With this post, I am filling in a gap on Portugal, which I traveled to last August. I will try to help those who have not yet chosen a place for a summer vacation and tell you in detail about the rest on the Portuguese coast Algarve in its resort capital - the city of Lagos.

Not everyone likes to dangle along the coast in a rented car like a lightning man, even if it’s the most beautiful places. Most of them have neither the opportunity nor the desire for such a format of travel vacation.

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For such tourists in the Portuguese Algarve there are two most famous cities - two tourist capitals local importance, Lagos and Albufeira. We visited both cities, and if I was going on vacation with my mother-in-law, wife, three young children, I chose the classic format of recreation, I would choose the city of Lagos, which I am going to talk about.

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Lagos is an ancient port city with over 2000 years of history. How it looked before, we will not know, in 1755 Portugal was shaken by an earthquake and a tsunami that destroyed most of the historical beauty on the coast.

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When choosing accommodation, I would prefer Old city. In his favor - approximately the same distance from city beaches, beautiful center enhanced by several attractions and night life of course.

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The right morning starts with the city market, you hardly have to buy something, but it’s definitely worth looking at what else was floundering in the ocean today. At least in order to know what to order for lunch at local restaurants.

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The market is almost the only place where you can feel the city, except for the local bus station, where backpackers arrive. The market is located right on the embankment, there are mostly locals who are engaged in their grocery and economic affairs. No pathos and ostentatiously beautiful stalls, the most interesting thing here is the fish rows and local merchants.

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Before the heat has driven to the luxurious ocean beaches, you can have time to see what has survived after the destructive work of mother nature. We must pay tribute to the restorers and builders of all generations, thanks to them today's Lagos is a landmark in itself, very nice old town.

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Right next to the market Temple of San Sebastian, it is good because its observation deck offers the best view of the city, I won’t show pictures, we were too lazy to climb up and left a reason for the next visit.

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For a classic tourist - classic sights without any irony, I myself like to walk around old churches or look at the city from a height. Church of Santa Maria, almost on the embankment, a fountain and an almost deserted square, no wonder - August, 70 percent on the beach, the rest in local bars.

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Next to the church on the waterfront is a fort and the remains of a city fortress. We go in rather for show, we don’t want to go inside, we have already seen a couple of such miracles. From the fort there are good views of the coast, but in Lagos full of free viewing places, from which the views are not worse than in the National Geographic stories and completely free, which is important - there is lunch ahead.

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Where are the restaurants in Lagos? On the streets adjacent to the embankment of the Bensafine River, a little on the narrow streets adjacent to the center and a lot on the main tourist street 25th of April

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It’s more expensive here, but it’s not worth looking for places where locals dine in Lagos, this is not Lisbon. Almost all places here are touristic, prices too. So accept that you will part with 25-30 euros for a dinner for two and enjoy. In the low season it will be much cheaper.

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There are a lot of places where you can dine in Lagos, basically they are all tourist. Therefore, I will not recommend anything specific.

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Except at the end April 25 streets I can recommend the Bon Vivant cafe - red in the photo, a good selection of drinks, an unusual interior and most importantly - open area on the roof, from there a good view of the street

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There are some boring tourist restaurants similar to a canteen. Right in the alley, so that the head does not bake. On the street solid +34 Celsius. Most likely designed for organized groups of pensioners from England.

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Another attraction Church of Saint Anthony located in the old center of Lagos, bristling with ancient spiers-towers and perfectly copes with its decorative role for most tourists, adding coziness to the narrow winding streets.

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The main attractions of Lagos are the ocean, beautiful rocks and beaches. Let's go for Ponta Piedada- a cape on which there is a lighthouse and the so-called "first rocks" of the Algarve. In our case, let's go, but you can walk in about half an hour - there is a place on the outskirts of Lagos.

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Here you can spend half a day, swim around the rocks on a boat or sit at the top enjoying the view. Near the lighthouse there is free parking for cars, we leave the car, go down the wooden stairs and take an hour walk through the grottoes and picturesque rocks. The price is 25 euros for two.

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Boating is the main attraction for tourists, well organized and streamlined.

