Explore · Shops & tours
Local favourites
Small local businesses we know, use and happily send our guests to.
Boat trips
♥ Tried and loved
BlueFleet · Boat trips
Lagos Marina
Grotto and coastal boat tours, dolphin watching, the Benagil cave, and kayak tours. A safe boat, small groups, and guides our guests rave about; free parking at the marina meeting point.
Message us on WhatsApp and we will check live availability and book you in.
Experiences
♥ Tried and loved
Rock&Reel · Tide Pool Safari
Monte Clérigo beach, Aljezur
A guided walk through the rock pool wilderness with Marzena and Cristian. Crabs, sea urchins and all sorts of fascinating creatures, each with its own peculiar fun facts and superpowers. We went with a group of kids and they were hooked from start to finish.
Ages 4 and up, small groups of up to 10. Bring trainers with good grip that can get wet, sun cream and a cap.
Images: Monte da Casteleja
Monte da Casteleja · Wine tasting
Sargaçal, just outside Lagos
A family-run organic wine estate on the edge of town. The tasting takes you through the vineyard and cellar, then three or four of their wines with petiscos. About 2 hours, in Portuguese and English. From €30 per person (their prices, October 2026).
Images: Tiffany’s Riding Centre
Tiffany’s Riding Centre · Horse riding
Almádena, near Luz
A family-run riding centre in the countryside west of Lagos, going since the 1980s. Small groups, no more than six riders per guide. Pony rides for ages 4 to 9 from €25, country rides from €50 (2026 prices).
♥ Tried and loved
Zoo de Lagos · Zoo
Barão de São João, about 15 minutes from Lagos
A zoo in the countryside north of Lagos with more than 170 species from five continents, and conservation as part of its mission. An easy half day with children. Tickets are cheaper online.
Images: Art Retreats Algarve
♥ Friends
Art Retreats Algarve · Painting retreats
Algarve
Our friends Claire and Angie run art retreats where beginners are welcome: half-day, one-day and three-day retreats (like Doorways & Details or Flora & Foliage) and bespoke sessions. Message us and we will introduce you.
Food & cooking
♥ Tried and loved
The Kitchen Lagos · Cooking classes
Old Town, Lagos
A cooking academy run by Joana and Lara: hands-on Portuguese cooking classes (their pastel de nata class is a favourite), market tours, supper clubs, and private chefs.
♥ Tried and loved
Slow & Share by Audrey · Private chef & catering
Algarve
Seasonal, generous, mostly plant-forward cooking: takeaway, catering, events, and private chef at the apartment. Order via DM; FR / ENG / PT.
Shopping
♥ Tried and loved
Ourivesaria Suíça · Jewellery
R. da Porta de Portugal, Old Town
A family jewellery and watch shop since 1945, run by Sofia: Portuguese-made gold and silver, bespoke pieces, repairs and resizing, and even melting old gold into something new.
♥ Tried and loved
Cerâmica Paraíso · Pottery
N125, Raposeira (near Vila do Bispo)
The yellow building on the road to Sagres, covered in hundreds of painted plates. Inside it is much bigger than it looks: Portuguese pottery, plates and souvenirs at very fair prices.
Cash only.
Luggage
Photo: Josh Keys / Unsplash
♥ Tried and loved
Bounce · Luggage storage
Around Lagos
Paid luggage storage around town, handy for early arrivals and late flights.
Getting around
Vamus · Algarve Tourist Pass
All Vamus buses, incl. the Aerobus from Faro airport
Unlimited bus rides for 3 or 7 days, counted from the first time you use it. It launched at €35 and €45; check today’s price. Sold at Algarve tourist offices. Not valid on trains or Lagos town buses.
Image: CP Comboios de Portugal
CP · Train tickets
Lagos railway station
Since July 2026, direct electric trains run along the whole Algarve line from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, with no change in Faro. Buy your ticket before you board, in the CP app or online up to 60 days ahead.
Image: Carpe Diem
