Getting a Taste of Lagos Living with an Algarve Rental Property

Thinking about renting a property in the western Algarve? A few weekends here can give you more than just a change of scenery, they offer a glimpse into a slower, more local way of life. Lagos makes a great base: walkable, welcoming and surrounded by coast. 

Here are five kinds of weekends you can experience from Lagos, each showing what life looks like beyond the brochures.

Weekend 1: Market Mornings & Village Afternoons

Start your Saturday with coffee and fresh bread at Padaria Central or Casa do Pão, then wander through the Lagos farmers’ market near the marina. It’s where locals stock up on produce, fish and olives. 

If you’re up for a short drive, head to the Aljezur Monday market, set in a small inland town with cobbled streets and a relaxed vibe.

In the afternoon, explore Barão de São João, a quiet artists’ village with walking trails, murals, and a few friendly cafés. Back in Lagos, dinner might mean grilled dourada at A Forja or something seafood-focused with a view at O Camilo.

Weekend 2: Coastal Trails & Off-the-Map Beaches

Lagos is on the doorstep of some of the Algarve’s best walking and swimming spots. Take the trail from Ponta da Piedade for wide ocean views and sculpted cliffs, or head west to explore quieter beaches like Barranco, Zavial, or Ingrina.

Stop for lunch at Cabanas Brancas, a no-fuss beach café known for cuttlefish and simple grilled fish. These beaches stay calm even in summer, and in spring or autumn, you might have them nearly to yourself.

Weekend 3: Fish, Simplicity & Seasonal Food

Early mornings near the Lagos marina often mean fresh catch being delivered; octopus, sardines, mackerel. If you like to cook, it’s worth browsing the fish stalls before they sell out.

If not, grab a long lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas (something a bit more refined) or head to a tasca in Burgau for a cataplana, a rich seafood stew cooked in a traditional copper pot.

Finish with a regional sweet like tarte de amêndoa or Dom Rodrigos, paired with an espresso at a local pastelaria.

Weekend 4: A Bit of Sport, A Lot of Relaxing

If you’re staying a little longer, it’s easy to dip into the local sports culture. Try a morning round at Boavista Golf, five minutes from town, or book a casual session of padel at the Clube de Ténis e Padel de Lagos. It’s fun, low-pressure, and a great way to meet others doing short, medium or long-term stays.

End the day with a walk along Praia da Luz’s seaside promenade and a drink overlooking the ocean. It’s the kind of simple evening that makes time slow down.

Weekend 5: Local Events, Big and Small

Depending on the time of year, Lagos and nearby towns host everything from food fairs to art walks:

– Festival dos Descobrimentos (May) – Lagos celebrates its maritime history with live music, reenactments, and local food stalls.

– White Night in Loulé (August) – a town-wide evening party where everyone wears white and the streets fill with music and dancing.

– Walk & Art Fest (November) – based in Barão de São João, this event blends hiking with installations, music, and food trucks.

Even outside the big events, weekends often bring open-air concerts, artisan markets, or community dinners, all of which feel more “local routine” than “tourist itinerary.”

Try It Out for a Weekend. Or a Few.

Whether you’re in Lagos for a short break, a work-from-anywhere month, or scouting for a longer stay, you’ll find:

– Local feel without needing to plan much; markets, walks, easy meals, and open-air cafés.

– Nature at your doorstep

– A rental base that’s quiet, comfortable, and close to it all.

The longer you’re here, the easier it feels. 

A Year of Weekends