Peter J Smith :: Original travel writing, photography and videography

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Ta Prohm Temple at Angkor Wat

Destinations: Lagos, Portugal

Lagos, now a thriving resort, was once a small fishing and sardine canning town on the far south west of Europe. Its main claim to fame being the home of various Portuguese navigators travelling the high seas in search of new lands.

Nowadays, it is tourists who do the searching and most like what they see.

Click here to see my Portugal Gallery on Facebook

With stunning beaches, a mild winter climate and a burgeoning restaurant and bar scene Lagos is a definate jewel for those willing to travel to this far flung town

The new motorway from the airport means easy access for regular holidaymakes and backpackers are served by several buses a day from Seville and a decent train service from Lisbon.

Many travellers come for a few days and end up staying all summer delighting in the excellent social scene and awesome beaches.

Places to stay

The Lagos Youth Hostel: The original and still the best, is in my opinion a great place to stay. The same staff have worked here for years showing a consitency and attention to guests that is second to none.

It is not a party hotel in the sense that you are kept up all night but it has no curfew and is kept very clean and is above all safe. Solo female backbackers will enjoy the easy company and female only rooms and the great comunity life in the central courtyard just makes it even better. Read my Blog entry on the last BBQ we had here

Lagos Youth Hostel accommodates 64 guests in a choice of 5 twin ensuite rooms, 1 twin rooms with shared sanitary facilities and 13 four-bed dorms.

You can book online through my website, it will cost no more and I get a little commission to keep the site going so it's up to you.

book here The Lagos Youth Hostel

Another good thing about the Youth Hostel in Lagos is that it's close to everything. If you stay here, you're within the town centre, so you're near the shops and all the facilities you could need for a wonderful holiday.

Things to do

Of course there are the famous beaches; Meia Praia is a 4km long sweep of golden fine sand whereas the town side has a myriad of small beautifully formed coves that are just perfect for a lazy day.

If you feel like getting energetic then the cliff walk is for you, check out my article on Travel Generation for the scoop

Days trip are popular, particularly to the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent and Sagres an easy bus trip from Lagos. Read the article here

Nightlife is cool here in Lagos ranging from a mellow night at The Old Tavern next to the hostel with Michael and Marilyn to a raucous rock and dance fest at the Three Monkeys with Kendall and his troupe.

The Grand Cafe, Eddies, Mullens, Joes Garage and the Bon Vivant are all names of bars you will be trying to remember or forget after your time here. Look out for the live music and open mic nights on Tuesdays in Mullens.

There are plenty of great restaurants whatever your budget; for a filling portuguese meal try the Casinha do Petisco where a line forms each evening to sample chef Luis Rosa's plentiful food to a relaxing night at Duquese where Dutch restaurant owner Elyy Prys will play hostess in a more elegant setting in the centre of town.

Above all do come to Lagos, it is amazing place with a great heart. Read my article on the travel blog about why I love Lagos

If you need any advice about coming to Lagos or would like more information, please feel free to drop me a line and I will do my best to help out. Enjoy.!

Peter J Smith