Recently, Nina and I on the suggestion of the ruggedly beautiful hostel worker Pedro took a trip down south to Lagos, Portugal (not Nigeria) instead of Faro. We were told it was more scenic, quiet, and just a better place to visit. Apparently, Faro’s development as the de facto capital of the region takes away from some of its local charm for some.
So, we took his advice.
After a pleasant 3 hour bus ride, we arrived in the seaside town, which we discovered was relatively empty. Figured.
With a marina, stunning Atlantic beaches, and picturesque cafés, Lagos is a perfect place for holiday. Even in February, the area is swarmed (relatively speaking) with British and particularly German tourists.
We stayed in a cute, inn-styled hostel called ‘Olive Hostel’ in the center of the historic part of the city. The innkeepers/owners were charming, extremely helpful in suggestions of what to do with no one around, and consequently more than happy to take some walk-in guests this slow season.
However, they later alluded to us later that in the spring — it is simply too busy. Eek. Fortunately for us, the prices now are extremely reduced (only 13 euro a night and we got our own room again).
After doing some social media — cough Tinder cough — scouting, it was apparent that our decision to stay only one night was a good one in fact. From Portimão, Albufeira, and onward, I was told, “Algarve is dead.”
(Photo credits by PintsizedPioneer)
Nevertheless, Nina and I still enjoyed our stay, especially the beaches. Cold water and rather stunning rock formations, Lagos’s beaches are mostly pockets of sand surrounded by large cliffs from which one descends. Watch your step for sure.
If anything, come to the beaches and stay for the cataplana (traditional stew) and warm reception. I am in Sevilla, Spain now, but we are leaving in a few hours for Córdoba.
We are not going to Morocco unfortunately. It is too expensive for such a short trip, and we decided we need the money for food and other important things like that … However, we will be able to see some more Moorish architecture later on, so Nina is satisfied. The amount in Sevilla is already stunning, and I will be sure to update y’all later on my first trip to Spain! Stay tuned!