A beach city with a California beach type swagger in Western Europe....
A short drive east of Spain is the town of Lagos in Portugal and with open Schengen borders it is very easy and convenient driving into Lagos from Spain. Lagos is a town in southern Portugal's Algarve region. This town just feels like you are in Southern California but thousands of years older, just a beautiful walled old town yet filled with skate and surf shops through out the old town streets.
Lagos can be explored in one day, with the town center and beaches being the main attractions, take a stroll around the old town streets and check out the boutique shops and beach shops. The streets of course are filled with restaurants and bars for a very cool nightlife by the beaches and not overcrowded as Lagos is still pretty much a hidden gem. An incredible spot we recommend when in Lagos, is Casinha Do Petisco, a ridiculously good restaurant with a true Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant is hidden in the back streets but easy to get to. If you have a bigger party then two, you may want to make reservations as this is the spot for even the locals and gets filled quick. This is one spot we will be returning to when back in Lagos and even has its own story in our "EATS" blog.
A block away from the old town is the boardwalk where you can shop at the beach markets along the boardwalk which will eventually lead you to the Castle of Lago, the medieval defense castle across the street from the boardwalk. Keep walking up a small hill to the rocky cliffs and hidden beaches within the cliffs that lead you to the beautiful clear waters. Some of these beaches only have access through narrow rocky paths between the rocky cliffs.
The best way to see the rocky cliffs of Praia Dona Ana Beach and explore the caves is to catch a boat ride, with lots of tours available by the boardwalk from numerous vendors at about €15 to €20 a person, definitely a cool experience and if you are lucky enough to catch a day with low tides, the boats can get even deeper into the caves.
If you are ever in Portugal exploring Lisbon where most travel or even near by in South Spain, you may want to make time for a day in Lagos. This town will not disappoint, it just has those cool beach vibes with reggae shops, surfing, BMX bikers and skaters cruising the boardwalk and best of all, never over crowded!
We hope to be back soon, until next time Lagos!
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