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The second most beautiful place in Lagos - Dona Ana beach, in July-August there are quite a lot of people. Nearby there are a couple of hotels and unfinished, long-term construction, I already wrote about this above. The beauty of the beach and the views from the hotel make up for minor imperfections.

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It is better to sunbathe and swim on the Dona Ana beach before lunch, and take pictures in the late afternoon. And even then, the sun seems to be going along the sea, by 17.00 the rocks are already half in the shade.

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There are several beaches in the city of Lagos, so the city is good. On the opposite side of the beach Dona Ana there is a long sandy city beach Meia Praia. You can get there by car, or on foot - just cross the bridge from the embankment.

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This long sandy beach is more suitable for lovers of classic beach holiday, there are no waves, a gentle entrance to the water and warm water. And this is one of the most warm beaches on the Algarve coast for which it is loved by couples with children or just not too much active tourists.

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Other beaches near Lagos. There are a lot of them, but if you choose the most beautiful, then this. I wrote about it in detail here. Or choose the appropriate option from list of the best beaches in the Algarve. But for this you need a car, and this is a completely different format of recreation.

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Nearby neighborhoods or where you can go for a whole day.

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Firstly, this is the neighboring town of Lagoa, we just lived in its vicinity. There is more local color and a couple of good local wine shops.

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One of them can be found in the very center, the choice and prices are more pleasant than in the tourist Lagos.

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In addition to the liquor store, take a walk along the narrow and completely deserted streets Lagoa(Lagoa), it is crowded here only in the morning on weekdays, when people go to work or to the market. For those who are tired of the crowds and fuss - a must.

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The local market is also worth a visit, but in the morning, of course.

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There is much more real Portugal in Lagoa than in Lagos. The city is located about seven kilometers from the ocean, which for some reason the locals call the sea. nearest beach Carvoeiro not bad, but interesting to those tourists who have not read my posts about Portugal and therefore chose it as a place to relax. The place is rather dull, the beach is ordinary by the standards of Portugal, and also very small.

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Near Lagos, near Lagoa there is the town of Silves, without which a walk around the outskirts of Lagos would be incomplete. In Silves there is a cathedral and an old Arab fortress.

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The cathedral is like a cathedral, and the fortress will be of interest only to those who are interested in the Arab period of the history of Portugal or those who travel around Europe for the first time. If you decide and allows you to have time, then you can spend a couple of hours. For us, a small consolation was the figs, which grew abundantly in the courtyard of the fortress. You can safely tear it and eat it with impunity and for free. You won't want to dine after it - a guarantee.

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Lagos and Albufeira

Why united two cities in one story? I thought they were similar, yet different at the same time. They are similar in their narrow streets of slippery cobblestones, Moorish-style architecture and endless white houses with patterned chimneys. And it's hot everywhere.

Lagos

Lagos - largest resort Algarve.

You can quickly reach Lagos on the A22 expressway, you can drive a little slower on the N125 /

On the horizon of Mount Monchique, but more on that in another article.

We didn’t have any specific purpose of visiting the city of Lagos, we decided to just take a walk. And in order to have at least some goal, they decided to find a church named after someone there, I don’t remember who.

An attempt to find parking in the city center was unsuccessful and we left the car in a large free parking near the ruins of an old fortress.

There was almost nothing left of the fortress, so it was not of particular interest.

The town of Lagos itself made a favorable impression on me. Despite the heat, if you move along the shady side of the street, then the walk will not end with heat stroke.

There is no vegetation at all on the streets, perhaps it is in the yards.

Many apartments offer their services.

Lagos has a large pedestrian street that goes from the old fortress to the city center, but it is crossed by streets where cars drive - be careful. The street is paved with a very slippery stone, care is also required here.

The house, the walls of which are completely lined with tiles.

Along the pedestrian street, we got to a large square, in different directions from which streets diverged with a bunch of cafes, shops and souvenir shops.

On the central square there is a monument with a Maltese cross and the inscription Lagos, xxxxx xxxxxxx (we never learned to read Portuguese).

The streets are mostly pedestrian.

Rooster - a symbol of Portugal can be found everywhere.

