This would have been my first “boys trip” within the two years of my actual relationship. As the covid restrictions were still available across the whole summer, there weren’t many options left, to find a destination that was “liberal” enough, to give you the feel of a “boys-night-out”, fabulous dinners, good wine and still enough sightseeing. As I just finished another Portugal roadtrip in August, I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to head back, as I already knew the places and directions, so we could get the best out of 7 nights, without losing much time.
Lagos & the rest of the Algarve.
As we had spent our couple of days in Lagos (Algarve) in August, and following our daytrips to other villages and cities in the Algarve, we decided to spend 3 days at the wonderful “Villa Dinis Hotel”. Nothing would beat its perfect location, close to two neighbouring beaches, the light-house with a wonderful sunset spot, and it was only a 10-minute walk afar from the center.
It just felt wonderful enjoy summerish weather during the last days of september.
As I was traveling with 2 indian friends who haven’t been in the south of Portugal yet, we tried to make it as diverse as possible: shopping, food & booze, beach time and sightseeing. All this, without any hassle.
The largest beach “Praia de Dona Ana” was only a short walk away from out hotel. We decided to spend there an hour or two every morning, as we knew, as soon as we would head back home, summertime would be over.
What could we do within two days in the Algarve ?
Lagos sunset
visiting the Benagil cave by kayak
witness the beauty of the “Praia da Bordeira”
Tapas dinner
devine sea-food experience
The kayak-tour definitely was the highlight of our two days in the Algarve. I had the chance to visit the Benagil cave a couple of years ago, however that time we did it by boat-tour. This time we were lucky enough, to rent a kayak for 15€ (1 kayak for 2 people, 60 minutes). A free life-vest was available with a deposit of 20€. The best part was that we could do it by ourselves without any guide or tour. Once you arrive at the “Benagil Parking”, walk down to the beach “Praia Benagil”, by following th road, as many people were misleaded to the top of the cave which is on the same level as the parking. To make it to the cave, you gotta get down the street to the sea-level. On the way down, you will find several rental-booths.
A sunset, just another sunset… you’re right. But it’s for free, and it’s definitely very pretty.
After you’ve been to a couple of beaches in the Algarve, they all kind look alike. In Lagos you can enjoy one of the pretty & cosy ones “Praia do Camilo” which is nice to visit during sunrise. The “Praia da Bordeira” is the opposite, a broad scenic beach packed with countless waves and surfers.
For the sea-food part, and after having tried two hand fulls of restaurants, there’s no better seafood restaurant than the Cantinho Algarvio (R. Afonso de Almeida nº21, 8600-674 Lagos, Portugal). All the dishes we tried were flawless, high quality food with fair prices.
Lisbon.
My 11th stay in Lisobn, and guess what? I still managed to explore unknown territory.
Covid restrictions didn’t make it easier in Lisbon. The bars weren’t allowed to serve drinks after 20:00 (8pm) without food. Most places had to shut their doors at 23:00 (11pm). We spent 4 nights in Lisbon, at the legendary Yes Hostel. The hostel was still kinda busy during a period where you didn’t expect people traveling. Lagos for examples was pretty dead, compared the previous high-season month. In August the city center of Lagos was super busy (despite covid times), at the end of september barely 10% of its visitors remained.
Lisbon was different, but still lively enough to make the best out of the trip.
The popular “Park” rooftop bar was a quite different experience. Usually it’s so packed that you rarely get a seated place. This time there were only seated places available. It was much more enjoyable, less people, no noisy music… just the right vibe to enjoy the sunset with a splendid view over the rooftops of Lisbon.
In Belem, there was no waiting line in front of the famous Belem pastery-bakery. We just walked in, got seated and enjoyed the some delicious pastel de natas. Everything seamed more easygoing during Covid.
It was my first trop to the “Cristo Rei”, the big statue of the Christ (which reminds us of the one in Brasil), located in Almada, just across the sea. I wouldn’t consider it as a must see. However the whole experience is worth it: taking a ferry at “Cais do Sodre” terminal, making it to Almada across the canal for 2,5 €, walking up to the Christ, and experience the scenic view of the “Golden Gate Bridge” (bridge “Ponte 25 de Abril”, which looks almost identicak to Golden Gate in San Francisco). The viewpoint is definitely the best one to enjoy the architecture of the bridge.
Getting on top of the Christ by elevator isn’t really necessary, as the view doesn’t get that much better.
As we were traveling with two indian friends, they really felt the urge to have an indian dinner all together. Funnily we met two portugese gentlemen at the “Park” rooftop bar, due to Vinoy who started joking with them. They decided to bring us to the best indian restaurant I’ve ever been to. After several trips to India and endless indian food i tried in my life, this restaurant called “Zafran” was certainly a completely different experience. Dishoom in London was already hard to beat, however following this culinary experience, I’d say “Zafran” is the place to eat.
Last but not least. It was the first time I made it on the “Tram 28”. The one tram line that is always fully packed with tourists fighting to get the last seat or standing place on it.
What can I see, Lisbon never disappoints!