Lagos is a charming town located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant historic center. Often referred to as the “Portuguese Riviera,” this breathtaking destination promises to enchant visitors with its Mediterranean allure. While it may not be the cheapest place to plan a vacation, it can certainly accommodate a more than reasonable budget.
1. When to Visit the Algarve?
The weather in Portugal is beautiful year-round, and in early September, we enjoyed abundant sunshine every day. If you’re wondering what the temperatures are like in Portugal during September, you can expect daytime highs around 30°C (86°F), and sometimes even higher. Evenings can be a bit cooler, but nothing to worry about.
Thus, the best times to visit the Algarve, including Lagos, are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are significantly smaller compared to the summer months.
2. Lagos or Albufeira?
I pondered many times before choosing between Lagos and Albufeira. After exhausting all the articles I found on the topic, I decided that Lagos was the winning option. The main reason for my choice was its proximity to stunning beaches. Lagos turned out to be a beautiful little town that I fell in love with and would return to anytime. I had read that Lagos is less touristy than Albufeira and offers a more authentic Portuguese vibe. Nevertheless, the vacation atmosphere was palpable at every street corner. As for the beaches and food, everything was exceptional.
So, when it comes to choosing between Lagos and Albufeira, each city has its own advantages. Lagos stands out for its rich history and unique beaches, while Albufeira is known for its vibrant nightlife and a wider range of recreational activities.
3. How to Get from Lisbon to Lagos
The closest airport to the Algarve is in Faro. However, you can also reach Lagos from Lisbon, just as we did.
We flew from Bucharest to Lisbon with Wizz Air. From Lisbon, we took a bus to Lagos, which cost €36 for a round trip. Depending on the operator, the bus journey takes between three and a half to four hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from either the “Lisboa Oriente” or “Lisboa Santa Apolónia” stations to Lagos. The trip lasts about four hours, and trains run regularly.
4. Accommodation in Lagos
We stayed at Bowen, Luxury Suites.
About the hotel:
- It’s situated right in the heart of the action, making it convenient to access all points of interest.
- Everything looks great, and the furniture is quite new.
- There are many restaurants nearby.
Accommodation in Lagos:
Accommodation in Albufeira:
5. Getting Around in Lagos
The town is relatively small and can be explored on foot, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. You can also rent a bike or scooter to explore the surroundings. For reaching beaches or attractions that are farther away, there are local buses connecting various parts of the town.
We didn’t rent a car in Lagos. We walked to all the beaches we wanted to visit. However, if you’re not a fan of walking, renting a car or using buses/taxis are definitely options to consider.
If you wish to visit Portimão or Albufeira, there is also the option of taking the train, which is quite affordable and convenient.
6. Dining in the Algarve
The cuisine in Lagos is a true delight for food enthusiasts. The Algarve region is famous for its fresh seafood, and local restaurants offer delicious dishes such as grilled sardines, caldeirada (a fish stew), and pastéis de nata (a classic Portuguese dessert you’ve probably heard of).
One of the frequently asked questions online pertains to how expensive or inexpensive dining is in the Algarve. Even though I expected to pay a fortune for food, that was far from the case.
Overall, the food was exceptional, and the prices were quite reasonable. For a delicious and healthy breakfast, I recommend Goji Cafe and Barbosa.
7. The Most Beautiful Beaches in the Algarve
As I mentioned earlier, the reason we chose to stay in Lagos was its breathtaking beaches. Before our trip, I read numerous guides titled “Best Beaches in Europe” or “Best Beach Destinations in September,” and the Algarve appeared in almost all of them.
Praia de São Roque
Located near the harbor in Lagos, this family-friendly beach is well-maintained. If you’re visiting Algarve for the unique wild, untouched beaches, this may not meet your expectations. However, Praia de São Roque is free of seaweed and offers plenty of space.
Benagil Cave Travel Guide – All you need to know
Tips and tricks about one of the most beautiful attraction in Algarve - Benagi Cave
Learn more
Praia da Batata
This was the first beach we reached in Lagos, being the closest to the city center. It took us about 10 minutes to walk there. This is an unregulated beach without sunbeds or umbrellas, which is typical for the area. It was also where we had our second encounter with the ocean, which felt a bit colder than at Praia da Ursa.
Praia dos Estudantes
Praia do Pinhão
Just a bit further from Praia dos Estudantes, Praia do Pinhão was unfortunately covered in seaweed on the day we visited, so we opted to admire it from a distance.
Praia do Camillo
By far my favorite beach. Praia do Camilo is small, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. The sunrise viewed from here is something you definitely should not miss!
If you found this article helpful, you can show your appreciation by clicking the Like button below, or share it with your friends.
Happy travels! 🥰
