The Algarve Coast in Portugal has a touch of magic about it.
From its golden beaches to its year-round sun, the Algarve attracts visitors from around the globe in search of a small piece of paradise.
Few places in the world have the perfect combination of sunshine, beaches, history and culture. The Algarve is one of those places.
Spending three months in Lagos on the Algarve in 2019 was a life-changing experience for my family and I.
In this latest episode in the Travel Files, I speak with Jason, a professional photographer and entrepreneur about his life on the Algarve.
You will discover the best beaches, the best dining options and other valuable tips from a local about making the most of your stay in this stunning part of the world.
Enjoy.
Hi Jason, good to chat. For the readers, tell us a little about yourself.
Hey Marc – good to chat its been a while.
I’m Jason. I live in the Algarve region on Portugal’s Southern Coast in a town called Lagos. I’m originally from South Africa, but I’ve been settled here in Lagos for many years now.
I’m a photographer and have a couple of businesses I founded here in Lagos.
Firstly, a new mini-golf course not far from here and also an online voucher app business that I’m currently rebranding and improving – this exciting project will be back online soon.
Tell me what you love most about living in Lagos and the Algarve?
I love it here.
Lagos is a very old town and quite unique in the sense that it has retained its old buildings and the town has been built around it. The ‘Old Town’ still has its original city walls and its castle.
95% of the businesses in town still operate out of the original buildings that are hundreds of years old. The town has character, you know?
When you walk the streets of Lagos, they are as they were before cars and all that. It isn’t filled with Starbucks and other big chains like other towns and cities in Europe. A lot of people I know here and people who visit Lagos feel the same way, it feels just a bit different.
A lot of history comes with old towns like Lagos, both good and bad. From Vasco De Gama (15th Century Portuguese Explorer) to the Slave Market which operated here – the original building is still standing.
“The history and character are what make it a special place, alongside the beautiful beaches and weather.”
It’s different from most other towns on the Algarve. Towns like Vilamoura down the road were built only relatively recently around small fishing villages. It is modern and new, which is nice sometimes, but there is no soul, no history. Not like Lagos anyway.
If you want the city, Lisbon is only a couple of hours away by car and the nearest airport is only an hour away in Faro too. From there, you can easily get to anywhere in Europe in only a few hours.
When is the best time to visit the Algarve and why?
Lagos has some of the best weather in Europe, so you can visit any time.
The summers are hot and dry but you have the beaches, and the winters are very mild. We have our wet days in the winter, but there are very few days where you can’t get outside and get on the golf course or go for a walk.
I have a couple of favourite times to visit, but it does depend on your situation.
“Summer between July and early September can get busy due to school holidays, but you have awesome weather and the beaches – it can get hot though.”
If you can avoid those times, then either side of the holidays in May/June or September/October/November are fantastic times to visit.
The weather isn’t boiling hot and you still have the weather, beaches and outdoor lifestyle to enjoy. The beaches aren’t so busy and kids aren’t running around in the restaurants either (laughs).
When you visited for those few months, Marc, you came at the perfect time in September.
The town is a bit more relaxed then. The locals have made their money from the busy summer and the bars and supermarkets are a bit quieter – it is just a perfect time to come for a relaxing holiday.
What day trips do you recommend on the Algarve and why?
You could spend weeks here and find different places to see.
When I have visitors, I like to take them to a place called Silves. It is smack bang in the middle of the Algarve, only about 10-15kms from the coast.
It’s another very old place, with loads of history and an awesome old castle over a thousand years old. The Algarve region was sort of born there, so it is a very interesting place to visit. There are loads of cool cafes and architecture around, and it’s quite cheap too.
Another place I often visit is Foia, the Algarve’s highest peak. Only 35-40 minutes from Algarve, here you drive through cork forests before you get to stunning views of the Algarve and Atlantic Ocean.
“Finally, I always say Sagres is a cool place to visit.”
Only half an hour from Lagos, it is one of the most westerly points in Europe, not the most western, that is above Lisbon – but it is an awesome place to visit. They call it the end of the world. It has a lighthouse and fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean,
It has a real surfer style feel about the place. Not much development has gone on there, it is still like the 1980’s (laughs).
