Lagos

For backpackers at least, Lagos is the party capital of the Algarve. Actually places like Albuferia have a little more life to them, and there are a suspiciously large number of British pensioners in Lagos, especially in the winter, but compared to Faro this place is kicking. And amazingly it isn't even all that ugly. If you want to go to the Algarve, this is the place to go.

Arriving by Plane.

Faro Airport is the other end of the Algarve in Faro. Catch a train or coach (1-2 hours) to get to Lagos.

Arriving By Train.

The train station (Estacion de Ferroviaria) is located in the marina. From the town centre head towards the bus station, but instead of turning left into it, turn right go over the footbridge into the marina - it' about 10 minutes walk. Although the new station is almost complete, it is still fairly small and has few facilities. The main route from Lagos is the regional service to Faro, at the other end of the Algarve coast

Arriving By Coach.

The coach station (Estacion de Rodoviaria) is located just to the east of the town centre, 5 minutes down the promenade. EVA buses run from here all over the Algarve region. In addition they also run a regular service to Lisbon.

Getting around by public transport

The town itself is quite compact, so there is very little need for any form of transport to just get around or to the beach. If you want to go further afield, EVA run most of the local buses from the coach station

Internet

Internet Cafes

There are a couple of internet cafes in the centre of Lagos - keep walking until you find one

Free Internet.

Internet access is available via kiosk-style terminals at the train station. Slightly better terminals may be available at the Instituto Portugues da Juventude, which is located on the Rua Lancarote de Freitas in the northwest of the town centre.

Hostels

Rede Nacional de Turismo Juvenil has a hostel in town, the Lagos hostel. This is located in the northeast of the town centre. It should be easy enough to find - from the bus or train stations head for the main part of town, and look at one of the maps on display there. The hostel is cheap, and seems suprisingly sociable for a HI hostel. It can be disturbingly empty in winter however.

The Rising Cock is independently-run and very actively markets itself as a party hostel. It is expensive compared to the HI hostel, but will certainly appeal more to more alcohol-minded travellers. There is free internet, and a comfortable welcoming lounge with TV. The owners have even been known to make up vats of soup for all the guests. Be aware that this hostel doesn't have a sign outside. In fact it doesn't even seem to have the name on the bell, so be ready to hunt around a bit before you find it.

In summer several pensiones offer cheap shared accomodation. Ask for details at the tourist office.