Portugal

There has been so much buzz about Portugal and for good reason.
My focus is primarily on experiences during the winter season in the Algarve and to perhaps help the many travellers (especially Canadian Snowbirds) navigate the magical region. My husband and I stay just under the 3 month limit to maximize all we can from this beautiful country. One of the biggest questions is where to stay. To help you, I am breaking down our experiences by community, as each area has unique offerings.

LAGOS

Lagos is a strong contender for the number one spot.
Okay, I admit that stumbling upon Mar Restaurant in our first half hour was a good start. About a 15 minute walk from old town (up a hill but manageable), we saw a restaurant sign so decided to investigate. It was lunchtime and we were hungry. But this was as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. The patio was perched over a cliff offering stunning views of the clear blue waters and a sandy beach. It became a sport watching people arrive with equally shocked looks. Of course, there were several locals as well who seemed more nonchalant. But overall the vibe was relaxed, not a place to be if you are in a hurry. Sautéed prawns, shredded black pork tacos (called the Conchita Kill Bill Trilogy), seafood risotto were just a small sampling of the menu options. There was also a decent and reasonably priced wine list as well as cocktails. Let’s just say Lagos started off on the right foot.