Lagos is a popular destination for all travelers in Portugal and is located on the Algarve coastline with awe inspiring beaches and cliff walks. Entering Lagos is almost like entering an inner tranquil bubble – a parallel universe – where everyone is there with a common goal; to be happy and make the most of life. The relaxer, the party goer, the adventurer and the cultural traveler will all be rich with the spoils of Lagos from the time they enter.
I never planned to visit Lagos on my travels. As clichéd as it sounds Lagos called me there. I was on a quick “Eurotrip” before commencing work in the UK in an attempt to see the world. I was to spend two nights in Lisbon then head back into Spain. Portugal had other plans. Those two nights turned into three followed by Lagos for four nights maximum. This however did not happen as like many others I found home in Lagos and stayed over a week before I had to leave to enter the chaos of la Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain.
Lagos, Portugal. Photo courtesy of Amber Blumanis (Instagram: amberblue7).
From the time I stepped off the bus I knew I was home whilst I sweated more than a marathon runner carrying my pack to my first home in Lagos. It was another world where anywhere outside the wall or cliff walk did not matter. There were no commitments, no world other than Lagos; The Bubble.
To leave the Lagos bubble is a struggle. Many attempts are made by all till finally they get the strength to leave or have a pressing deadline. Many buses, trains and planes missed and ideas of “losing passports” are experienced. Once gone nothing in life feels the same. There is not that buzzing energy where everyone is just ecstatically happy all day round. Even when you come across an alcohol and drug fueled fight everyone is still insanely happy.
To experience the wonders of Lagos properly you need to meet Jay and Loretta from JJ’s Yard Guest House. Here they invite you into a family. A family who lives, plays and loves life together inside the walls of the Old Town. On arrival you will be directed to the local family owned corner store and the 5 euro half chicken and chips – that taste divine – with a drink up the road along with many other local gems. Both Jay and Loretta provide you with all essential knowledge of how to truly experience the awe and magnificence of this small beach city.
If you like the beach life or stunning vistas you will be overwhelmed with choices along the stunning Algarve coastline and pristine waters. Once you’ve selected your spot you can relax in the warm sunshine or go enjoy the pristine waters. Many like to buy or hire inflatables and float with the current along the cliff line, beach by beach. There are also plenty of opportunities to snorkel or go on Kayak trips with guides taking you through the arches and caves made by the wind and ocean on the cliffs over the many years. Hiking along the cliff walk is another must do favorite of all visitors. Here again you will be stunned by the sheer magnificence of the beaches and cliffs, stopping off for an enjoyable well earned swim after walking under the summer sun.
The nightlife caters for the relaxed night out with nice food, drinks and company to full on party goers after thrills and late nights (or early mornings). JJ’s staff take their guests out nightly to many of the local bars and clubs and will be able to fill you in with all the up and coming events, beach party’s, pool party’s and bush raves all are constant through the summer months.
If you do decide to enter the bubble be sure to have somewhere you need to be or you may never leave Lagos – which wouldn’t be a bad thing…I definitely wouldn’t mind.
Don’t be shy and start your Lagos journey now: https://www.facebook.com/jjsyard.lagosportugal?fref=ts
Great post. We love Lagos too 🙂