Our Big Summer Adventure Part II: Lagos and the Wild Beauty of Portugal's Algarve
Hey there friends!
Welcome to the second chapter of our Big Summer Adventure.
After our eventful first day in Lisbon, we woke up ready for the next part of our journey.
While Daddy and our eldest son headed out to pick up the rental car, the younger children and I enjoyed a little more time in the beautiful Lisbon apartment we had fallen in love with. (If you missed it, you can read all about our dramatic first day in Lisbon in my previous post!)
Soon, bags packed and excitement restored, we were back on the road.
Our destination?
The stunning Algarve region in southern Portugal, where we planned to spend several days by the sea.
Ideally, we would have grabbed breakfast in Lisbon before leaving, but driving in the Portuguese capital proved a little more adventurous than expected. Between the steep hills, narrow streets, and iconic trams appearing from seemingly every direction, we quickly decided it would be easier to stop somewhere along the way.
About half an hour outside Lisbon, we found a small Alentejo town and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast before continuing south.
As we crossed the Tagus River, we were greeted by one of Lisbon's most recognizable landmarks: the impressive Cristo Rei statue, which stands high above the city with its arms outstretched. It immediately reminded us of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and felt like a final farewell from Portugal's capital before our road trip truly began.
Three hours later, after an incredibly smooth and pleasant drive through Portugal's excellent highway network, we arrived at our next destination:
Lagos.
Welcome to Lagos
If summer in Portugal had a postcard destination, Lagos would probably be it.
Located in the western Algarve, Lagos is famous for its dramatic coastline, crystal-clear waters, golden cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe.
A quick tip for anyone planning a summer trip to Lagos or anywhere in the Algarve:
Book your accommodation as early as possible.
The Algarve has become incredibly popular in recent years, and the best properties often sell out months in advance.
As a family of five, we don't have much flexibility when it comes to accommodations. Hotels usually require us to reserve two rooms, so, just like in Lisbon, we focused on apartment rentals instead.
Even though we booked in spring for a July trip, most of the seafront apartments were already gone.
Fortunately, we discovered a gem: Villa Âncora.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were impressed. The apartment was immaculate, spacious, tastefully decorated, and fully equipped with everything a family could possibly need.
And honestly?
The fact that it didn't have an ocean view stopped bothering us about thirty seconds after arrival.
The location was excellent, only a few minutes by car from both the beach and Lagos' most famous attractions.
The two bedrooms offered plenty of storage space, the living room was bright and comfortable, and the fully equipped kitchen made family life easy.
But what truly won us over was stepping onto the terrace and watching the children splashing happily in the private swimming pool below.
After Lisbon's relentless 40°C heat, Lagos’s 30°C felt wonderfully comfortable. Warm. Sunny. Breezy. Perfect.
Praia Dona Ana: Love at First Sight
If Lagos is famous for one thing, it's its beaches.
And our first beach experience did not disappoint.
Late that afternoon, we headed to the legendary Praia Dona Ana.
The moment we reached the viewpoint overlooking the beach, all five of us stopped and stared.
Wow.
Photos simply don't prepare you for that first glimpse.
Towering golden cliffs rise dramatically from the Atlantic, surrounding a small sandy beach and creating one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes I've ever seen.
The staircase down was surprisingly easy, even with children, and within minutes we found ourselves standing on the sand surrounded by those iconic rock formations.
Everything we had read described the sea as calm.
Apparently the Atlantic Ocean had a different idea that day.
Massive waves rolled toward the shore, adding an unexpected element of wild beauty to the landscape.
The children happily played in the shallow water and built sand creations while I attempted a more ambitious swim.
The Atlantic quickly reminded me who was in charge.
The waves were powerful, energetic, and absolutely magnificent.
Not ideal for a leisurely crawl.
But unforgettable.
Praia do Camilo and the Magic of Ponta da Piedade
Our next discovery was the equally famous Praia do Camilo.
Like Dona Ana, it is framed by spectacular cliffs and crystal-clear water.
It is also one of the most photographed beaches in Portugal, and after visiting, it's easy to understand why.
The dramatic scenery feels almost unreal.
Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana are located very close to one another, and both can be admired while exploring the nearby headland of Ponta da Piedade.
