Lagos - the most well known area of the Algarve, I imagine. It can be incredibly packed in peak season in some places (caves and beaches). But the beauty of the area is unprecedented and absolutely worth the trip.
We stayed at the gorgeous Lagos Avenida Hotel. It's a boutique hotel with a breezy, Bohemian vibe - balconied rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, and a short walk to the train station, harbor, and town.
To get to the beaches, it's a little bit further - but you can still be there in about 15 minutes.
We spent a TON of times outdoors. Which, if you’re in the Algarve that should absolutely be your priority! Our outdoor activities included about 2/3 of the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (the trail of the seven hanging valleys), a kayak adventure to Ponta de Piedade, swimming into grottos and caves and hanging on the beach. The old town of Lagos, is also a great place to explore. Like the rest of Portugal, the history of the area is pretty complex and worth learning about, too.
The areas closest to Lagos are some of the most famous and most 'grammed areas of the Algarve. Ponta da Piedade is a stunning hike south of Lagos, but you can easily make beachy pitstops along the way at places like Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. There are other areas accessible by train and Uber, but renting a scooter or car isn't a bad idea either if you want to explore further! There are also plenty of boat trips that will take you around to the hotspots like Benagil cave and Praia da Marinha.
Top 5:
- Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos - we saw the most stunning views of the coastline.
- Kayak tour with EZ Ride Ocean Kayak Tours
- Sunset from the cliffs above Praia Dona Ana
- Portofino's Italian restaurant! We ate here two nights in a row!
- Benagil Cave - tips for navigating this popular site at the bottom of the page!
Eric’s fave: The beaches, cliffs and #epic drone opportunities.
Christina's fave: The hike and kayak adventure!
PS: If you're heading to Benagil Cave - go early in the AM. Call and make a kayak or paddle board rental for one of the earliest time slots. You'll be able to see the cave before all the people from boat tours make their way in. Whatever you do, do NOT try to swim to the cave. Tourists die every year trying to do this. You'll see people swimming, but just spend the 20 euro to rent a Kayak - it's so much safer!
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