Holidays in Lagos and the Algarve, Portugal
Lagos - a vibrant town by day or night
Just a five minute drive away from our rental apartments is the historic fishing town of Lagos, arguably the most attractive town in the Algarve. (view a map of Lagos)
Narrow winding cobbled streets that open onto tiled plazas lined with white washed architecture, boutiques and a wealth of restaurants serving a variety of local specialities. A rich cultural history, award winning blue flag beaches, a vibrant marina, abundant sunshine and warm passionate people all contribute to the irresistible appeal Lagos.
There is so much to see and explore, including the bustling Lagos marina which is usually the first port of call for transatlantic yachts sailing towards Portugal’s south coast, or the last before departing on their nautical adventures. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll around, or simply watch the world go by whilst sampling a smooth coffee and one of the delicious pastries like one of the locals.
Lagos is also rich in culture and has managed to retain its timeless 'old world' charm. There are many historic buildings including churches, museums and Europe’s first 15th Century slave market (thankfully it is now an art gallery.) The impressive fort and town walls, still largely intact, date back to Roman times. Lagos was also the home of Henry the Navigator, famous for the voyages of discovery that changed both Portugal and the world.
The best golden sandy beaches in Lagos
Whether you want to stroll along, or spend a lazy day sunning on one of the many blue flag, golden sandy beaches in Lagos, you are spoilt for choice. Lagos is home to the truly spectacular 6km Meia Praia beach, one of the longest and most spectacular beaches in the Algarve. The beach is perfect for those who enjoy long, sandy walks. You can walk all the way to the Ria de Alvor and stop off at one of the snack bars and restaurants along the way.
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice, there is a beach for every season and preference. Sheltered coves for winter, those which receive a gentle cooling breeze throughout the summer when temperatures are at their highest, and ones with shallow gentle slopes - perfect for children.
The picturesque blue flag beach resorts of Praia da Luz, Porto de Mos and Praia Dona Ana are only five minutes away. With a long history of fishing the beach resort of Luz is stunning, with lots of facilities such as water sports, bars, cafes, small shops and restaurants. Perfect for those who want a relaxing beach holiday.
Discover the hidden treasures of the Western Algarve
The apartments are ideally situated to explore the Western Algarve, which is a land of unspoilt natural beauty. The West coast remains one of the most unspoilt stretches of the Algarve coastline and has some of the best beaches in Europe, nestling in rocky coves. It is a haven for those in search of tranquillity and offers the chance to experience real Portuguese life in quaint towns and picturesque fishing villages.
Travel west of Lagos and explore the quieter picturesque fishing villages of Salema and Burgau, or discover your very own isolated beach for the day. At Sagres and Cape St Vincent you can stand on the most south-westerly point in continental Europe where the ancients thought the world ended.
Take a refreshing drive inland to the spectacular Monchique mountains. Discover small spa villages clustered on the hillsides and explore the surrounding green countryside. The mountains offer breathtaking views, where on a clear day you can see from one end of the Algarve coastline to the other.
Things to do & see
There is a host of exciting sporting opportunities nearby including: mountain biking, walking, horse riding, diving, fishing, paragliding, sailing, surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, kite-surfing and tennis. It is also an excellent location for bird watchers, especially during spring and autumn migration.
Several events take place along the Algarve throughout the year including; local carnivals, food & medieval festivals, the Portugal Rally, the Kitesurf World Championship and Powerboat P1 World Championship in Portimao.
 Walks - for those who wish to explore the spectacular and dramatic coastline, or walk amongst the flora and fauna in the countryside, we provide selection of walking guides.
Exciting boat trips can also be taken from Lagos to the surrounding transparent waters for dolphin watching and grotto trips. The trips explore the spectacular rock formations, caves and coves in typical Portuguese fisherman’s boats and are a great way to view Lagos from the sea.
Algarve motor park
For the petrol heads, The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, a brand new state-of-the-art race track is just 10 minutes away. The circuit hosts the Portuguese round of the Superbike World Championships, Formula 1 testing and other major international events. The complex also includes one of the biggest go karting circuits in Europe, a racing school and track days also take place.
Family Days Out
Other attractions within 30 minutes drive from the apartment include Lagos Zoo, the International Sand Sculpture festival in Pera and the Algarve shopping complex near Guia. Algarve shopping has more than a hundred shops, bowling alley and cinema.
Theme parks
Zoomarine - Entertainment park with seal and dolphin shows, parrots, aquariums, merry-go-rounds, pool and restaurant.
Krazyworld - A combination of small zoo with crazy golf.
Water parks
Aqualand - Aquapark with water-chutes, swimming pools for adults and children.
Slide & Splash - It is considered to be the biggest of its kind in the country, and one of the biggest and the best in Europe. Considered to be the better of the two water parks.
Indulge in the pleasures of Algarve cuisine
Early each morning the brightly painted fishing boats can be seen lining the harbour where fishermen check their nets after bringing home the night’s catch. Lagos offers an amazing choice of restaurants where you can enjoy some of the world’s finest seafood including grilled sardines, shellfish, lobster and crab. Alternatively there is wide selection of restaurants serving international cuisine. The house wines on offer are very good and inexpensive. As for the deserts and pastries, simply delicious.
In addition to the two restaurants on the Boavista resort, there are also a couple of great restaurants within walking distance of our apartments, which provide good (and very cheap), traditional Portuguese food. Our guests also receive a list of recommended restaurants - lots of hidden gems which the locals and expats like to keep to themselves.
For the foodies who wish to prepare authentic dishes with local ingredients, there is a fresh market on the 1st Saturday of the month in Lagos, a farmers market (every Saturday) and a daily fresh fish market.
Climate and weather on the Algarve
With over 3000 hours of glorious sunshine every year the Algarve's climate is one of the healthiest and most pleasant in the world. Summers are hot (28ºC) and dry, and winters are mild (15ºC) with hardly any rain. July and August are the hottest and busiest months of the year, but are often refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze.
This sunny climate makes the Algarve an all-year-round golfing destination. The main golf season is from late autumn to late spring, with warm sunny days, allowing keen golfers the opportunity to play when courses in the UK are unplayable and waterlogged. Skies are blue all year round.
For average monthly weather conditions or the current forecast view the Lagos weather page
Simply relax and unwind
The apartments are perfect for those who want a relaxing holiday. You can lounge by the pools on the Boavista resort, watch golfers in a tranquil setting or stroll round picturesque Lagos. Golden sandy beaches are on your doorstep where you can bask in the sun whilst the children explore the rock pools. In the early evening you can look out over the manicured greens and enjoy the spectacular, multicoloured sunsets.
What could be more perfect?
The apartments are ideally located for both beach and golf holidays, you can be as relaxed or as active as you wish. View the photo gallery for more pictures.
|
