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Lagos Portugal is a European traveler’s ultimate beach paradise. \u00a0When I first arrived into Lagos as a backpacker in my early twenties\u00a0I was taken aback by its beauty. \u00a0Set against a dramatic backstop of sandstone cliffs, mystical grottos, white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this laid-back fishing town is the perfect place to relax outside of the typical European hustle and bustle. \u00a0When I returned nearly ten years later, I could confidently conclude that Lagos is a true gem.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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While Lagos has long been both a backpacker’s beach-party stop\u00a0and a favourite family-friendly hidden gem for sun seeking UK\u00a0holiday makers, it\u00a0remains a relative European beach side secret for\u00a0those in the know.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Though\u00a0most who happen upon the gorgeous Portuguese Algarve focus their time\u00a0in either Faro or Albufeira, you will be well rewarded to head a little further west to enjoy the stunning beaches, friendly locals, and reasonable prices offered in sunny Lagos.<\/p>\n

The cobbled and walled city centre is car-free and rife with small shops and cafes. \u00a0With not a single chain restaurant in the pedestrian town centre, Lagos treats you to the locals’ hospitality all the way. \u00a0Town squares with late night summer dances, sunny sangria patios, and phenomenal beaches are all yours to explore. \u00a0Here is your vegetarian guide to Lagos…<\/p>\n

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\u00a0GETTING THERE<\/h2>\n

Easily accessed by either a rental car or charter coach from\u00a0Lisbon or Faro, our favourite way to arrive in Lagos is by train from Lisbon, via Tunes. The 4.5 hr trip winds through the lush Portuguese hillsides along routes inaccessible by road.<\/p>\n

\u00a0VEGETARIAN FOOD & DRINKS<\/h2>\n

Walk the cobbled streets of Lagos at dusk and you may\u00a0start to\u00a0question\u00a0if you’ll ever find something\u00a0to eat besides\u00a0Peri Peri chicken or fish of the day. Yes, you may need to expand your horizons past ‘traditional’ Portuguese food to find something vegan or vegetarian in this town, but there are still plenty\u00a0of delicious places to\u00a0eat, drink, and soak up the magic of Lagos.\u00a0Here\u00a0are some of our favorite vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants, bars, and cafes in town.<\/p>\n

Don’t forget to check out the map at the end of the post to help plan your trip and find out\u00a0what’s located near your hotel.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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• Nah Nah Bah |<\/strong> Come for the decadent “World’s-Best”\u00a0Nah Nah Bah Burgers, stay for the great\u00a0reggae vibes. Ask to\u00a0swap any of the burgers with\u00a0a house-made vegan patty.\u00a0A\u00a0chill-out\u00a0atmosphere with strong cocktails &\u00a0great company. The<\/em>\u00a0place to watch the Portuguese national football matches. (pictured below)<\/li>\n
• Mama’s Table\u00a0|<\/strong>\u00a0You’ll need to be enjoying the world famous\u00a0atmosphere of the Rising Cock Hostel or its Guest House to get a seat at Mama’s Table for breakfast, but for those do you’ll be treated to handmade crepes and Tika Tika Tea, made with love by Mama herself. \u00a0Luckily for those who aren’t, we’ve got the recipes straight from Mama… though I doubt you have a lemon tree in\u00a0your<\/em> backyard!<\/li>\n
• Beats & Burritos |<\/strong>\u00a0Mexican food made with fresh ingredients. Easy to customize vegetarian or vegan with a build-your-own menu.<\/li>\n
• The Green Room<\/strong> |\u00a0Casual Mexican joint with fun indoor\/outdoor atmosphere. Good cocktails &\u00a0hot sauces. No credit cards.<\/li>\n
• Maharaja Tasty Indian |<\/strong> Very tasty Indian food with great outdoor seating along the cobblestoned streets.\u00a0(pictured below)<\/li>\n
• Restaurant Kohinoor |<\/strong> Another delicious Indian restaurant! Always a great vegetarian option.<\/li>\n
• Croissanteria 29 |<\/strong> A must stop for a quick breakfast or lunch, this tiny cafe serves unforgettable croissant sandwiches straight out of the oven.<\/li>\n
• Mimar Snack & Wine Bar |\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0casual hang-out serves homemade meals, pastries,\u00a0wines &\u00a0tapas.<\/li>\n
• Meu Limao |<\/strong>\u00a0A good\u00a0place for happy hour drinks and sangrias, with a solid\u00a0selection of vegan and vegetarian tapas. Sidewalk seating next to the St. Anthony Church\u00a0makes\u00a0for great people watching.\u00a0(pictured below)<\/li>\n
• Bora Cafe | <\/strong>Try this tiny indoor\/outdoor cafe for healthy breakfasts, lunches and juices. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available.<\/li>\n
• Cafe do Mar | <\/strong>Although not the best option\u00a0for vegetarian food, this place simply can’t be beat for it’s\u00a0fantastic oceanside view while enjoying\u00a0a cocktail. Stop in for a cold drink on the way up\u00a0from Praia Dos Estudantes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
  

