No the other Lagos… in Portugal

As my sister was travelling for work, we were all hoping she would be able to meet up with us 160 days into our round-the-world trip. When I first suggested meeting in Lagos, some explaining was necessary as we were not going to spend four days in Nigeria’s largest city, but rather the idyllic beach town of Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve region.

After meeting in Lisbon, the bus trip to Lagos was the perfect start to this part of the trip. My husband could read his book while my sister and I could spend 3 hours of non-stop talking to catch up on news. Arriving at our destination, we battled to hail a taxi and persuade him to take us to our Airbnb – he insisted it was close enough to walk and we insisted our bags were too cumbersome to drag for a few blocks. Later, we all reached consensus, because although the apartment complex was close, finding the correct apartment took some time and driving up and down the road on particularly warm summer’s day.

The centre of town is picturesque with cobbled streets lined with eateries and bars. There is so much to choose from it makes it difficult to decide where to stop. Performers keep you entertained in the main square where gigantic chilled beers are served to keep you hydrated. Meandering through the streets to buy souvenirs, leather products, eat and drink, and even get your hair cut kept us entertained.

Shopping up a storm in Lagos, Portugal

Sightseeing in Lagos, Portugal

Just another lazy afternoon in Lagos, Portugal

Another day was spent walking to the beach where we found a shady spot at a café to watch all the bronzed Portuguese bathers in amongst the severely sunburnt Brits. This helped remind us to keep applying that sun cream in between sipping decadent cocktails, beers and sangria. By the time we headed home, it was a good thing we were walking and not operating heavy machinery.

Beach-goers in Lagos Portugal

A must-do day trip from Lagos is sailing to Ponta da Piedade, where you see the colourful grottos along the shoreline. The water has washed away parts of the sandstone cliffs creating dramatic sculptures in the crags. We received a large lunch on the boat, enjoying their speciality cocktails and overall having a lovely day out.

Ponta da Piedade, Lagos, Portugal

Sisters chilling on our sailing boat

When you are in Lagos, be sure to visit the fish market. Although the market itself is great, the tiled décor and restaurant at the top with a view of the marina is an excellent place to spend an afternoon.

Entrance to the fish Market in Lagos, Portugal

If we had known how lovely Lagos was going to be, we would have stayed longer, but unfortunately, before we knew it we were back on a bus to Lisbon to spend some time in the city.

Before this trip, I would not have chosen Portugal as a beach destination. Circumstances and timing made us consider the area and ultimately take a chance and book. Overall, all three of us would agree that the contrasting combination of a lovely historic cobbled street town, dotted with ultra sophisticated restaurants and stores, right next to the golden sandy beach covered in bikini-clad bathers, makes Lagos a great holiday destination.