If you’re in your 30s or 40s and planning a trip to Lagos (Portugal), you’re probably searching for something specific – restaurants that aren’t overrun with tourists, quiet spots for your morning yoga practice, cafes with good wifi where you can catch up on work, and maybe a massage or treatment after a day of exploring. You want to experience authentic Portuguese culture while maintaining the routines that keep you feeling good, and you’re willing to invest in quality over quantity. After nearly 20 years in Lagos, between many other travels, I’ve found all those hidden gems you’re looking for. These are my genuine, unsponsored recommendations for the experiences that will make your trip feel both enriching and restorative – because I know exactly what you’re searching for.
What to do:
Well, yes, you really do need to start with the tourist trail – Ponta da Piedade, the beaches, and the old town – because they are all amazingly beautiful. But, here in addition to that, here are a few outstanding experience that I recommend:
1. Get up to see the sunrise
I’m by no means part of the 5am Club, but getting up to see the sunrise in Lagos is a truly magical experience. The town is quiet, the water is still, and the sky is glowing. Check our post about sunrise & sunset spots in Lagos to get a taster and choose your viewing spot.
2. SUP (or kayak) through the Grottos
I was always sceptical of Stand-Up Paddling. It seemed a bit silly to me. But then I went with a few friends and it was great fun, and a way to venture into caves without being part of a tour. We rented inflatable SUPs at JahShaka. To do it at sunrise (the most magical time, the sea is flat and sky is colourful), go on a tour with Ocean Spirits SUP.
Otherwise, take a kayak trip with Ezride. You really do need to see the glowing water inside the caves. Otherwise, go on a grotto tour in a small boat, but its not as an immersive experience as on a SUP or Kayak.
3. Take the boardwalks
Starting here at Praia do Pinhão, you can follow the coastline, passing the most spectacular beaches and offering amazing views of the grottos. The boardwalks are sturdy and even wheelchair friendly. Follow them to the stunning Ponta da Piedade. And if you have enough energy (or on another day) from the lighthouse towards Porto de Mos. The track between the lighthouse and Porto de Mos is the best place for watching the sunset. Bring a picnic and bottle of wine.
4. Go to the Farmers Markets
Taking place on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, the local Farmers markets are full of charm. Even if I don’t need to buy much, I love the atmosphere at the market. Its local, friendly and there is so much to look at. The old locals collect flowers in the fields to sell for a few euros a bunch, there are olives, preserves, traditional cakes/pastries, eggs, live chickens, food trucks, local beer stands and sometimes live music.
5. Explore the Westcoast
The wild beaches of the West Coast are stunning. My favourites are Beliche (close to Sagres), Castalejo, Arrifana and Monte Clerigo. If you don’t have a car, join a West Coast tour. It really is an impressive stretch of wild coastline that shouldn’t be missed.
6. Spend a few hours in Burgau
Its a cute little town with small streets and a nice beach. Plus thy have some great eateries: Miam for Santorini vibes, Kiosk A Prateleria for no frills, relaxed with a great view over the beach and Lokal Padaria for yummy pastries & goodies.
Yoga / Pilates
For a memorable experience, join a beach yoga class with El Sol. But for an indoor practice, there are two great studios in the old town: InLight Studio and Algarve Alchemy.
Algarve Alchemy is above the much loved Black&White Café, and I love to treat myself to a pain au chocolate (the best in town) and coffee after class. Alternately, Anastasiia teaches pilates and yoga at several locations and is an amazingly lovely person.
There are some great pilates reformer studios and other fitness studios outside of the old town, see all the yoga & pilates classes here.
Treating yourself
Massage: Heather Bain massage is my go to. Easy online appointments. They have a studio in the town centre, or can come to your place.
Manicure / eyelashes / brows etc: Pura Beaute. Also easy online booking, parking close.
Spa: Cascade resort has sauna and pool where you can get a day pass and relax in a robe. Or in Praia da Luz, have a blissful visit to SAL Spa.
