Paradise Found: Lagos, Portugal

Is it bad I'm in Italy but still dreaming about this beach? The Algarve of Southern Portugal has put a serious spell on me. If you are looking for some serious R &R, book your ticket now.

The beaches are absolutely stunning. Small coves tucked in between the cliffs looking out on to huge rock formations along the coast. They can only fit about 50 people max on each one so it has a very secluded feel to it all (above is the beach we camped on for literally two days straight).


Even the hike out to the beach is breathtaking. A mile or 2 trail along the cliffs that eventually ends at Lagos' famous grottos. If you don't like hiking, no worries, there's another long stretch of sand for you that doesn't require any hiking...but no cliffs.

Our second day, we took the Bom Dia Boat Tour. It's a 2 hour tour on a sailboat that anchors out by the grottos and then takes you through them on a smaller boat, so cool! Highly recommend it. Plus, the staff is friendly and they serve beers and mojitos on the boat.


We found an amazing place to stay called the 100% Cozy Guesthouse...I know, the name is kind of funny. But its a house run by a Parisian family that lives in the basement during the summer and they are seriously the nicest people ever. Once checked in, the owner took us upstairs to show us the room. She explained on the way that we had the smallest room but that they try to compensate for it with a terrace. Ok, one- we walked in to the room and it was seriously nicer than anything we've stayed in yet. Two- the terrace? an entire roof filled with deck chairs. Matt took full advantage of their kitchen and made me an amazing meal of mussels in a white wine sauce and pasta. So good!

After an amazing couple of days lounging in Lagos, we headed up to Lisbon for 3 days. Great city (I got a very San Francisco kind of feel from it) but honestly after all the places we've been, it was kind of boring after the first day. If you're ever planning a visit to Portugal, I would definitely stop in for a day or two, but then head straight to south.

Well, hope you all are planning your trip to Portugal now. Matt and I are in Florence and loving it. Heading back to Rome for a day more of sightseeing tomorrow and then off to GREECE!

Take care everyone!