A "forced" stopover
When we took the boat out of the water, we thought everything would go quickly, and two days later we'd be setting sail for the Canaries. But after going through the hull with a screwdriver, we revised our plans. Seawater had stagnated between the fiber and the steel, with the ensuing corrosion. First in Faro, we moved on to Lagos. Admittedly, the yard is a little more expensive, but it has a number of advantages, such as the fact that we can live comfortably on board. The shipyard and marina are right in the center of town, and Lagos has a vacation feel all year round.
Lagos: a winter paradise for surfers
For surfers, the Algarve is the perfect place. The spots in the Algarve offer good conditions when the lows hit Portugal, and they often do! One spot is within walking distance of the boatyard or marina, and others can be discovered by renting a car. During winter storms, the sea is raging and you'll be glad you're stopping off at the shipyard or marina. On the west coast above Cape Saint Vincent, the waves can sometimes overtake the cliffs, which are several dozen meters high.
A mild, pleasant climate: an air of vacation
The advantage of wintering in the Algarve is, of course, the climate. Winter temperatures generally oscillate between 10°C and 16°C, offering pleasant days for working on the boat or exploring the region. To escape the harsh winters, Lagos was the perfect destination for us. A little extra heating in the evenings isn't too bad, but the days are perfect for tinkering. The climate makes it possible to work on the boat every day, including painting. The yard and sanitary facilities are clean, and the electricity supply means you can even use a soldering station.
The tip of Europe, but within easy reach
The advantage of Lagos is its accessibility: it's only 1 hour from Faro airport and 4 hours by bus from Lisbon, which costs around ten euros. It's a great opportunity to visit the capital without breaking the bank. And, most importantly, it's the closest marina to Madeira and the Canaries. So, once you're in the water, all you have to do is set sail for the horizon.
A dry building site where life is good
The town is alive all year round, and for good reason: everyone has the same idea: winter is less painful in the sun. But the city's bustle is nothing like in summer, and everyone is relaxed. At the time of our visit, the shipyard was very busy, with around ten people living on their boat to prepare for the long voyage. There's a palpable sense of mutual support at the boatyard: exchange of tools, advice and equipment, and of course, the chance to meet new people, which is what makes this trip so enriching. To top it all off, the price of beer on the terrace in Portugal is one of the lowest in Europe. Count on around 1.50 euros for a half-drink!
Lagos offered us a peaceful stopover to refit our ship. We met some wonderful people and discovered hidden treasures under the mild winter sun. It wasn't the basic program, but it will remain an excellent memory.
