketing Buzzword
Iberostar has this "Wave of Change" program. Usually, when a hotel talks about the environment, it just means they don't wash your towels every day. This place actually goes further.
- There are no single-use plastics. Anywhere.
- They have a massive focus on responsible seafood sourcing.
- The water stations in the hallways are a lifesaver. You get a glass carafe in your room and you just go fill it up. It sounds small, but not having a graveyard of plastic water bottles at the end of your stay feels pretty good.
They’re trying to move toward a circular economy. It’s ambitious for a resort of this scale, and while it’s not perfect—keeping a giant pool blue and 200 rooms air-conditioned is never going to be "zero impact"—the effort is visible.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lagos
People often lump the Algarve into one big category. They think Albufeira, Portimão, and Lagos are all the same. They aren't.
Albufeira is for the neon-light party crowd. Portimão is for the high-rise shoppers. Lagos is for the explorers. When you stay at the Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, you are at the gateway to the West Coast (the Costa Vicentina).
If you have a rental car—and you really should have a rental car—you can drive 30 minutes west and hit Sagres. It’s the "end of the world." The cliffs are jagged, the surf is world-class, and the vibe is totally different from the manicured lawns of the hotel.
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The Logistics: How to Actually Get There
Most people fly into Faro (FAO). From there, you have three choices:
- The Train: It’s cheap. Like, under 10 Euros. But it’s slow. You’ll have to change at Tunes, and the Lagos station is a bit of a hike from the hotel with luggage.
- The Shuttle: There are plenty of "A22" shuttles. Reliable, takes about an hour.
- Driving: This is the best move. The A22 highway is easy, though it’s a toll road (make sure your rental has a transponder). Having a car lets you visit Ponta da Piedade at sunset without paying for a tour.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be real. This isn't a budget stay. During peak season, the rates can get pretty spicy.
You’re paying for the space and the view. If you just want a bed to sleep in while you party in Lagos, this is a waste of money. You can find a hostel or a guesthouse in the old town for a fraction of the cost.
But if you’re looking for that specific feeling of waking up, seeing nothing but blue water, hitting a high-end gym, and then walking a beach that feels like it never ends, then yes, it’s worth it. It’s for the traveler who wants the "resort" experience but hates the "resort" crowds.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- The Train Stop Trick: There’s a tiny train stop called "Meia Praia" right behind the hotel. You can take this into the Lagos center if you don't feel like walking or calling a Bolt. It’s literally a two-minute ride.
- Walk the Beach at Low Tide: Meia Praia is incredible at low tide. You can walk all the way to the Alvor side. It’s about 4-5 kilometers one way. Great for clearing the head after too much vinho verde.
- Visit Ponta da Piedade Early: It’s the most famous rock formation in the Algarve. By 11:00 AM, it’s a zoo. Go at 7:30 AM. The light is better for photos anyway, and you’ll have the caves to yourself.
- Book the Spa Early: Especially if it’s a "rare" rainy day in the Algarve. Everyone will have the same idea, and it gets crowded fast.
- Check the Wind Forecast: Download an app like Windguru. If the "Nortada" (the strong north wind) is blowing, the beach might be a bit sand-blasty. Those are the days to hang out by the pool or head into the sheltered coves of Dona Ana.
Staying at the Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve puts you in a unique position. You're close enough to the action to feel the energy of one of Portugal’s most historic towns, but far enough away that you can actually hear the ocean when you close your eyes at night. Just remember to pack a windbreaker, even in July—that Atlantic breeze doesn't care about your tan.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of this location, look into booking a boat tour that departs from the Lagos Marina (just a short hop from the hotel) to see the Benagil Cave. While the hotel is stunning, the sea caves are the real stars of the region. Also, ensure you have the "A22" toll app or a pre-paid transponder if you plan on renting a car, as the toll system in Portugal is entirely electronic and can be a headache for tourists to navigate after the fact. Finally, check the hotel’s "Star Prestige" upgrade options upon arrival; sometimes a small daily fee can get you access to a private rooftop area that is significantly quieter than the main pool deck.