We plan on taking a train from Lisbon to the Algarve for a little reprieve from sightseeing in Lisbon. Not sure where to stay, Lagos, Salema, or Faro. Would enjoy a beautiful beach and charming town atmosphere. Any recommendations?
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1880 posts
Lagos by the far the best, IMO. Salema is too small and Faro too big. Lagos has the great rock formations and a nice central area that’s walkable.
By the way, there are nice small beach towns much closer to Lisbon. Ericeira, or Peniche come to mind. You might want to, at least take a look at them. Either of these would be much less crowded than the Algarve, too.
Posted by
4 posts
We stayed in Lagos and loved it. Would highly recommend. We did a more affordable hotel that was right by the bus station so we didn't have to lug our luggage around - Marina Rio Hotel. Very nice, quiet, clean and comfortable with a fine breakfast buffet. Nothing special, but we liked the location and walkability to Old Town Lagos. If we stayed again, we might look for something even nicer. If you do stay in Lagos we also highly recommend the "Guru walking tour" with Ligio and/or Nikola. We weren't familiar with Guru walking tours - they are free (you just tip your guide at the end what you want to pay). It was fantastic! History we wouldn't have learned otherwise and good recommendations for restaurants and the best pastel de nada in town. Ligio started the tours and we were disappointed at first that we didn't get him because of the reviews about how great he is, but our tour with Nikola was awesome. We loved him.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks for the advice. We did decide on Lagos. How do you get in touch with that walking tour? How long is their tour?
Posted by
4 posts
Of course!
It's https://www.guruwalk.com/
Put in Lagos as your search and a day you might be interested in going and how many in your group.
Look for: "Lagos Free Walking Tour with local historian"
It is about 2 1/2 hours long. One of the best things we did in Lagos!