Lagos: The Drive Down, Salty Lodge, and a Morning on the Water with Bluefleet
After two nights slowing all the way down at Ventozelo, it was time to pack the car back up and point it south, toward Lagos.
Lagos sits right on Portugal’s Algarve coast, and it’s got this perfect mix of history and beach town energy. It’s an old fishing port turned into one of the most popular spots in the south of Portugal, but it hasn’t lost its character in the process. Whitewashed buildings, limestone and basalt cobblestone streets, dramatic cliffs dropping into impossibly blue water — it’s the kind of place that looks almost unreal in photos and somehow looks even better in person. After days of vineyards and river views up north, trading it all for salt air and coastline felt like exactly the right next chapter.
The Drive Down
The drive was about six hours, and honestly, it wasn’t bad at all. After the narrow, winding roads up in the Douro, the highway south felt easy. The scenery shifts gradually the further you go: vineyards give way to rolling hills, and eventually you catch that first glimpse of coastline in the distance. It’s a long haul, but a relaxed one — plenty of time for a good playlist, easy conversation, and watching the country change mile by mile.
We rolled into Lagos as the sun was starting to go down and checked into our home base: a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath apartment at The Salty Lodge, right in the heart of the old town. It gave the four of us plenty of room to spread out, with comfortable living spaces, modern amenities, and views over the city just outside our windows. The central location meant we could walk to restaurants, shops, the marina, and Lagos’ historic streets without any hassle, while still having a quiet place to retreat to after a day out exploring. After a full day in the car, stepping into that laid-back, coastal atmosphere was exactly what we needed.
An Early Morning with Bluefleet Lagos
We didn’t waste any time. Early the next morning, we headed out for a private two-hour coastal tour with Bluefleet Lagos, and it turned into one of the best mornings of the entire trip.
SIDE NOTE: While waiting for our tour to begin, I noticed these 2 sitting on a bench as if they were in NYC waiting for the bus. I could not resist the opportunity to snap these 2 photos.
It was just the four of us and our guide, Marta, on the boat — no big crowds, no rushing from spot to spot. Marta was fantastic: she knew exactly where to take us, she was easygoing, clearly knew that stretch of coast like the back of her hand, and made the whole outing feel personal rather than like just another tour. We cruised past the cliffs and caves with beer and wine in hand, taking in that unbelievable turquoise water Lagos is famous for. Going private made all the difference — we could stop and linger wherever we liked without ever feeling rushed. If in Lagos and book a tour with Bluefleet Lagos, make sure to ask for Marta.
Wandering the Old Town
Once we were back on dry land, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring old Lagos on foot. It’s a walled city, and passing through those old stone gates feels like stepping back in time. We didn’t have a plan — just ducked in and out of little shops, wandered down side streets, and let ourselves get a little lost before dinner. No agenda, just soaking up the charm of the town before sitting down to eat.
More on Lagos soon.
