I dream of epic vacations on the daily and I have to tell you Lagos, Portugal is a trip to put on your bucket list! My husband and I made Lagos a 5 day stop on our European honeymoon and it was the ultimate relaxing gorgeous beach vacation we were yearning for! Read on for my top picks that will give you bragging rights if you make the trip!
Where to Stay
The Carvi Beach Hotel in Lagos is situated just steps away from the stunning cliffside Praia de Dona Ana, one of the best beaches in the area. The hotel boasts spacious, modern and comfortable rooms. We upgraded to a suite and had a beautiful ocean view from our patio!
The hotel includes a full complimentary breakfast which we took advantage of every day. The rooftop restaurant Luca’s has sweeping views of the ocean making for a truly idyllic getaway. Old Town is just a ten-minute walk from the Carvi Hotel which has a vast array of local restaurants and shops with a historic European vibe.
Top Lagos Beaches
Praia de Dona Ana, awarded “Best Beach in The World” by Condé Nast Traveler, is nothing short of spectacular. Unique rock formations and caves surround the coast creating an absolutely jaw dropping setting while dramatic sandstone cliffs decorate the shoreline of this pristine beach. Crystal clear calm waters beg you to take a dip and cool off from the summer’s hot sun while you admire the Coasta d’Ouro. Like a true European you can sip on delicious espresso beachside and enjoy lunch dine in or take away from the restaurant on Praia de Dona Ana.
Praia do Camilo, a short ten minute walk from Carvi Hotel, is another top rated stunning Lagos beach. Two hundred steps down take you to the bottom of a cliff with two sections of golden sandy shores. Separated by a cave with a walking path, the second side of the beach is great for snorkeling as the reef sits close to shore. The deep greens and blues of the ocean contrasted by the yellow cliffs make this beach one to put on your must see list. The shoreline here is a bit smaller so arrive early to snag a good spot. There is a restaurant and a take away counter for lunch at the top of the steps.
Grotto Tours
The best way to take in the sights of the cliffs and rock formations that make Lagos so beautifully unique is to book a grotto boat tour. This was definitely a highlight of our Lagos trip! Carvi Hotel can book direct on Bom Dia or you can secure a tour online.
We opted for a one hour grotto boat ride. Our guide spoke English, Portuguese and Spanish and happily translated Portuguese historical facts in three languages. If you think Lagos is stunning from the shores you will be in for a huge treat to see the seascape from a boat with beautiful aqua water that resembles what you see in the grottos of Capri!
Old Town
If you are looking for a quaint European neighborhood feel you will find just that in the narrow streets of Old Town. Bustling with tourists in the summer months, Old Town has a wide selection of restaurants to choose from.
As you tour the historic cobblestone paths be sure to take a moment to admire the charm of the 16th century walls, churches and piazzas.
Must See Lookout Points
Ponta da Piedade, just a 3 minute Uber or an 18 minute walk from Carvi Hotel, has my vote for the best look out point in Lagos. Lace up your sneakers and head out early to beat the crowds and enjoy one of the most picturesque views in the Algarve. Sitting atop a cliff you will look over incredible Instagram worthy rock formations. Want to get a closer view? Head down a series of steps and feel the cooling ocean water on your feet as you reach the sea.
Looking for the most epic sunset in Portugal? Ok, good I got you! Cape St Vincent in Sagres is not only the most southwestern point in Portugal but also bears the title of the western most point in all of Europe. With history dating back over 12,000 years it was once thought to be the edge of the world. A map point with such cool GPS coordinates is definitely worthy to experience!
You will fight the wind to see the sunset by the lighthouse or Farol do Cabo de São Vicente. I am not kidding! I highly encourage wearing sneakers, a warm sweater and ladies no mascara unless you want it running all over your face like it did to me! Watching the sunset at Cape St Vincent is truly a wild experience. See for yourself how extreme standing at the “edge of the world” is!
Eats
You can’t go wrong walking around Old Town looking for authentic Portuguese restaurants and Carvi Hotel has an amazing menu as well, so I’m going to give you two of my favorite suggestions that are not your typical Portuguese fare.
Nah Nah Bah is a cheeky fun restaurant with healthy sized mouthwatering portions and laid-back island vibes that make you want to hang just a little bit longer. After traveling Europe for almost two weeks this place hit the spot with comfort foods we were yearning for.
Abigail’s Cafe Looking for a heathy treat to cool you down from the summer’s heat? Yes, that rhymes 😜 Abigail’s has delicious açaí bowls and smoothies and I have to tell you after walking around Old Town this place hit the spot! They also have the cutest mini croissants (pain au chocolate yes please) and amazing European espresso! I can dig it!
While getting to Lagos, Portugal takes a bit of effort, you have a layover in Lisbon and then land in Faro plus a one hour car ride, the food and drinks are quite affordable and the gorgeous landscape is worth it!
That wraps up the best of Lagos, Portugal. I hope you create an opportunity to explore Lagos during the summer months so you can relax and enjoy the stunning coastline, picturesque beaches and fascinating caves!
The Best of Lagos, Portugal / Jill E. Gallien / October 8, 2018
