Faro versus Lagos

Hi,

If I go with my current plan I will have two nights for the Algarve. Basically leaving Evora early in the morning and heading south, I then have two nights and fly from Faro airport at 6pm. Should I go to faro or Lagos or somewhere else? I'm intrigued by the idea of going to the 'end of the world' but am slightly concerned about how tourists either or both of them are. To give you an example I really didn't like Malaga (especially after a wonderful week in Seville, Cordoba and Granada). I want somewhere to chill, go for walks or sit by the sea. As I only have a small bag my last day is definately a day as I will keep moving until I get to the airport.

I am travelling on my own and so can't look at smaller places as want to stay in youth hostels, ideally ones where I can meet other back-packers but not loud partyiers! I also would like to see any arabic ruins if there are any in that area.

Thanks for your suggestions

G

If you liked Evora then you will like Tavira on the coast for sure, place with character, not really arabic ruins but influence in style/architecture..

I was going to suggest Tavira as well.
Located to the east of Faro, the less touristy part of the Algarve.
Nice little town to walk around. And you can go to the Island of Tavira with a little ferry if you want some time on the beach.

Lagos is nice as well, but more touristy, with tourist shops etc.

Not sure about accomodation. We didn't stay in Tavira itself.

Thanks guys, I have seen theres a hostel in Tavira, although I need to get a HI card which is £15.50 - putting the price up quite a bit! Any other thoughts/suggestions still welcome.

Is it easy to get from Tavira to Faro airport? Fly at 6pm so easy times, was thinking train to Faro and local bus to airport, or even is it walking distance? I really won't have much to carry, I remember walking to Corfu airport after discovering it was only a 20 minute walk from town.

G

You can pay some €3 extra per night in a hostel, and saving by this for that HI-membership card, details on their website.

Great suggestions about staying in/hear Tavira.

Too bad you didn't have a bit more time to get to Silves where there is a spectacular Moorish castle that has been very well refurbished.

But walking up-hill in Tavira will take you to the old castle there which now houses some lovely gardens. Climb up on the ramparts and look out to see, plus have a fun time looking down on the guy with chickens in his back yard! You might be too early for the pomegranates, but as a North American I'm always enchanted when I see them growing on a tree. There are lots of them over the walls of the castle.

If the tide is out you can also have a fun time just hanging around the 2 bridges that cross the river, watching the guys out digging clams and other fishermen doing their thing.

This link will take you to a short slide-show I've done about Tavira. Might whet your whistle, as they say. http://www.algarveexperiences.com/chillin-in-tavira/

Have a fab time, whatever your choices.

I also opt for Tavira, and Faro is also a beautiful place. Lagos too touristy indeed.

It is touristy around Lagos but the beaches are great. The next village, Praia da Luz is lovely (if touristy). Just spent a week there staying at "The Beach Apartments" which have an amazing location. They're literally on the beach so the view is amazing and they have terraces which are so lovely to sit on in the evening. Wasn't too pricey either.