I especially like this guest blog by Jacky for a special reason. When I unsuspectingly went to a workspace in Lagos (Algarve) earlier this year, I ran into Jacky there during a tour. She recognized me from Working Remotely and spoke to me. She had been following me for a long time. How nice is that! Jacky has been wintering in Portugal for years and is happy to share her tips for Lagos with you in this guest blog.
6 months wintering in Lagos
I’m Jacky. Four years ago my boyfriend and I came to Lagos for the first time to work remote for a few months. We immediately fell in love with Portugal and when we left we had bought an apartment. I quit my job and started working for myself as a remote accountant so I could keep doing this remotely. I now live in Lagos every year for 5 to 6 months during the winter.
Remote working in Lagos
Lagos is the perfect combination between city life, beach and nature. From trendy coffee shops to traditional Portuguese restaurants, you’ll find it all in Lagos. And it is one of the best cities in the Algarve for digital nomads. There are several coworking spaces where you can work as a digital nomad:
- Coworkspace Centro Lagos
- Coworkspace Lagos Coworkers
- Coworkspace Colagos.
At the latter I myself have had a workspace for 2 years. There are also many coffee shops where you can work, such as Coffee Studio and Black and White. Lately a lot of nice new places have sprung up where your laptop is also welcome. Here are my favorites: Everyday People Coffee
It has only been open for six months, but Everyday People Coffee is already a very popular hotspot. Located a bit outside the center, but don’t let that put you off, it’s a very nice place with a nice terrace and a separate coworking area. Coworking is free but of course you are expected to order something regularly. And that’s not a punishment at all because not only is the coffee a must, but the sandwiches are great! Factory Fusion Hub
Also just opened is the Factory Fusion Hub, a coffee shop, bar, coworking and art gallery all in one. Honestly, you shouldn’t be here for the good coffee where you should be for the nice vibe, the super nice owners and of course the art. There’s all kinds of things to see here, even on the toilet. There is also a coworking area where you can work for a fee. And keep an eye on their calendar because they regularly organize things like a wine tasting, a poetry reading night, or a salsa class.
The Seed
Calling itself a “creative and wellness hub”, The Seed is also just new. Here you can attend various yoga classes, as well as a sauna, holistic treatment or even an ice bath. In the large room, where also yoga is been taught, there is a large table where you can cowork. Since yoga classes are held in the morning and evening, coworking is only possible outside these hours. But if you want a quiet moment to yourself while working, you can grab a yoga mat. There is a very calming atmosphere, and there is a separate calling room if you ever want to make a call.
Digital nomads in Lagos
Lagos has an active community of digital nomads. If you come to Lagos alone, you don’t have to feel lonely at all. The Lagos Digital Nomads group regulary organizes meetups that include both locals who work remotely and digital nomads. If you don’t want to miss anything, then Goodtimes Lagos ‘ weekly newsletter Freshly Squeezed is highly recommended. Quiz nights, meet ups, sports, hikes, literally everything to do is in there. More info on their website. Curious about more tips for digital nomads in the Algarve? Then you will find it here in an earlier article by Alieke.
Tips for the Algarve
- Don’t leave before taking a boat tour around the caves. In the Marina de Lagos you will find several providers. Among other things, they offer trips along the coast and the caves or with a fast boat in search of dolphins. They are all highly recommended.
- And after the boat trip, breakfast or lunch at Artesão is highly recommended.
- Have you already done the boat trip along Ponta da Piedade or would you like something different? Then take a paddleboard tour along the caves at sunrise. David from Nowhere2far takes you along the coast and even into the caves. I admit, getting up that early is not easy, but take it from me: it’s totally worth it.
- Do you enjoy hiking? Then this is the place to be. From Lagos, follow the footpath along the coast and you can walk all the way to Sagres. If you wanted even further.
The best eateries in Lagos
- You can eat the most delicious pastel de nata and many other goodies at Crisbolo and Padaria Central.
- The very best pizza in Lagos? Absolutely at Pomodor.
- The rice with seafood “Arroz Mariscos” on Sunday afternoons at O Lamberto or at Prato Cheio.
- Typical Portuguese restaurant with the best fresh fish: A Barrigada.
- Mega delicious shrimp at Casinha do Petisco or at Bar Quim with super views of Meia Praia as well.
- The best (vegan) bakery in Lagos: All Things Dough. Sourdough bread, focaccia, sweet buns and the banana bread, it’s all great there.
- The best coffee, in my opinion, you drink at Black and White.
Enthusiastic about the Algarve? The most southern region of Portugal is incredibly diverse, from mountains to beach and from touristy to deliciously local: the Algarve really has something to offer everyone. Alieke and Danielle also visited Carvoeiro, Portimão and Monchique, read hereall our experiences in these unique Portuguese towns!