If there is one place in Lagos that completely stole my heart, it was this one.
Ponta da Piedade is a magnificent network of golden cliffs, sea arches, caves, and rock formations sculpted by centuries of Atlantic waves.
The best time to visit is either early in the morning or near sunset.
Naturally, I tried convincing my family to come early in the morning.
Naturally, nobody agreed.
Apparently I was the only person enthusiastic enough to wake up early on vacation.
The following morning, while the rest of the family happily enjoyed their screens and slow start, I headed to Ponta da Piedade alone.
It was one of the best decisions of the trip.
I walked exactly where I wanted.
As long as I wanted.
Without hearing:
"Are we done yet?"
"How much farther?"
"Can we go back now?"
Parents, you understand. Wives, you also understand.
The views were breathtaking.
The wooden walkways make the area very easy to explore, and every few steps revealed another spectacular panorama over the Atlantic Ocean.
Some places simply deserve to be seen slowly.
Ponta da Piedade is one of them.
Meia Praia: The Family Favorite
During our stay, we returned to Dona Ana one more time and found the sea considerably calmer.
This time we enjoyed a proper swim, although the Atlantic still demanded a healthy dose of respect.
Our third beach experience was completely different.
Meia Praia.
Unlike the hidden coves surrounded by cliffs, Meia Praia feels endless. Wide. Open. Peaceful.
There are no steep staircases and no dramatic rock formations.
Instead, there is a vast stretch of soft golden sand and plenty of room for children to run freely.
For families, Meia Praia is probably the most convenient beach in Lagos.
For dramatic scenery?
Dona Ana and Camilo remain unbeatable.
But for comfort, relaxation, and family beach days, Meia Praia is the winner.
One thing all three beaches had in common, however, was the refreshing Atlantic water.
Even on hot summer days, the ocean remains pleasantly cool and invigorating.
A Seafood Feast to Remember
Portugal takes seafood seriously. Very seriously.
And nowhere did we experience that better than at Restaurante A Barrigada.
Recommended by the owner of Villa Âncora, this restaurant quickly became our favorite dining experience of the entire Algarve stay.
Always ask locals where they eat. They know.
Located a short drive outside Lagos, A Barrigada was packed every time we visited, which is usually an excellent sign.
The concept is beautifully simple.
You choose your fish. They grill it. You enjoy it.
We feasted on sea bream, sardines, red mullet, fresh salads, and traditional Portuguese side dishes.
When the plates were cleared, only bones remained.
Honestly, it looked as if a family of hungry cats had eaten there.
As natives of Greece and Morocco who now live in Canada, my husband and I deeply miss the fresh Mediterranean seafood we grew up with.
Portugal delivered. Spectacularly!
Is a Rental Car Necessary in the Algarve?
For Lisbon?
Absolutely not.
For the Algarve?
Absolutely yes.
Driving in Lisbon can be stressful, parking is difficult, and taxis are inexpensive.
The Algarve is the exact opposite.
Having a car allows you to explore multiple towns, discover different beaches, and fully experience the region at your own pace.
The roads are excellent, distances are short, and driving is remarkably easy.
For us, renting a car transformed the trip.
A Place of Elegance and Natural Beauty
What surprised us most about Lagos was how effortlessly it combines natural beauty with elegance.
The town is clean, welcoming, and beautifully maintained.
Luxury villas coexist with traditional Portuguese charm.
Everything feels relaxed yet refined.
And above all, there is the coastline. Wild. Dramatic. Untamed.
The kind of landscape that reminds you how powerful nature can be.
Lagos wasn't just beautiful. It was breathtaking.
But our Algarve adventure was far from over.
In the next chapter, we'll explore the charming streets of Lagos' Old Town, discover the vibrant marina, and experience one of the most unforgettable activities of our entire Portuguese adventure.
Trust me.
You won't want to miss this one.
Stay tuned! 💙
Love,Katerina
💕 Enjoyed this article?
Follow Mamavalues on Pinterest and Instagram for more motherhood, family travel and lifestyle inspiration!
I also invite you to discover "The Dilemma", my debut novel exploring love, life choices, and personal transformation.
Comments