Hi. Within a few days, I will be flying to the Algarve. I am hesitant to book an excursion in Lagos the day I fly in, in case the flight is delayed. I will not have a car. I'm using Happy Days Algarve for transportation from my flight in Faro that lands at 13:05. Any personal recommendations of how to spend the first day in Lagos? I will be staying at Casa Flor do Mar Lagos Guesthouse. Of course, I will go to a grocery store (any favorites?) and see the beach. I think hiking Ponte de Piedade might be a bit much for the first day (4 to 6 hours, right?). I found fitness classes in the evening that interest me at Lagos Em Forma (Pilates and bodypump) in the evening. I like flower gardens, but wonder if it is too dry there for many flowers? I also like bird-watching but won't likely have time to make it to a river area. Would the zoo be a good stop? Thanks!
Posted by
California
12 posts
I really apologize for my bluntness - but if you do not know what to do when you go to Lagos, then why are you going to Lagos? We all travel for different reasons. Going to fitness classes or a zoo would not even be on my horizon to see or do on a trip to Europe. Obviously, you travel for far different reasons than I do. If you want to go to the zoo, if that interests you, then, sure, go to the zoo. If it does not, then do not bother.
Personally, if it were me (and it isn't) I'd probably just walk around the town, acquainting myself with it. Or if the weather is nice, just taking a walk on the many beaches.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
I like walking, and someone else recommended looking up for stork nests. Where do you think I should walk?
Posted by
California
12 posts
I would ask the person who suggested stork nests where you should go if that is something that you are wanting to do.
This is YOUR trip, not ours. Go where you want to go. Do what you want to do. You do not need validation from internet strangers.
Posted by
12 posts
With the transfer time you'll probably be arriving mid-afternoon. I would just acquaint myself with the old town area- great just to wander
We found an Intermarche grocery 15 min walk from where we were staying
Taking a class could be interesting. Likely to meet expats to give you more travel advice
Posted by
California
12 posts
OP, is this your first ever trip overseas (or otherwise?).
I find it unusual to ask about "favorite grocery stores" since they likely are not the same as you might find in the US where a certain chain has a preference to many people. European grocery markets tend to be small and offer about the same items in all of them. Less options than you might be used to. There might be larger supermarkets, but they are more rare in Europe.
I'd look into Googling if towns you are staying in have a weekly (or sometimes daily) market - more similar to what North Americans refer to as "farmer's markets" for local produce or products.
Regardless, no need to plan down to the smallest detail - just wander, shop. You aren't going to make a mistake! RELAX!!!
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Intermarche Grocery is a nice idea. I had read about Pingo Doce. I love perusing the aisles and looking for items that are different from my every day life. Thanks!
Posted by
California
12 posts
"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."
Good luck. Hopefully every single little detail goes without issue.