Lagos

Where to stay

Most hostels cluster in the old town around Rua 25 de Abril and Rua Cândido dos Reis, a short walk from both the train station and the marina ferry dock. A few cheaper options sit just outside the walls near the bus terminal on Rua Marreiros Neto, which is less lively at night but easier if you are arriving by EVA bus from Faro airport.

Getting around

• The Mercado Municipal on Avenida dos Descobrimentos opens every morning. Grab bread, local cheese, and fruit there for a couple of euros instead of paying cafe prices on the tourist strip.
• Take the small passenger ferry from the marina across to Meia Praia beach. It costs a couple of euros and lands you on a wide, quieter stretch of sand compared to the cove beaches south of town that tour groups swarm by midday.
• The CP regional train between Lagos and Faro runs for a few euros and takes about 1h40m. It is a much cheaper way to reach the airport than a shared shuttle, and you can book same-day at the station window.

When to go

July and August pack hostels weeks out and push prices 2 to 3 times higher than the rest of the year. May and October give you sun, open beds, and the lowest rates you will find without hitting the off-season closure problem.