Lagos – ten Hoopen Realty

WELCOME TO

CHARMING & VIBRANT

Lagos is where history meets a cosmopolitan vibe. This town is a blend of old-world charm and international cool, boasting one of Europe’s safest and most welcoming communities. The ancient city walls encircle the bustling city centre, where English is abundantly spoken by the locals. A true home away from home for many, with a large expat community.

Here it is all about the outdoor life, from sunbathing to shopping at vibrant local markets. Or take your pick from one of the many golf courses nearby or go on a sailing trip to chase sunsets while spotting dolphins. With a mix of locals, expats and tourists, the vibe in Lagos is always eclectic. The city is only a short hop from Lisbon and even closer to Faro airport, maximizing your time in the Algarve.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT LAGOS

Cosmopolitan vibe with lots of amenities
Numerous golf courses close by
Large expat community
Amazing marina

FOOD & DRINKS IN LAGOS

ten Hoopen Realty’s favourites:

Mosto – Wine shop & bar, known for their artisanal wines. Sample rare wines by the glass, learn about indigenous grapes and meet with wine producers. Mosto will convince you in no time that Portuguese wines are the best.
DH Café – A vibrant cocktail bar, serving you tasty drinks alongside the tunes of the resident DJ. Next door you’ll find Dom Henrique restaurant, part of the same establishment. Come for the cocktails, stay for the food.
Coffee & Waves – What’s in a name? Known for their perfect coffees and latte art, but also for their surfboards. Enjoy artfully painted boards on display or buy one and try mastering the waves yourself.
Black & White – A specialty coffee shop in a minimalistic setting. Also, a fine spot to enjoy brunch. Tip: try the Pastel de Nata Croissant (only available in the weekends) for a deliciously crunchy crossover between France and Portugal!
Sunrays Kitchen – With only locally sourced seasonal produce, you’re sure to be eating the ingredients possible. Sunrays Kitchen has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, and some options are even gluten free!
Campimar – A beautiful beach front restaurant, serving the freshest sea food straight from the Atlantic Ocean. Insider tips: booking in advance is best, and there’s no fresh fish on Sundays and Mondays – fishermen don’t go out fishing these days!
Al Sud – This upscale restaurant resides within the Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort and was awarded a Michelin star in 2023 – only six months after opening. Expect a signature cuisine, with a unique blend of passion, creativity and quality ingredients.
All Things Dough – A cute bakery specialising in sourdough bread and vegan pastries. The sweets presented in the shop window will draw you in like a siren’s song.
Casinha do Petisco – A small eatery, ran by a family. A true gem, receiving nothing but exceptional reviews from their customers. At Casinha do Petisco you’ll taste traditional Portuguese food but be sure to try one of the cataplanas! Expert tip: waiting times can be long, so be sure to make a reservation or come on time.

THINGS TO DO IN LAGOS

It’s not all food and drinks in Lagos, although the ten Hoopen Realty team definitely like their after-work outings. Other things to do in this eclectic town:

The local market on Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. The perfect place to source fresh fruits, vegetables and local produce.
Scenic walking trails along the coast. Find mapped out hikes here, or just explore on yourself.
Amazing golf courses, with beautifully contoured greens that are maintained to high standards. There are 32 golf courses in the Algarve region, and you’ll find 10 of them in or nearby Lagos.
Sports activities: from padel to beach volley, tennis, biking and football.
Horseback riding: can you imagine riding on the beach while the sun sets? For many a once in a lifetime experience, for inhabitants of Lagos a daily reality.
Digital Nomad Groups: a big plus for people who have moved to the region. These groups organise weekly activities, making it easy to meet people and get introduced to the Lagos lifestyle in no time.

DAILY LIFE IN LAGOS

Living in a new place also raises some practical questions, which we are well aware of at ten Hoopen Realty. Let us take away some of your concerns:

Hospitals and medical care

As one of the larger cities in the region, Lagos has a wide range of medical facilities: a public hospital with an emergency care hub, a private hospital, dentists, specialists…

Did you know the medical care in Portugal is generally of excellent quality, and that most doctors speak English? In fact, the Portuguese healthcare system is considered one of the best in Europe and is even ranked 12th best worldwide. As a resident, you’ll have free basic healthcare, a little bit similar to the NHS in the UK. You can also opt for private medical services if you take out an insurance.

Schools

Navigating the educational landscape can be quite the concern for families when relocation to Portugal. It doesn’t have to be! The Portuguese education is excellent and of a high standard. Because of the large expat community in Lagos, you’ll find plenty of international schools here. Should you choose to enrol your children in the local schools, you get to choose between public schools (free) and private schools (monthly fees).

Transportation

Getting around is easy: by car, by bus, by train – or even by boat. The roads are safe to bike or walk too.

Supermarkets

There are several large supermarkets, some of them even offering international products such as Dutch ‘bitterballen’ or Chinese ‘kroepoek’.

As true locals, ten Hoopen Realty can help you tackle any practical concerns you might have about relocating to the Algarve. We’re happy to tell you more about our way of life, the practicalities about moving abroad and give you answers to some of the questions you might have.