There were some difficulties in finding the church. I concluded that the majority of the Portuguese are atheists and do not go to church at all and do not even know where it is. We asked several locals where the church of someone was located, everyone pointed in different directions, probably everyone had their own, one favorite. Even the address that we knew did not help. Finally, one old woman explained to us more or less clearly and we went along the given route.

It was time for a siesta, but most restaurants and shops continued to work.

We found her!! But like all previous and subsequent churches, it was closed. Yes, it is difficult to be a believer in the Algarve.

The church housed a local history museum, which, of course, was also closed.

Square and embankment near the temple.

On the square there is a monument to Enrique the navigator. This Enrique is a completely mysterious character for me. From the lessons of history, I know a sufficient number of Portuguese navigators and travelers: Vasco de Gama, Fernand Magellan, Bartolomeo Dias, Eshcobar Peru and even Tristan da Cunha. But I did not know anything about Enric the Navigator, who, according to the Alagvians, was practically the only one who explored all the seas and oceans and drew the most accurate map of the world. Although, judging by the dates on the monument, Enrique's friend lived for about 500 years, and during this time, you can definitely do a lot.

Walked around the church - just closed.

Not far from the church there is a small shop with wine and port. I liked the choice and the prices did not seem very high, the sellers tried to help in choosing. Bought several bottles of port. As it turned out - not bad.

After a little wandering, we went out to a long pedestrian street and went to the car. I definitely liked the town and it deserves one whole day. Especially if it's not very hot. Arriving in Lagos, be sure to visit the beach of Dona Ana and Cape da Piedade.

But I'll tell you a little about the cape here.

Cape da Piedade, Algarve.

If you drive through Lagos and continue along the coast, you will run into a small lighthouse. Near the lighthouse there is a fairly large car park. Leave the car at the parking lot and go further to Cape da Piedade.

There are many on the cape observation platforms from where you can enjoy beautiful views.

Unfortunately, the photographs do not convey the magnitude of what he saw.

There are many boats with tourists floating between the big rocks.

By long staircase you can go down to the bottom. As I understand it, you can buy a boat tour there.

A few more photos, nothing to tell, it's a must see.

We return back to the car. In the parking lot there is a toilet that impresses with its cleanliness and a cafe where we bought ice cream and ate it with pleasure. I'm not a big fan of ice cream, but I thought the Portuguese ice cream from "OLA" (hello) was delicious.

Albufeira.

As it is written in the guidebook, Albufeira is an old fishing village, turned into a center of beach recreation for tourists and built up with many hotels.

The descents to the beaches in Albufeira are easier than in Lagos, and the beaches themselves stretch along the entire coast, moving from one to another.

We couldn't find a free parking space near the central part of the city and left the car on a small one-way street wedged between two local cars.

The goal was to eat and walk.

The central part of the city is not at all large and you can walk around it in less than an hour at a leisurely pace.

The rest of the city is of little interest.

The central square of the city of Albufeira, as well as in Lagos, small streets go from it in different directions, where in almost every house there is a restaurant or cafe.

Despite the large selection of places to eat, we did not like anything, everything is somehow quite for tourists.

Turned a little to the side main street and found a more or less interesting institution.

The owner of the establishment was in the photo, he dined at the next table and the cook who fed us. They were satisfied with the dinner.

All the same, a village is a village and there is nothing special to see there, or we did not find anything.

We walked a little more and went to the car. Albufeira did not leave a big mark on my soul. Lagos is much bigger, more interesting and prettier.

Since the conversation turned to coastal cities, we will briefly dwell on one more city - Portimao, (Portimao).

Portimão

Portimão - Big City, located at the mouth of the Arade River in the center of the Algarve.

Such a wonderful cable-stayed bridge is thrown across the Arade River.

Portimão is different from the rest of the cities in the Algarve. The city looks modern and trendy. The city has several large shopping centers. There is McDonald's, which, believe me, is important if you have children (I know it's bad). AT

The tunnel leads to the coast.

De Roca Beach is a large and beautiful beach in Portimão, signs for it can be found before reaching the city.

The streets in Portimão are wide and mostly straight.

Modern houses do not cause any desire to walk around the city.

Closer to the center, you can see the ubiquitous small houses in the Moorish style, but they are lost against the backdrop of modern buildings.

