Portugal was a country that I never really had on my *must see* list. I’d heard about the laid back beaches of Lagos and the bustling capital city of Lisbon, but that was really it.
While planning a recent trip to Spain, we (the best friend and I) realized how close and accessible Portugal really was and we knew we had to take advantage! The next thing you know we were booking a bus from Seville, Spain to Lagos, Portugal for a few days of R&R in The Algarve.
Now Lagos was the sweetest little beach town that I ever did see! The main part of the city, Old Town, was quaint and historic and oh so very walkable. If you’re thinking about a trip here, do keep in mind that it is a “young” city. There’s typically backpackers and students around every corner and they’re all there to enjoy the laid back vibe, beautiful beaches and infamous bar scene.
STAY:
Old Town Hostel: Ok friends, bear with me. I know not everyone is a fan of hostels, so I will include some alternatives as well! We choose a hostel in Lagos due to the price point and location. Old Town Hostel is nestled in the main part of the city and is just steps away from bars, restaurants and tourist attractions and is only a few minutes walk from the beach. The hostel was clean, those who ran it were nice and super helpful and they hosted events where they showed you the in’s and out’s of the city for free. You do have to share a room with others (mixed or gender specific), but the cost per night is only $15-$20 per person. Again, not for everyone and it’s definitely geared towards a younger crowd, but it’s a great option if you’re a solo traveler, looking for a social environment or just trying to save some money.
ALTERNATIVE HOTELS:
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort: This place makes me want to jump on a flight and head back to Lagos ASAP. Belmar Resort is a 5 minute drive from Porto de Mós beach (the cities second largest beach) and a mile from Old Town. The grounds host a spa, 5 pools, restaurants and bars. All rooms are also apartment style, so you have the benefits of a resort-style accommodation with a convenient kitchen included.
Cascade Resort: If you’re looking for a hotel experience, this is your spot. Equipped with a spa/wellness facility, 5 restaurants/bars, a golf course, pool, hot tub and so much more, Cascade is serious #vacationgoals. This hotel is located inland and little off the beaten path, but it’s only a 7 minute drive to Old Town, so you’re not far from the action.
Tivoli Lagos Hotel: A low key 4 star hotel that’s known for being family friendly, so if the kids are coming along then this would be a great spot! The site has a pool, two restaurants, 3 bars and is a quick 10 minute walk Old Town. They also have a free shuttle bus to Duna Beach Club (March-October) which is definitely a plus.
EAT:
A Petisqueira: Located in Old Town, A Petisqueria is a Portuguese tapas house that serves fresh and creative dishes. It looks a little rundown on the outside, but don’t be fooled-it’s one of the best spots in the city. If you go, get the goat cheese starters and don’t forget about the muscles. Yum!
Resaurante A Caravela: With affordable prices, a location smack dab in the center of the main tourist strip and an outdoor seating area ideal for people watching, it’s a great spot to stop, snack and relax. The food here is so-so, but if you’re in the need of somewhere convenient while you’re out doing the tourist thing, it’s a great option.
Cachoa: Hidden gems are my jam and with ambiance and tasty dishes, Cachoa is perfect for those looking for something low key and delicious. Located 10 minutes from Old Town {easily accessible by cab} this restaurant has a courtyard with cascading string lights that will make your heart melt. It’s a little pricier than your average Lagos meal, but it’s worth every penny. If you go, make sure you check the hours. They are typically only open Wednesday-Saturday starting at 6:30pm.
DRINK:
The Algave is known for their party scene and some of the best bars and clubs on the coast are located right there in Lagos. I’m not big on clubs, but these aren’t your typical 300+ person establishments with excess fist pumping. These clubs fit about 50-100 people and are a great place to have a few drinks, dance and meet some new people!
The bars in Old Town are all within a 1-3 minute walk from one another and stay open until the early hours of the morning. Many have live music, rooftop terraces, bar games and drink specials. Some popular spots for drinks are Three Monkeys, Whytes and Peppers.
SEE:
The Beach: That’s why you’re there right?! Lagos has a ton of beaches, some are easily accessible and some are more-so hidden, located down sets of wooden stairs and nestled between cliffs. You can easily walk down the main road and stumble upon some great finds. Here were our two favorites:
- Praia da Batata: This is Lagos’ main beach and it’s the closest one to town center. Because of its proximity to town, this beach is very convenient, but also typically crowded. Batata has two beach bars (one by the main entrance and one a little further in), sunbeds that you can rent and activity kiosks for water sports/kayak tours.
- Praia do Camilo: There were 200 steps to get down to this beach, but the trek was beyond worth it. It’s one of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen–I mean, I’m still swooning over here. Hidden between walls of miraculous cliffs, this cozy and quiet beach makes you feel like you’re in your own private oasis.
Boat Tour: Don’t leave without doing one, trust me! You’ll have the opportunity to take a boat through caves, around cliffs and under natural arches, you’ll see Lagos from a new angle and it’s such an amazing experience.
Most of these tours leave from the Lagos Marina and, depending on where you book, can be as inexpensive as $15 per person. We just booked a tour through a local vendor and he took us out on a private speedboat.
If you’re looking for a tour that’s a little more structured, Bom Dia is a great option as well! We did the Baia de Lagos tour which was 4.5 hours and took place on a large and colorful sailboat. It included lunch, wine, tours of the caves in the Bay of Lagos and ample time for swimming and snorkeling. The cost for an adult is about $65.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Lagos is the place to go if you’re looking for a short laid back beach vacation. It’s also a great city to visit if you’re traveling through Portugal or southwest Spain and just want to check out a new destination. I hope you enjoy!
