It’s been about two weeks since my last update, and that’s because I had a friend visiting me. I took a few days off from work and played tourist in the Algarve with him. The weather wasn’t always on our side, but we had an absolute blast. Ready to dive into the adventure with me? Let’s go!
One of our first stops was the old town of Lagos. Finally, I got to show someone around my new home turf! We kicked off the day at Black & White Coffee Shop with an espresso (so good!) and later that day a croissant. Then, we tried a pastel de nata at Nina 11—not a winner, but don’t worry, we made up for it later in the week. Lagos’ old town may be small, but I love how it blends history with beachy vibes. One moment, you’re wandering charming cobblestone streets filled with shops and restaurants, and the next, you’re standing on a cliff, gazing at the endless ocean. We took a scenic walk along the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk, soaking in the rock formations and stunning views. That contrast—bustling town to peaceful nature in minutes—is one of my favorite things about living here. I’ll admit, having a visitor in Lagos stressed me out a little. This isn’t a city packed with must-see landmarks; it’s more about the energy, the people, and the atmosphere. How do you explain a vibe? You don’t—you just have to experience it. Oh, and experience it with a full belly, of course! We had an amazing lunch at Sunrays Kitchen, which just reopened after their winter break. Their food? Chef’s kiss! It’s a bit out of the way (read: in a parking lot), but trust me, it’s worth it!
Our next stop was Silves, once dubbed the “Baghdad of the West.” It was the Moorish capital of the Algarve, and you can still feel that history as you wander its red sandstone streets. A friend joined us for lunch at Restaurante Marisqueira Rui, a seafood lover’s paradise. They devoured exotic ocean creatures like goose barnacles and bruxas (which looked totally alien to me). I, however, stuck to my trusty steak—some things never change.
One of the trip highlights? A hike in Monchique, where we tackled the Barranco do Demo trail. This trek includes an 800-meter wooden walkway and a suspension bridge dangling 20 meters above a gorge (aka the ‘Grand Canyon of Alferce’—how cool is that?). The views were insane, and we capped it off with a picnic. One of my friends brought chorizo and a small grill to prepare Chouriço à Bombeiro, a traditional Portuguese fire-grilled sausage. Let’s just say I’ll never look at chorizo the same way again—it was that good. After the hike, we made our way to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve. I’d been twice before, only to be greeted by… thick clouds. But this time? Success! The views stretched endlessly, even if we were nearly blown away by the wind.
The Algarve weather finally decided to play nice, just in time for a sunset walk on the cliffs of Lagos. And then—bam!—the most stunning double rainbow I’ve ever seen. A magical moment, followed by a golden-hour spectacle over the ocean. So romantic. Dinner that night was at Calhou, home to what I thought was the best pizza in Lagos. But then, earlier that week, we had pizza at Pomodor, and now I’m torn. Which one is better? Might have to conduct more “research.” (What a hardship!) Oh, and a random but unforgettable moment: My friend bought a bag of huge freshly cooked shrimp from the supermarket and ate them straight from the bag while watching the sunset near Porto de Mós. Don’t ask me why, but that made me incredibly happy.
One of the sunniest days led us to a wine tasting at Arvad, near Portimão. But first, we explored Ferragudo, a tiny, picturesque village. Would I recommend it? Meh, it’s cute but not a must-visit. However, pastelaria Quente Quentinho? Absolute must. Their pastel de nata was worlds better than the one from Nina 11. Plus, the owner bakes everything fresh daily. Just don’t expect a cappuccino or latte macchiato—here, it’s “coffee with milk” or nothing. At Arvad Winery, we opted for the superior tasting. I don’t drink much and know nothing about wine (my scale: “I like it” or “I don’t”), but the cheeses and local delicacies? Divine. The winery itself is modern, in a gorgeous valley, and the experience was a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.
We also explored Algar Seco, a rugged coastal area near Carvoeiro filled with striking rock formations, hidden caves, and winding pathways that lead to stunning ocean views. The Boneca Cave, with its natural window framing the sea, was a definite highlight. From there, we went to the Benagil Caves, one of the Algarve’s most famous landmarks. Seeing the cave was a lot less impressive than expected. Perhaps it wasn’t the best time of day, because of the sunlight, to have a look here.
Before my friend’s flight home, we spent a day in Tavira, and wow—this town stole my heart. It’s romantic, colorful, and filled with musicians playing along the riverside. We strolled over the old bridge, basked in the sun with some good food, and soaked up the charming atmosphere. Tavira, you’ve been wonderful—I’ll be back!
After my friend left, I attended another Authentic Relating evening, themed around loneliness. At first, I struggled to connect with the topic. I don’t feel constantly lonely, but sure, I’ve had moments of solitude. By the end of the night, I felt grateful—not just for the discussion but for the unexpected connections. We each wrote anonymous notes of appreciation to fellow participants, and I received two beautiful messages. They’re now tucked into my wallet as little reminders.
Yesterday, I joined the hiking group for a trek from Salema to Praia das Furnas. It was supposed to end at Praia do Zavial, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we stopped early. The route was challenging (lots of climbing!), but the coastal views were worth every step. Plus, it’s part of the famous Fishermen’s Trail, which makes it even cooler.
As I wrap up this update, I’m also wrapping up my time in Lagos—next week, I’m moving to Luz! Honestly, I kind of regret not booking my current apartment for a couple more months because I love it here. But I’m sure Luz will bring new experiences, new discoveries, and—who knows?—maybe even a new favorite pizza spot. Until next time, from my last weekend in Lagos! ☀️
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[…] a busy two weeks, it’s time for another update! I had family visiting—and just like last time I had my friend over, the weather decided to throw a little tantrum. We had rain, we had wind, but (thankfully!) also a […]