With its rugged cliffs, golden sands and sea stacks, the Dona Ana Beach is one of the most scenic of all the bays in Lagos. It has clear and calm water and an accessible location, just a short walk south of the city’s historic center. Spend the afternoon marveling at the spectacular terrain of this sandy inlet.
Embark on hikes with your family around the tops of the cliffs and capture photos of the panoramic coastal views. Relax with snacks and refreshments at one of the cafés on the top of the cliff. The bay lies at the bottom of a long set of stairs.
Find a spot to relax with a picnic on the fine, golden sand. Pay a daily fee to rent a deck chair and umbrella. You can also purchase souvenirs and drinks from several vendors.
Sunbathe under the scorching summer sun, before cooling down with a swim in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean. The water is safe for families, due to the calmness of the waves and lack of currents. Notice that the cliffs provide the beach with ample shelter from the wind on breezy days.
Admire the views of the enormous rock formations that pop up on the beach and in the ocean. Swim out as far as the large rock just offshore. The water is pockmarked with sea stacks and the cliffs are dotted with grottoes.
Arrive early in the day as the beach is quite popular and can get rather crowded on summer weekends. Lifeguards patrol this area, which is free to access.
The Dona Ana Beach overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, just south of central Lagos. Walk south from the historic center for roughly 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to get here in about 20 minutes. Consider driving and leaving your car in the small parking lot on the cliffs. You can also take a bus or taxi. Spend time at some of the nearby bays, including Student Beach, Camilo Beach and Pinhão Beach.