At the mouth of the river Arade parking for boats and yachts, on the other side of the river is Ferragudo. You can cross the bridge.

Portimão made a positive impression on us, but I would not want to rest there. This is a city in all its senses.

I planned to talk about other cities on the Algarve coast, but I realized that this makes no sense: small towns and the villages of the Algarve coast are very similar to each other and there is nothing to tell about them.

About the cities of the Algarve.

The southern Portuguese province of Algarve has long and firmly secured the status of a beach holiday area, but a tourist going on this vacation should pay attention to the fact that the Algarve stretches along south coast countries for 170 km, and at what point in this segment you stop, the subsequent attitude can radically depend. Without touching on specific hotels and other details, I will try to give in this article a generalized assessment of the main cities and towns engaged in tourism. I hope this information will help you decide where to live during your vacation. Before choosing a specific settlement, you should know that the Algarve has two fundamentally different parts - the western (Barlavento) and the eastern (Sotavento). Barlavento is more popular among tourists, and the point here is not so much in tradition, but in the nature of the area. This half of the region has a hilly terrain with steep and rocky coasts and beautiful beaches; often there are pine and eucalyptus copses. The ocean water here is cooler than in the eastern part. In Sotavento, the coastline is flat, swampy in places, and almost entirely separated from the sea by sandy spits. Between them and the shore, the water stagnates, creating a dirty pool, and swimming in fresh warm water can only be crossed to the spit. In some places, bridges have been made for this, but more often you have to use the services of ferrymen.

As a result of this distribution natural resources developed an appropriate way of life. In the western part it is more active and urbanized, while the eastern half is occupied mainly by agricultural land with a leisurely lulling atmosphere (a paradise for pensioners). Decide which rhythm is dearer to your soul, and you can move on to choosing a specific locality. Their descriptions follow in order of location on the ground - from east to west.

Monte Gordo like an oasis in the desert, it is a source of colorful rich life against the backdrop of a sleepy surrounding area. Located on the outskirts, it is more connected with Spain than with the rest of the Algarve. Hotels, apartments, bars and restaurants in in large numbers compactly lined up along the shore. From almost anywhere, a couple of minutes walk to the endless smooth sandy beach. The city is a favorite holiday destination for the Dutch, and, like Holland, is full of bicycles. The flat terrain surrounded by pine forests is conducive to relaxing bike rides. From the nearby Vila Real de S.Antonio you can go to boat cruise along the hilly banks of the border river Guadiana, or simply take a ferry ride to Spanish side and feel the difference between the two cultures. The city is convenient for roads. It is better to come here by bus, because. railway the station is located outside the city. No one amusement park no nearby.

Tavira spread out at the mouth of the Gilao River on both its banks. Several bridges coupled with historical part the cities form an interesting ensemble, and the river embankment with numerous restaurants is very popular with the population. There are a sufficient number of hotels and apartments for different tastes both within the city and in the nearest suburbs, but at the same time, Tavira does not bear obvious signs of a tourist center in its appearance, remaining a completely authentic settlement. Shallow beaches are washed by warm water, but there is no direct quick access to any of them - you need to cross the sandbars by ferry. Convenient transport access and orchards surrounding Tavira create a cozy atmosphere. Auto and railway stations are located near the center, there are several supermarkets. No one amusement park no nearby.

faro- on everyone's lips because it is the administrative center of the province of the Algarve, but even more so because it is located here international Airport. From a tourism point of view, only historical Center cities. Hotels are small and unpretentious, and are designed mainly for people who come for a couple of days, and those who care about the proximity of the airport. The beach is located on a sandy spit about 10 km from the city, where they move along a single-track bridge. AT summer period a long column of cars line up at this bridge, and parking spaces on the beach are limited. To the west of the airport stretches a vast pine forest, very popular with amateurs. bike rides. The city center provides good opportunities for shopping. The transport scheme is quite confusing, parking problems are widespread, and traffic jams form on all major roads during peak hours. Auto and railway Train stations are located right next to the city center.

