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Five days in Lagos and the Algarve area

Greetings everyone,
My husband and I are spending five days in Lagos in early June. We're wondering what are your favorite restaurants, tours, and beaches? We have booked an Airbnb in Lagos, and since this is our first trip to Portugal, we're curious to know your favorite foods, tours, and beaches. We've heard such wonderful things about Portugal! We head over to Andalucia, Spain and Madrid after this stop. After this freezing cold winter in Chicago, we're excited to simply eat and enjoy the sun during our first five days of our vacation. Thank you in advance.

Posted by
6113 posts

I have been to the Algarve more than a dozen times over the years, as it’s my default beach destination. I have never been on a tour. I always hire a car, as public transport isn’t great, so it’s easy to explore.

Beaches - the beaches west are quieter, although June will be busy. I like Furnas, Figueira and Zavial beaches. Worth visiting are the long, sandy beaches around Carrapateira north of Vila do Bispo.

Restaurants - Mullens in Lagos. Cacto in Odiaxere. Marigil on the N125 in Raposeira. Agua na Boca in Salema. O Tiago in Budens. The restaurant at Lagos Zoo.

Lagos market is good for fresh fish and veg.

Posted by
362 posts

In Lagos, we really enjoyed Tasca Jota. It was recommended by a wine bar owner in Evora & away from the tourist area. If you have a car, Os Salgados Beach restaurant (between Portimao & Albufiera) is good & we thought worth the drive. The Salgados beach & sand was closest to what we’ve experienced in the Caribbean & made for a very pleasant afternoon.

The boat tour from Lagos to Praia Piedade is beautiful, lots of companies to choose from. You get to see all the secluded beach coves. Or if you’re daring, kayak and paddle boarding are quite popular. We stayed right above Praia Dona Ana & I loved watching the sunrise & walking along that beach 1st thing in the morning.