Η Portugal was on our radar for a long time… The lack of competition, however, (only Aegean Airlines flies there) makes the cost of tickets quite high. By planning several months in advance, we managed to take advantage of an air ticket offer (one of the ones we post quite often on our site). In fact, the fact that Aegean flies to both Lisbon and Porto (some days of the week), gave us the opportunity to land in one and take off from the other!
That's how the trip planning began! Portugal, however, doesn't just mean Porto or Lisbon! The country has been voted the best beach destination in Europe in recent years by World Travel Awards. And that was something that piqued our interest. To explore the south and specifically the region of Algarve with its beautiful coastline and rich activities.
So, if you want to visit Portugal in the summer, don't forget to add two or three nights in the south to your list for relaxation, beaches, and views of the Atlantic!
How to get there
The solution is obvious. You will land in Lisbon and rent car at the airport. This way, you will be able to move independently and visit as many places and beaches as possible. From Lisbon, you will drive about three hours on the motorway to reach the Algarve region. Be careful with car rental agencies. Make sure they have good reviews and ask to give you e-pass for tolls so you can avoid queues and fines!
Where to stay?
The main coastal cities in the Algarve region are Faro (which also has an airport), Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira and Sagres. After much research and communication with some locals, we chose Lagos for the following reasons: First, because it is the most picturesque settlement compared to the others. Second, because it is not so touristy and third, because most of what we wanted to see and do is close to it. And as it turned out, we made the best choice! As a tourist destination, the area has accommodations that are quite expensive during the summer months. But here are two value for money options that we tried here and here.
What to see
1or day
Το Lagos is a beautiful city that reminded us quite a bit of the Chora of a Greek island! The historic center in particular is worth a walk and stands out from the pebbled floor and the walls that surround it. White houses with small balconies, picturesque narrow streets, hospitable people create an idyllic holiday setting! Spend the first day exploring the city and the surrounding area.
– In the old port, next to which the new marina was built, is located the Good Hope a replica of an old caravel, which was the spearhead of the discoveries of the Portuguese Explorers. Lagos was the birthplace of Henry the Navigator, while Vasco da Gama set out from here to discover Brazil.
– In the central square of the old town you will see: The church Santa Matriz Church Maria, built in 1498, the slave market (Slave Market), which began operating in 1444 and was the first African slave market in Europe, the statue of Henry of the navigator, of the king who lived in the city and financed most of the expeditions to discover the "New World".
– Continuing your walk south you will come across the medieval castle of Lagos which stands imposingly with its single-arched arch being the main gate of the city. It was built to protect the residents of Lagos and the first fortification works began by the Moors in 929. Nearby is the separate coastal fortification Ponta da Bandeir Forta, which protected the port from pirate attacks.
– Just after this fortification is the first beach of Lagos, the Batata Beach. From there all the SUP and kayak tours that I will talk about below start. Don't stay there! To enjoy the sun and the sea, continue to the next beach on Beach two Students or else student beach, with the single-arched Roman bridge in a beautiful small natural bay!
– Impressive due to its geological formations is also the Beach Dona Ana, perhaps the most photographed beach in the area! It is an organized coast protected from the wind, with impressive limestone rocks and fine sand full of shells!
– The most dramatic landscape, however, you will encounter in Ponta da Piedade, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal. These are various geological formations consisting of golden rocks up to 20 meters high, caves and natural arches which you can see in the following ways: a) Rent a kayak or SUP from Praia da Batata, b) walk the paths from the old lighthouse and see the rocks from above or c) take a speedboat tour from the Lagos marina. We did the first two and we highly recommend them (as long as sea conditions allow) as this way you enjoy the scenery without the pressure of time and even more economically.
2or day
Today you will visit one of the most incredible sights in Portugal! The large cave in Benagil. This is a natural wonder that will surely have caught your eye somewhere on Instagram. There are several ways to get to the caves. The first is to join one of the many boat tours that start from the nearby cities of Portimao and Albufeira. We do not recommend this, however, because due to the legislation in Portugal, boats approaching the caves are prohibited from disembarking people, so they enter the cave for a few minutes and leave. The second way is to choose a kayak tour from the above cities or from some nearby beaches. We do not recommend this either, however, because they take 2-3 hours as they also take you to other caves until you end up in Benagil. What we did and recommend is to drive to the παραλία Benagil and rent a SUP or kayak from there to go to the cave which is located 200-300 meters away from the original beach! Tip: Go early to find an available kayak as it gets crowded after 11.
– After you’re done with Benagil Cave, there are some beautiful beaches nearby to discover. First and best is Beach yes Marina which has been voted one of the 100 best beaches in the world. Explore it in its entirety as at its western end there are 2 huge natural arches that will leave you speechless!
– If the crowds at Praia da Marinha seem too much and you want something quieter, the nearby beach Albandeira is what you are looking for. There you will encounter another of the many incredible natural arches of the Algarve.
– End your day with a stroll along the coastal pedestrian street (Ribeirinha Street) Portimao and in the city center located around Jardim 1º de Dezembro square.
Don't forget to try delicious traditional flavors of canned fish at a little gem we discovered, the Maria do MarTrust us, you've never tried anything like this before!!
3or day
Within easy reach of Lagos is a series of beautiful beaches with all kinds of activities.
– If you are interested in kite surfing or wind surfing, the Beach yes Light It is an ideal beach for these types of sports. Sandy, charming and with stylish cafes and restaurants.
-If you still want to feel the power of the waves and learn to surf, the Sagres is what you are looking for! Wild landscape that magnetizes you...
– If your goal is to relax on an organized sandy beach with a beautiful view and the well-known geological formations of the area, you will head to Tres Irmãos Beach and the one next to it Prainha Beach.
– In case you went crazy with the kayak tours and adventures and want more, the Sao Rafael Beach near Albufeira is full of caves and beautiful steep cliffs.
Tip: Don't forget that you are in the Ocean. The water is quite cold so don't expect to enjoy swimming. If you still want to swim, surf shops rent summer neoprene suits that keep your body temperature constant. If there are no waves, the waters are crystal clear!
Food – entertainment
Lagos is famous for its many restaurants and bars, most of which are small and cozy but also value for money. House do Pregnant was our favorite restaurant where we were thrilled, in addition to the good food, by the excellent white sangria! Equally good was the March d Stories with a rich menu of seafood and in a very beautiful space. In the morning, don't forget to stop by the bakery Bakery Central and get the national delicacy of Portugal, pastel de nata (they resemble milk pie) and codfish piroski!
See the rest of our trip to Portugal and its picturesque capital Lisbon and the enchanting Sintra!