Where to eat:
I like to eat colourful foods with lots of veggies and texture.
Brunch: Indigo Bar, Twin Fin, Abigails and Everyday People are my go-tos. The first three offer great fresh fruit smoothies, loaded Avocado toasts, eggs and other hearty healthy plates. Everyday People is awesome for their coffee and their homemade chewy loaded cookies. Baked fresh every morning, they sell out by midday! They also do loaded sandwiches and a a savoury muffin topped with smashed avocado and egg.
Dinner:
Estúdio Vegetariano Everything is beautifully presented and is hearty, wholesome and homemade. The Lasagne is delicious and wholesome, I can never finish it.
Restaurante São Roque This beach front restaurant is never very busy, and we think its totally underrated. They have fresh fish, great pastas (also vegetarian) and friendly service.
The Green Room Mexican restaurants are always fun and have something for everyone. I will never say no to a Margarita and a Taco. And on Tuesdays (til 19:00) you get a free taco with every cocktail or beer pint. I’m no less excited about it every week!
Nah Nah Bah as a garlic lover, this restaurant is one of my favourites. They are (world) famous for their burgers, but I can’t pass on their Arancini and goats cheese “Sonsie salad”.
Restaurant Reis For Portuguese food, this well established restaurant is my pic. Its family owned with friendly service, and one of the longest established restaurants in town.
Calhou Restaurant A cosy trattoria style restaurant serving wood oven pizzas as well as Portuguese dishes with a special touch.
Café Retiro da Trindade This very unpretentious local spot is a favourite with my friends and I. Everything is ridiculously cheap. A wine jug is 5€, soup under 2€. They also have steak on the stone, Bifana and other Portuguese standards. Its just outside of the old town next to the Camping.
Orta at Casa Mae On the other end of the scale, Casa Mae Hotel’s “Orta” is a good spot for a romantic dinner in a nicely designed setting with interesting (and delicious) dishes. They have a vegetable garden and much of the produce comes from there.
Still on my list to try, but I´ve heard great things: The Seasonal, Ciuccio Italian, Azimute.
Snacks: If I need something on the go, La Foccacia, Croissanteria 29, Empanadas & Co, Padaria Central, or the supermarket restaurants of Pingo Doce and Intermarche have filled sandwiches.
When I need to get some work done:
Lagos does have several Coworking spaces for serious work time (see prices etc here), but I often like to grab a coffee and spend an hour or two catching up on things in a café. My go- tos are Abigails Café (inside), Twin Fin, and Everyday People in the winter, but in summer the coworking section can be quite full.
Cocktails/Drinks:
O Antonio’s Terrace For a relaxed drink with a sea view, the terrace over Antonio’s offers a great view over the lovely Porto de Mos beach. They make great smoothies and Sangria jugs loaded with fresh berries. Also a great spot for coffee, toasties or beer and chips.
Forbidden Door A classy speak easy bar with cocktails made with precision. You need to knock on the door and pretend that you know.
Cinqo Restaurant & Bar high quality cocktails on a cute little plaza
Indigo Bar offering an open rooftop filled with couches, its a great place for relaxing with a drink under the stars. Also open through the day for brunch/lunch.
Meeting People:
Teias Arte Local has regular creative courses (in English) and they are so fun! I went to an Art and Wine night, which I was a bit hesitant about as I don’t usually paint, but it was so much fun and the instruction was amazing, so I went home with something I was proud of.
The Space has lots of great Meetups like a monthly book club, knitting group, breakfast Club, regular Wine tasting and more. Always with really inclusive, welcoming vibes.
Remoters MeetUps happen bi-weekly in the winter, but they put them on pause for summer (June–Sept).
Arco Preloved If you’ve got kids, check out their page. They often have Supper Club, Sharing circles and meet ups for Mums.
Factory Fusion Hub also has a full program. On Mondays a friend hosts “Write night”, there are also Salsa classes, Yoga and more.
There are lots of local WhatsApp groups, such as Lagos Girls and Lagos Hangouts too.
Did I forget anything?
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