Almancil- an ordinary town that does not represent the slightest interest, but is known due to the fact that all paths to the most civilized golf resorts pass through it: Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. These places are the Algarve Beverly Hills, and that says it all. Luxurious villas, pine trees and endless golf courses with prices to match. It is here that the watershed between the eastern and western parts of the Algarve passes, both figuratively and literally: east of Quinta do Lago, the coast is separated from the sea by a ridge of sandy spits, stretching almost to the border with Spain. There is a karting park at the exit from Almancil.

Quarteira and Vilamoura– Popular nearest to Faro Airport tourist centers. Despite the fact that physically these two cities form a single whole, smoothly flowing one into the other, their essence is completely different. Roughly speaking, people serving Vilamoura live in Quarteira.

Quarteira- an ordinary philistine city with close buildings. There are several inexpensive hotels and camping, but tourist apartments predominate, almost all located along coastline, which, in turn, is bordered by a continuous long beach. The city is rather bustling, and all the fuss is concentrated along the avenida - the main transport artery that runs along the coast. Transport access it is not very convenient here, with chronic difficulties with parking, railway. the message is missing. In general, apart from the beach, the city has no other advantages.

Vilamoura- an artificially created purely tourist object. The central part of the city consists almost entirely of large hotels and apartments, among which there are many 4 * and 5 *. The layout is done on a grand scale, each hotel has its own territory. There is also a casino here - a venue for frequent show programs - but the main life of the city boils around the marina (harbor for yachts and boats), on the banks of which most bars, restaurants and boutiques are located. Pleasure cruises start from the marina, fishing trips and other types of marine entertainment. Only a few hotels have direct access to the beach, so most tourists have to overcome a decent distance on foot or by car. Actually, the beach makes a rather miserable impression, and is not one of the main advantages of the resort. Vilamoura is, first of all, a place for a sedate fashionable audience. Around the multi-storey central part, surrounded by greenery, complexes of villas and golf courses stretch for ten kilometers - an excellent choice for lovers of peace and tranquility. The city and its environs are covered with an extensive network of beautiful roads, where even local. There are no traffic jams here, but access from the main roads is not very convenient; there are no problems with parking. Railway the line runs far to the side, bus service also leaves much to be desired. The extensive green surroundings are ideal for light, refreshing runs and bike rides. There are no large supermarkets in the city, prices for all positions are too high.

In the immediate vicinity of Quarteira and Vilamoura there is a popular park water attractions"Aquashow", in nearby Almancil - karting track.

Albufeira- the most hyped and very popular resort. This is the “golden mean”, located at the crossroads of paths and opinions. At your service there are innumerable hotels and apartments, both fit into the urban environment and scattered within a radius of 10 km throughout the district (districts Olhos de Agua, Gale and Sao Rafael). Here everyone will find an option for their wallet - from cheap residences and camping up to 5* hotels and private villas. Albufeira is known as the most party city - this is where lovers of bars and disco clubs come in the evenings. The strip of beaches stretches for ten kilometers, interrupted by small rocks, and gradually changing its appearance - giving everyone the opportunity to choose according to their taste. However, the entire coastal zone is urbanized, and if your hotel is far from the sea, then come to the beach by car and parking will not be an easy task. Access to Albufeira by car is easy and convenient, but during the high season there are often traffic jams at the entrances to the city and difficulties with parking in certain parts of it. Bus routes connect the city with the surrounding area, as well as with other cities southern Portugal. Railway the station is located 5 km inland, and usually people get there / from there by taxi. There are several supermarkets within the city and a large commercial center "AlgarveShopping" 5 km to the west along the EN125 highway. Bullfights take place in Albufeira during the summer, and within 10 km to the west are the Zoomarine oceanographic park and the sand sculpture exhibition. "Fiesa". Majority sea ​​excursions start from the marina (harbor for yachts), located behind the western tip of the city, which creates certain inconveniences in the absence of personal transport. The disadvantages of Albufeira also include its non-compactness (completely chaotic location of hotels, shops, restaurants, etc.) and the irrationality of the road network, forcing long movements. The population of the city in the summer sometimes increases by 10 times (!), And, of course, such a crowded environment (sometimes noisy) does not affect the rest in the best way.

