Portugal

Av. dos Descobrimentos (Abdo. 388), 8600-645 Lagos. & 28/276-98-59. Fax 28/276-99-60. www.
marinario.com. 36 units. 52€–112€ double. Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Bar;
babysitting; outdoor freshwater pool; free Internet in lobby. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Aqua Meia Praia This first-class hotel, 4km (21 ⁄2 miles) northeast of Lagos, is
for those who want sand, sun, and good food rather than exciting decor. The hotel
reopened late in 2009 after being closed for major renovations. The hotel stands at a
point where a hill begins its rise from the sea. Surrounded by private gardens, it regrettably
fronts railway tracks, but also a 6.5km-long (4-mile), wide, sandy beach. The
midsize guest rooms have balconies with partitions for sunbathing. The best units have
sea views. The furnishings are uncluttered and functional, which lends the place a comfortable
vibe. Guests can linger in the informal garden under olive and palm trees.
Meia Praia, 8600-315 Lagos. & 28/277-00-00. Fax 28/276-20-08. www.hotelaquameiapraia.com. 65
units. 70€–190€ double. Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; 2
outdoor pools; 2 outdoor tennis courts (lit). In room: TV.
Inexpensive
Casa da Moura The “House of Moors” was built originally in 1892 for a
rich Lagos family. It has been brought completely up to date with a pool and a rooftop
terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Lying inside the ramparts, a 5-minute walk from
the center, the Casa imported much of its raw materials from Morocco. The manor house
is filled with wood-lined ceilings, stone and wooden floors, and wide corridors. For rent
are two attractively furnished studios and six apartments. All accommodations have a
different decoration and color scheme. Breakfast is served on an open air terrace.
Rua Cardeal Neto 10, 8600-645. & 28/277-07-30. Fax 28/278-05-89. www.casadamoura.com. 8 units.
82€–100€. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Breakfast room; outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, free Internet.
WHERE TO DINE
Moderate
Restaurante D. Sebastião REGIONAL PORTUGUESE This rustically decorated
tavern on the main pedestrian street is one of the finest dining choices in Lagos.
Portuguese-owned and -operated, it offers a varied menu of local specialties. Options
include lip-smacking pork chops with figs, succulent shellfish dishes like clams and
shrimp cooked with savory spices, and grills. Live lobsters are kept on the premises. One
of the best selections of Portuguese vintage wines in town accompanies the filling, tasty
meals. In summer, outdoor dining is available.
Rua do 25 de Abril 20–22. & 28/278-04-80. www.restaurantedonsebastiao.com. Reservations recommended.
Main courses 8€–25€. AE, MC, V. Daily noon–10pm. Closed Dec 24–26 and Dec 31–Jan 2.
Rouxinol PORTUGUESE Motorists can seek out this restaurant lying 26 miles
(42km) from Lagos near the little town of Monchique. Discerning palates know they’ll
be served some of the best regional cuisine in the area. The first-class restaurant is
installed in an old hunting lodge that has been restored by its owner/chef Stefhan. The
chef has operated restaurants in West Africa, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and the
Caribbean, and has brought the flavors of those exotic destinations with him to his
Rouxinol (nightingale, in English).
Food is served on an open-air terrace on balmy summer nights. Most guests order the
freshly caught fish of the day, although the shellfish stew is the chef’s signature dish. We
can’t wait to sample once again the grilled lamb from the Alentejo, followed by a warm
raspberry pie with ice cream.
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