Describe the main towns on the Algarve and a couple of your favourite places off the beaten track every visitor should try and get to?
Alvor, not far from Lagos is a cool little fishing town worth a visit.
Another is Carvoeiro, a nice little beach town which is kind of built into a valley that goes down to the beach.
Another one is Faro. It is often overlooked as it is quite a big town and is kind of the capital of the Algarve. Faro is where the main Algarve airport is.
It is an easy place to walk around, and it is one of those old places like Lagos, where the town is still the old town. There is a lot of history there and I recommend a visit if you have time.
What About the Beaches on the Algarve? Some of the Best, Right?
Well, they are probably some of the best in Europe.
Dona-Ana Beach is probably the most well-known, it has the famous sandstone cliffs that surround the beach and come out of the water. It is very beautiful but also very popular, especially with tourists after the Instagram photos!
“Lagos is surrounded by stunning beaches, Meia Praia is a four kilometre stretch of ocean beach, and closer to town is the Potato Beach which gets very popular and busy.”
On Meia Praia, it is such a big beach you can always find a spot to relax year round the further you head away from town.
As a local, you need to pick and choose where you want to go more, so I tend to head to the more western beaches in summer to escape the crowds.
What accommodation options are there on the Algarve?
Accommodation is easy and affordable to find here. From hostels up to nice hotels.
Lagos itself has plenty of options, especially for the older, upmarket crowd. Airbnb and apartment accommodation is very popular and affordable.
There are a few hostels about in the old town and quite a few hotels but apartments seem to be the most popular.
What are your recommendations for food and dining options on the Algarve and in Lagos?
A local favourite of mine is Casa de Prego here in Lagos.
They do a great sirloin steak there, I’m a creature of habit, so if i find somewhere I like I will keep returning and I’m never disappointed. It is reasonably priced and they do good starters and desserts as well.
Another place is near Dona Ana Beach called the Blue Whale, a tasty little Asian style place that is just out of town a bit from Lagos.
“Lazy Jacks on the Marina is a very popular place, with a wide range of meals and still has a good happy hour every day!”
Lagos and the Algarve region is famously known for its fresh seafood especially the sardines. I don’t eat it personally, I’m more of a chicken periperi person, but there are several authentic, popular restaurants along the ‘Avenida’ where you can get your seafood fix. A lot of locals eat there as well.
Compared to the rest of Europe, the Algarve and Lagos are very reasonably priced. You can get an awesome meal for under 15 euro and drinks are cheap as well.
Do you need to know Portuguese or is English widely spoken?
English is very widely spoken on the Algarve.
Because of the tourism in this part of Portugal, it is in the local’s best interests to learn English – it is kind of the language of the world now, so despite visitors from France, Germany and other European countries, English is still very common.
“In saying that, the Portuguese are very proud of their country, so I do recommend looking up some local phrases on Google Translate or whatever.”
It helps break the ice a bit, and the locals can appreciate that you have at least tried to fit in a little bit to their culture
If Covid hadn’t happened, I would be living on the Algarve right now. Is the Algarve somewhere expats can relocate to and live easily enough?
Since Covid, there has been quite a big move from expats into the Algarve, more so than when you were here.
“Covid was like a ‘wakeup’ call I think to many people. The quality of life that the Algarve offers is very appealing.”
With Portugal part of the Eurozone, many Europeans especially from Sweden and Norway, have come to Portugal with no visa requirements.
Like everywhere in the world, house prices have gone up but the cost of living here is so affordable and cheap still makes it so attractive.
Thanks for your time, Jason. Hopefully catch up for a cold Sagres in person soon.
Well there you have it.
Some awesome insights into life on the Algarve, what to do and where to go from a local.
Jason’s photography portfolio around the Algave is nothing short of spectacular. You can check it out here on his Instagram.
His local minigolf course in Loule can be found here. Jason’s Voucher App will be online soon again as well in time for summer. There are plenty of bargains to be found, I’ll update when it goes live.
As always, any feedback or questions let me know in the comments!
Bangladesh Expeditions highly appreciated the experiences from many tours.
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