Armacao de Pera. Once a modest fishing village, the tourism industry acquired all the attributes in a short time modern city: supermarkets, high-rise buildings, banks, hotels, restaurants. There are several hotels and apartments inside the city limits, but the tourist area Senhora da Rocha is more popular. west of the city. The principle of "peace and quiet next to civilization" is perfectly implemented here. picturesque beaches Sra.da Rocha fills the soul with an idealistic mood, and lovers of "buzz" can easily head to the center of Armacao de Pera. Convenient access by car; traffic jams and parking difficulties are extremely rare. There are several passing bus routes whose schedule leaves much to be desired; railway the message is missing. As a result - some "isolation" of the resort, which you do not feel at all when car availability. On the outskirts of the city there is a good campsite. There are numerous restaurants on the embankment, among which there are many with delicious fresh fish. The entertainment industry is underdeveloped, so it is better to contact the hotel reception about this. 7 km inland is the Aqualand water park; about the same distance, but to the east - an exhibition of sand sculptures FIESA; a little further - "Zoomarine".

carvoeiro- a territory little developed by Russian tourists, which by no means degrades its merits. Once a small fishing village, today it is nothing great, but the chic surrounding area is completely covered with green villas, tourist apartments and golf complexes. There are no high-rise buildings lined up here and crowded promenades; this is an area for connoisseurs of natural beauty. Small beaches are nestled here and there in fabulous cliffs, and in the morning you will be greeted by the call of seagulls and the chirping of grasshoppers. Evening life is in full swing in the center of the village, but nothing will disturb your sleep on the next street. Great place for family vacation located away from the main roads. However, travel here quite comfortable, and best carried out by car. The bus schedule is far from ideal, railway. no line. On the outskirts of the nearby (5 km) Lagoa, there are several large supermarkets and the Slide & Splash water amusement park, and if you yearn for civilization, you can ride in Portimao (15 km).

May the inhabitants of other places forgive me, for there is no city in the Algarve more beautiful than portimao. Located at the mouth of the Arade River, it embodies the perfect combination of urbanization and nature. Large and modern, it impresses both with high-rise buildings, avenues and bridges, as well as with its embankments, beaches, and varied terrain. A city that leads an active life regardless of tourists, and therefore most hotels, apartments and entertainment venues are concentrated in the coastal zone Praia da Rocha with its grandiose beaches, and commercial centers, public institutions, exhibition and concert complexes, etc. located in the philistine part of the city. Nevertheless, this part (with its squares, fountains, numerous fish restaurants and a 2-kilometer promenade on the river embankment) is also popular with tourists. Come to Portimao for train or bus equally convenient - both stations are located in the city. Airfield at Alvor able to accept light aircraft and the middle class. Portimao is conveniently located in relation to the main roads, but during peak hours there are traffic jams at the entrance to the city and at key intersections. Free parking in the Praia da Rocha area can be difficult, but there are several multi-storey paid car parks. Spacious beaches (they host not only sunbathing people, but also playgrounds for volleyball, football, badminton), framed by intricate cliffs, stretch for 5 km, and from the piers of the marina originate numerous excursions along the grottoes, in the upper reaches of the Arade river, fishing, etc. It is very interesting to explore the city and its surroundings on bicycle or go along the river in a kayak.

In fact, today it is worth talking not only about Portimao itself, but also about the suburbs that are gradually merging with it. Sheltered on east coast Arade village Ferragudo- one of the few who, having known the taste of tourism, managed, nevertheless, to preserve the distinct appearance of the fishing village. The central part of it is very authentic, and the complexes of villas and apartments fit ergonomically into the coastal surrounding area. Here you are accompanied everywhere by spaciousness and a fresh sea breeze, and the eye from almost anywhere invariably clings to the majestic views of the "big brother" on the other side of the river.

Alvor, although considered an independent administrative unit, has long lived a life closely associated with Portimao. Leaving the latter the path of urban development, he himself more and more acquires a purely touristic appearance with many bars, restaurants, hotels and apartments. The most attractive of them are located in the area between Alvor and Praia da Rocha and have direct access to the coast, but there are many excellent complexes inland (and getting to the beach by car is not difficult). The Alvor River at its mouth forms a wide estuary, which has gained immense popularity among wind and kite surfers, and boats depart from the local harbor for fishing and sea trips.

