Lagos

Lagos sits on the western Algarve coast, a working surf town that has become a regular base for travelling freelancers, lifestyle brand shoots, and remote teams chasing winter light. The town centre runs along the old city walls and out to Meia Praia; the studios are small but the location bench (cliffs, coves, marina, salt pans inland) is unusually photogenic for the town's size.

Lagos eats from the Atlantic and the Algarve kitchen: cataplana, sardinhas assadas, carapau, polvo à lagareiro, plus the morning pastel de nata and bica that anchor every café in town. Vinho verde and Algarve reds carry the wine list. Public transport is light; renting a car or scooter is standard for most working stays. Summer (July and August) is high season and the town fills hard; January through April is the working freelancer season. Tipping is light (round up, 5 to 10%). For the country baseline on residency, IVA, and tipping, see /countries/portugal.