Praia do Camilo & Its Famous Staircase: What to Know Before You Go

Praia do Camilo is the one with the staircase — that zigzag of wooden steps down the cliff that's become an Instagram landmark in its own right. It's a small, jewel-like beach, arguably even prettier than its famous neighbour Dona Ana, and the descent is half the experience. Here's everything to know before you go, including the honest bit about climbing back up.

Updated June 2026 · Written by the Discover Lagos team — we climb those steps so you don't have to wonder

Praia do Camilo is the one with the staircase — that zigzag of wooden steps down the cliff that's become an Instagram landmark in its own right. It's a small, jewel-like beach, arguably even prettier than its famous neighbour Dona Ana, and the descent is half the experience. Here's everything to know before you go, including the honest bit about climbing back up.

The famous staircase

The wooden staircase down to Camilo is the beach's signature: roughly 200 steps zigzagging down the cliff face, with the turquoise cove opening up beneath you as you descend. Going down is pure pleasure, all views and anticipation. Coming back up, especially in summer heat carrying beach gear, is a genuine workout — there are small landings to pause on, so take your time and bring water.

This is the key thing to plan around: Camilo is not the beach for anyone with serious mobility issues, for heavy beach hauls, or for very small children plus a lot of equipment. For an easier descent, neighbouring Dona Ana is the better call. Dona Ana guide →

What the beach is like

Small and stunning. Golden sand between dramatic rock walls, clear water, and a famous detail: a short tunnel through the rock connects the main beach to a second hidden stretch of sand at low tide — kids love it, and it's worth timing your visit for lower water to see both. Because it's small, Camilo fills up fast; space is at a premium by midday in summer.

How to get there and parking

• Location: on the cliff road towards Ponta da Piedade, a few minutes south of the centre.


• By car: about 5–7 minutes from town; there's a car park by the clifftop.


• Walking: 25–30 minutes from the centre along the clifftop path, passing Dona Ana.


• Parking reality: the car park is small and fills very early in July–August — earlier than Dona Ana. Before 10:00 or late afternoon, or walk. Parking guide →

Facilities

There's a small clifftop restaurant/bar by the top of the staircase with a terrace and a wonderful view — a popular spot for a drink before or after the climb. On the sand itself, facilities are minimal, so bring water, sunscreen and shade.

Local tips

• Go early. Camilo is small and photogenic, which is a crowd-magnet. Early morning gives you space, soft light and an empty staircase for that photo.


• Check the tide. Lower water reveals the second beach through the rock tunnel and gives you more sand overall.


• Save energy for the climb. Don't exhaust yourself swimming right before tackling 200 steps in the midday sun.


• Pair it with the clifftop walk. Camilo sits on the path between Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade — one of the great short coastal walks anywhere. Ponta da Piedade guide →

Camilo or Dona Ana?

The eternal Lagos question. We compared them side by side — access, size, facilities, who each suits — so you can pick the right one for your day. Read the comparison →

Frequently asked questions

How many steps does Praia do Camilo have?

Around 200 wooden steps down the cliff to the beach. There are landings to rest on; the climb back up is a real effort in summer heat.

Where is Praia do Camilo?

On the cliffed coast towards Ponta da Piedade, a few minutes south of Lagos centre by car, or a 25–30 minute clifftop walk.

Is there parking at Camilo?

A small car park by the clifftop that fills very early in summer — even earlier than Dona Ana. Arrive early or late, or walk from town.

Is Camilo suitable for people with limited mobility?

Not really — the long staircase is unavoidable. Dona Ana, nearby, has much gentler access.

What's the tunnel at Camilo?

A short passage through the rock that links the main beach to a second stretch of sand, best seen at lower tide. Children love exploring it.

Camilo or Dona Ana — which should I choose?

Camilo is smaller, wilder and has more steps; Dona Ana is bigger with easier access and more facilities. See our full comparison.

Planning your beach days? See our beach guide, or ask us anything — we're a registered local tourism agent (RNAAT 40/2022) and this coast is our backyard.