The Algarve - what to see/do?

[patmahe]

Off to the Algarve next week for 9 days, will have a car for the entire time. Will be staying near Lagos. Just wondering what is worth seeing and what is best avoided. Feel free to PM me if there are any hidden gems that you don't want to tell the whole world about.

Thanks

[BoRED S2upid]

Golf.

[patmahe]

Not a big golfer, more into viewing sights, nice towns, grub, quiet beaches etc..., will be me and the OH, she likes places with markets and nick-nak shops. Any thoughts?

[Rollin]

Go to Mullens in Lagos for a meal.
Have a drive up Monchique.
Drive to Sagres and then up the west coast.

[FUBAR]

Rollin said:

Go to Mullens in Lagos for a meal.
Have a drive up Monchique.
Drive to Sagres and then up the west coast.

To add:

Chicken piri piri in the restaurants just above Monchique village (between Monchique and Foia map) IIRC you want the 3rd one you pass.
Sardines on the quayside in Portimao at lunchtime map
The Ancora restaurant in Burgau (imo THE best fillet steak in Europe) (dont let the website put you off)
Seafood at Antonio's on the beach at Port do Mos (just on the edge of Lagos)

If you like clams AND pork/ham/sausage, try a local dish called Cataplana. Delicious and VERY filling. In most restaurants it comes as a dish for 2, but they do do single servings in Antonio's

Hmm, there seems to be a pattern forming here

OK, moving away from food, Sagres, as said, but more specifically Cape St Vincent (old fort there and is the most SWerly point of Europe)

Lagos old town itself/Fort/old Slave Market.

If the sea is calm and you fancy bobbing around on a very small boat for an hour, they do 'grotto' trips from Lagos, or (again of the sea/weather is ok) a half day trip/lunch on the sailing boat Bom Dia out of Lagos marina. A bit touristy, but of you are killing time, can be relaxing (I think they also do grotto trips off the Bom Dia)

Various local markets. Best get hold of a copy of The Algarve Resident (free in most bars/touristy shops) and see what's on what days.

Of course, any self-respecting PHer should visit the Portimao Circuit. Best to see if anything is happening whilst you are there, although there is a kart circuit there if nothing going on on track.

Vilamoura if you fancy a drive and just sitting looking at some nice boats for while whilst eating (pricey) food and let the wife have a nosey around some expensive (ok, not West London expensive) shops.

Old market towns of Silves is supposed to be nice, although Ive never visited.

TBH, just stay away from the big conurbations like Albufeira and you will have a lovely time