First trip out of the country in 2+ years! Headed to Portugal, south of France, and Spain. Documenting our activities. 

Nice, France

Barcelona, Spain

Portugal

Europe 2022

We loved Lagos! Lagos felt like the perfect mix of authentic culture and also was touristy enough to keep us very entertained!   It was wonderful to be able to walk to so many beaches, and hiking along the coast was one of our favorite things we did during this trip. 

We loved the food and the kindness of all of the people we met. Even the streets in Lagos were creative and decorative. 

The great thing about this area is that if you have a car you can access SO MUCH within an hour of Lagos.  I will not list anything in this guide that is beyond an hour.  

MOST things in this guide you can do entirely without a car, but I will list some things in which a car will be required.  I will split the guide into two sections.. with and without car.  Believe me there is PLENTY to do here either way! 

This guide will include all of the things we did while in Lagos.  It will include our favorite beaches, places to eat, and things to do.  It will also include things I would LOVE to do if we had more time in this beautiful town!   

Algarve, Portugal

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos Portugal: A Mini Guide

Travel alongside the Algarve Coast and be amazed by the scenic cliffs, wonderful sunsets and breathtaking views.

9-day Algarve, Portugal roadtrip itinerary for ocean lovers

Almada

Cascais

Costa da Caparica

Agualva

Portimão

Azóia

Sintra

Faro

Lisbon

Portugal  

A beautiful guide to Algarve's "Barlavento" area.
For the last 15 years I have spent my summers on this area, this gave me a lot of time to explore and find a lot of hidden gems!
In this guide you will find everything, from nature to culture to cuisine, this area is rich in many ways!

Silves, Portugal

Portimão, Portugal

Aljezur, Portugal

Monchique, Portugal

Barlavento Algarvio, Portugal

"Barlavento Algarvio" - Algarve's Hidden Gems

Discover the beauty of Lagos, Portugal, in this 48-hour travel itinerary! Enjoy stunning beaches, explore the historic center, indulge in delicious seafood, and take a boat tour to the world famous caves. 

Remember to bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views Lagos has to offer!

Save this guide to add this destination to your travel bucketlist 📝

2 Days in Lagos, Portugal 

Discover the pearl of the Algarve, its colors and flavors, dream destinations and extraordinary tours!

Algarve, the Portugal pearl 🇵🇹

Explore Portugal's whimsical landscape of colorful castles, gothic churches and lively cities. This guide includes an in depth itinerary with historical facts, a map and budget for activities.  

2 Weeks in Portugal - mainland edition

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Algarve, Portugal, where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every golden beach beckons with the promise of adventure. Welcome to this comprehensive travel guide, your passport to unlocking the treasures of this coastal paradise.

Picture yourself wandering through the winding lanes of the historic Old Town, where centuries of maritime history come to life amidst charming cafes and colorful facades. Imagine gazing out over the azure waters of Ponta da Piedade, where majestic cliffs and hidden grottoes await exploration. Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or an intrepid explorer, Lagos captivates the senses and ignites the imagination.

What's Inside: this curated guide is your insider's companion to Lagos, offering expert tips, detailed maps, and exclusive recommendations to help you make the most of your journey. From must-see attractions to hidden gems off the beaten path, we've got you covered.

Explore: Uncover the top sights and attractions, from ancient forts and historic churches to pristine beaches and natural wonders.

Indulge: Sample the flavors of Portugal with our culinary guide, featuring the best restaurants, cafes, and local delicacies Lagos has to offer.

Adventure: Dive into the vibrant world of outdoor activities, from surfing and kayaking to hiking along rugged coastal trails.

Don't just dream of Algarve—experience it for yourself with this ultimate travel guide. 

What you’ll find inside ⬇️

📍 Location Overview
🌊 Best beaches
✈️ Travel recommendations
💶 Affordability 
⛵️Nearby Excursions 
🍽️ Restaurants 
🏨 Hotel Recommendations


Albufeira, Portugal

Algarve, Portugal 🇵🇹 

Adding a few days in the Algarve on to your Portugal itinerary? Here are the must-visit spots. I have a home in the small fishing/resort town of Olhos d'Agua and have found some real gems in my visits there. 

The Algarve is a mix of natural beaches and beauty with great weather, small to medium sized towns focused on tourism, especially in the summer months. It gets much quieter in the "off season," so keep that in mind if you're planning to visit outside of summer, as some places shut down in winter. 

Getting around the Algarve either from Lisbon or Faro typically means renting a car so you can visit off-the-beaten-path locations, but taxi/Uber/Bolt are plentiful and pretty affordable. 

I'll continue to update this guide on a regular basis as I go deeper and explore the region that's my 2nd home!

Quick Trip: The Algarve, Portugal

Benagil Caves Tours

A fishing village, who with their boats almost hide the small sandy beach, Praia de Benagil is located along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Algarve coast, where the gragged cliffs form caves and caves. Bathed in a quiet sea, the area is ideal for boat trips, discovering deserted beaches, inaccessible by land, which offer a tranquility that is difficult to match.

Benagil beach is a small beach enclosed with by a stunning cave. This picturesque site is popular among all visitors and is best to see early in the morning when the crowds are small and waves are low.

I recommend booking a kayak tour to see the caves. Large motor boats offer ways to see the cave, but this contributes to erosion of the cave/beach and isn't recommended.    

Explore the Benagil Sea Caves (one of the most famous caves in the world) on a guided speedboat tour. You’ll cruise along the Algarve Coastline, go inside some of the caves and spot gorgeous beaches! Either book online or head to the vendors stores at the Marina. Takes about 2 hours all up. 

We used Get your Guide to book!   

An absolute must-see in the Algarve--a gorgeous cave structure. There are different options to visit, including catamarans, small boats, and kayaks/sups. Watch the wave forecast as in big waves or windy days, it's difficult to visit. 

Price depends on the tour. You can get a tour for anywhere between 25 to 40 euros. If travelling with a group, always ask for a group discount.

The cave is not accessible by foot. You will have to swim, rent a SUP or kayak, or book an excursion.

Benagil Caves Tours

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