  Meu Limao<\/p><\/div>\n

  

  Maharaja Tasty Indian<\/p><\/div>\n

  

  Nah Nah Bah<\/p><\/div>\n

  BEST BEACHES IN LAGOS<\/h2>\n

  This is the reason you came to Lagos! These beaches are some of the most stunning in the world. Start near town at\u00a0Praia dos Estudantes, and from there walk along the cliffs\u00a0hitting one beach after another and taking\u00a0in the beautiful views. The natural beauty of\u00a0the Algarve Coast is one of a kind.<\/p>\n

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  • Praia dos Estudantes\u00a0|<\/strong> One of the best beaches, this\u00a0small sandy beach is located right near\u00a0town. It’s quick and easy to get to, but not too overcrowded. When you need to cool down, stop at nearby\u00a0Cafe do Mar for a drink with a gorgeous view.<\/li>\n
  • Praia do Pinh\u00e3o\u00a0|<\/strong> A dramatic beach set against towering cliffs. Very photogenic spot. You can swim and walk through the caves from Praia dos Estudantes.<\/li>\n
  • Praia Dona Ana |<\/strong>\u00a0Voted “best beach in the world” by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.\u00a0As you can imagine, Dona Ana gets very busy on the weekend.<\/li>\n
  • Praia de Camilo |<\/strong>\u00a0A small and beautiful beach that gets busy in the afternoon, this was one of our favorites. During low tide you can\u00a0explore the nearby caves and formations. Be prepared to climb a lot of steps, but it’s worth it!<\/li>\n
  • Praia de Pinheiros\u00a0|<\/strong> A little harder to get to, this small, secluded beach is sheltered from the wind and has\u00a0calm open waters.<\/li>\n
  • Ponta da Piedade\u00a0|<\/strong> This is a popular place south of\u00a0Lagos for\u00a0people to gather on the cliff and\u00a0watch the sunsets. It’s about a half an hour walk from Lagos or you can\u00a0take\u00a0a boat trip\u00a0and\u00a0get up close to\u00a0the cliffs formations. Look for the tunnel to joining beaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    

    Praia dos Estudantes<\/p><\/div>\n

    

    View of Praia do Pinh\u00e3o<\/p><\/div>\n

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    EXCURSIONS<\/h2>\n

    One of the best ways to see the Algarve Coast is by boat. You could rent a ski boat, go kayaking, or even take sailing lessons for the day. Here are our top picks for boat activities in Lagos.<\/p>\n

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    • Algarve Boat Rentals |<\/strong> Rent a ski boat or charter a sail boat. Go in the morning when there are less people and be sure to bring your\u00a0boating license.<\/li>\n
    • rusailing |<\/strong>\u00a0Get out on\u00a0the ocean by take sailing lessons for the day.<\/li>\n
    • Days of Adventure |<\/strong> Take a boat trip to see dolphins in the wild or a kayak tour of the grottos.\u00a0#1 on Trip Advisor.<\/li>\n
    • Algarve Freedom Kayaks |<\/strong>\u00a0Go on a kayak tour\u00a0to see the\u00a0caves and visit a secluded beach where you can swim and snorkel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      THE MAP<\/h2>\n

      Click on the arrow\u00a0on the top left corner to hide\/unhide the list of locations on the map.<\/p>\n