In the summer, an amusement park usually unfolds in the Praia da Rocha area, beach volleyball and soccer tournaments, wine festival, evening show programs, night disco clubs, casinos. 10 km east of Portimao is the Slide & Splash water amusement park, and a 25 km walk inland will give you the intoxicating mountain air of the Monchique ridge and the mesmerizing view from its highest point Foia for the entire Barlavento.

Lagos- the only place in the Algarve where the developed tourism industry is perfectly balanced with historical heritage and natural beauties. In the late 90s, Lagos even hit the top ten the best resorts peace. No, it was not the chic restaurants and multi-star hotels that caused this, but the inexplicable charm that everyone experiences when they first come to this city. Narrow streets and quiet crowds in the central square, the canal embankment with people passing by yachts and a spacious view of the bay, unique cliffs and cozy beaches between them - this is a place for those who like to live not loudly, but with taste. There are N-th number of inexpensive residences in the old city, but most of the hotels, tourist apartments, motels are located in residential areas. Lagos is quite popular with youth companies, many of which stay in the private sector and campsites. It is equally convenient to come here both by car and by train (this is the final station of the railway line) or by bus. There are no traffic jams here, but parking in the city center is quite problematic. There are several large supermarkets located on the outskirts of the city. In the summer, bullfighting is held, but not very regularly, and Lagos has no equal in terms of the number of organized entertainment: sea ​​cruises, fishing, dolphin safari, grotto walks, parasailing, windsurfing, diving etc. The surroundings of the city are simply gorgeous for lovers of cycling and hiking; Halfway between Lagos and Portimão, there is an autodrome where speed lovers can practice kart racing and serious sports cars. About 10 km to the northwest is the zoo Zoo Lagos- small but cute.

To the west of Lagos, semi-wild places begin, beckoning those who seek to escape from human bustle to the greatness and omnipotence of nature. Of course, there are settlements here, but you can move for many kilometers without bumping into fences and not meeting a single person. In these places, the villages are most chosen by tourists. Praia da Luz, Burgao and Salema- all located directly on the shore with access to the beach - but there is a considerable number of apartments and hotels (including boarding-rural type), standing apart. Most of those are on the stretch between Praia da Luz and Burgao. Here and only here you will feel the deepest unity with nature, and silent stones will tell you exciting stories from the life of our planet. Fresh sea breeze, ocean infinity and spectacular sunsets- these are the three whales of this region. You can come here by bus from Lagos ... provided that you bring everything you need with you - otherwise it is impossible to live here without a car. Of the entertainment in these parts - the zoo Zoo Lagos near the village of Barao de S.Joao; beautiful places for diving; on the Praia da Luz beach - all kinds of water fun (skiing, "bananas", scooters ...). Those who like to explore new trails on foot and on bicycle not to be found the best places throughout the Algarve, and only here you will find almost deserted wild beaches.

Sagres. If you are into surfing then this is the place for you! Surfers are practically the only type of tourists inhabiting these places. Sagres in itself has nothing remarkable, it has several hotels and apartments, but most of the "rip-heads" arriving here settle in inexpensive residences, the private sector, and camping. Praia do Martinhal, the most suitable beach for swimming, located next to the village, is popular mainly with windsurfers. In the same bay there is a small fishing port. Beaches west coast with their majestic rocks and almost endless winds, all are at a sufficient distance, and can only be reached by personal transport. For non-surfers, only the remains of a medieval fort on the outskirts of the village are of interest. "End of the world"(Cape St. Vincent) 6 km to the west. However, for lovers wildlife places can be very attractive, including in terms of cycling. The bus route connects Sagres with Lagos, but does not have a very busy schedule.

The described places are among the most popular among tourists, but they are not limited to accommodation options. The Algarve is a single organism with a developed infrastructure, and if your views on recreation are not limited to the lazy “hotel-beach-restaurant” set, then if you have a car, you can choose a specific “landing point” with a spread of up to 10-15 km from the base settlements - a fundamental you won't feel the difference.

Igor Pitovsky