Praia da Luz

If you're already there.

The hang

A family resort beach built around a fishing-village core that's still half-visible if you squint. Black-rock headland, golden sand, a promenade of restaurants serving the same piri-piri chicken at three price points. Pleasant. Safe. The beach where you send your parents because they'll be happy and you won't worry.

The real intel

Best months: May–Oct. A year-round town, but the beach is alive May–Sept.
Getting there: 10 min west of Lagos by car or bus. Easy.
Where to stay: Luz itself — resort village, family-run pensãos, mid-range.
Cost reality: Sunbeds €15/day. Restaurants €15–25/pp. It's the budget-friendly Algarve.
The catch nobody tells you: It's a resort beach. You will be surrounded by British retirees who moved here in 2004 and have opinions about Brexit. Embrace it or don't come.