Octopus Oasis · Lagos & the Algarve
Local favourites
Small local businesses we know, use and happily send our guests to.
These are the people we trust with our own guests. Book direct with them, and if you mention you are staying at Octopus Oasis, they will know you are one of ours.
Boat trips
BlueFleet
Lagos Marina
PartnerGrotto 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
Rock&Reel · Tide Pool Safari
Monte Clérigo beach, Aljezur
Tried and lovedA 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.
Food & cooking
The Kitchen Lagos
Old Town, Lagos
PartnerA 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.
Slow & Share by Audrey
Algarve
PartnerSeasonal, generous, mostly plant-forward cooking: takeaway, catering, events, and private chef at the apartment. Order via DM; FR / ENG / PT.
Shopping
Ourivesaria Suíça
R. da Porta de Portugal, Old Town
PartnerA 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.
Cerâmica Paraíso
N125, Raposeira (near Vila do Bispo)
Tried and lovedThe 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
Bounce
Around Lagos
PartnerPaid 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.
Train tickets (CP)
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.
Day Tours & Transfers
Run a small local business our guests would love? Message us on WhatsApp.