LAGOS
Lagos is on the South coast of Algarve and is a premiere site for spring breakers and college
students. Everyone comes for the beaches, the caves and the beautiful people.
If you are lucky enough to visit Lagos with some friends, BEWARE. Lagos is a trap. I met countless Americans who came to Portugal for a week and never left. They enjoyed the people,
town and way of life so much they wanted to extend their stay - permanently.
So don't say I did not warn you.
*On our way to Portugal.
About 5hr drive from Cordoba.
* On the waterfront before the boat trip. HOLD ON!
How
to Get There:
Air
Portugal, the national airline, has direct flights to Lisbon from England, France, Spain, the USA and Canada. There are also international flights to Porto and Faro. I would not recommend sitting on a bus for more than 6 hours,
but if you can, try the direct bus services from France and Spain. Trains from France and Spain run sporadic so make sure to check in advance for
this option. Driving is the option we chose. It was cost-efficient and an
adventure. I would not recommend this option to many. We decided to drive
because we had a very cautious driver that was used to driving a manual car.
In any event, be VERY careful in Portugal because it has the highest automobile mortality rate
within Europe.
Where
to Stay:
Pousada da Juventude de Lagos (HI)
R. Lançarote de Freitas, 50 (282 76 19 70; fax 282 76 96 84; www.hostalbooking.com),
off R. 25 de Abril. Friendly staff and lodgers congregate in the courtyard.
Breakfast included. In summer, book through the central Movijovem office (213
59 60 00). June 16-Sept. 15 dorms €15; doubles with bath €42. Sept.
16-June 15 €10/€28. MC/V.
*Leah, Nicole and Jennifer inside Pousada da Juventude in Lagos. Leah
just drove 5hours from Spain into Portugal.
What
to Do:
This
is a party town. So.....P A R T Y! Lagos is a great town to head to with all of your friends.
There are an infinite number of things to do ranging from waterskiing, horseback
riding, sunbathing or taking a boat cruise. Lagos has a beautiful landscape especially near the beaches.
My friends and I went on a boat cruise to check out the caves on the water.
It was about 12€ for each person. It was VERY scary but I completely
enjoyed it.
*One of the two Captains
of our boat. After jetting out to the water we switched to a smaller boat
that could only seat 8.
After
drying off from the wet seas we headed over to one of the most popular bars
in Portugal, The Old Tavern. This bar was packed with Americans
and Australians all dancing to the beats of the best DJ in Europe. It's a great place to sit, relax and think about the fun you will have
tomorrow. This is where we met our
waitress. She is actually from West Covina and came to Lagos for Spring Break...a year ago.
Where
to Go:
Taverna
Velha (The Old Tavern)
R. Lançarote de Freitas, 34 (282 76 92 31). Backpackers and spring breakers mingle with the friendly staff. The only
air-conditioned bar in Lagos,
with free nightly showings of American movies at 5:30pm. Happy Hour with 2-for-1 drinks 9pm-midnight. Beer €1.25-2.50. Excellent strawberry-banana daiquiris (€7.50
per pitcher). Subs €3.50. Open M-Sa 4pm-2am, Su 8pm-2am. Closed 2nd
week of Jan.-Mar.
*Holly, Leah, Elise, Jennifer, Nicole and Cheryl inside The Old Tavern.
This spot had some of the best music I heard in Europe.
*We had to give the DJ a 'thump up' on his music selection!
Phoenix
Club
R. São Gonçalo, 29 (282 76 05 03). Rises
from the early morning ashes for after-hours dancing. No dress code, but tight
black outfits abound. Beer €2. Cover €6, includes 2 beers or 1
mixed drink. Open June-Sept. nightly midnight-7am, but the crowds don't arrive
until 3:30am. Oct.-May F-Sa midnight-7am.
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TO PORTUGAL