A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This blog (#58) is his review of July 2025:
On a balmy evening in early July, I was sitting on the beach with my daughter enjoying the gentle lapping of the waves. We had just built one of our many sand crocodiles (they’re far more fun than sand castles) and we were enjoying a welcome glass of cool water in silence. Out of the blue, my daughter said to me “Be quiet, Daddy” which was a little surprising considering I didn’t utter a word. But what I think she meant was that it was a moment of perfect peace and she didn’t want it interrupted.
Peace is something we have become used to in Luz. For ten months of the year, you can walk freely along the wonderful beach, but even during the peak season, Luz is considerably quieter than most other coastal towns of the Algarve. It’s as if many tourists consider our neighbouring city of Lagos to be the last bastion of known civilisation. If people tread any further west, they might fall off the coast. But that is exactly what makes Luz so special. It still remains a secret to so many people. It is off the radar. There are no airport services by train or by bus. If you stay in Luz you have either done your homework very well or you’ve got lucky.
That’s not to say that there aren’t other fine coastal towns in the region. Tavira is beautiful, Alvor offers plenty of character and Carvoeiro is a great gateway to marvellous beaches and vineyards. But in my humble opinion, they all lack the mystique of lovely Luz. It’s a bit special. And compared to everywhere between here and Faro airport, it is peaceful. Granted, July and August feel a little more bustly, but not when you compare it to most other places.
It is probably fair to say that Luz is a little more expensive than most towns, but you very much get what you pay for. What’s more, it is difficult to find anything substandard, whether it be restaurant, hotel, café or bar. We can all proffer our thoughts on the best places to eat and drink, but the reality is that there are few very places that I wouldn’t recommend. And because Luz is not overcrowded, you can always find something available to suit your tastes.
What’s more, as we are located on the doorstep of the stunning natural park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, we have a plethora of tranquil beaches within a very short drive. So, if Luz beach in August is a little busy for your liking, then I can recommend a dozen wonderful picture-postcard coves to get away from it all and find your own personal haven.
When the going gets a little too busy for my family, we like to head off to the west coast armed with little more than a bag of towels, some water and a bucket and spade. The beaches are much quieter and there’s usually a place to grab a sandwich and a smoothie as well as the obligatory late afternoon ice cream. And by the time our tummies start to rumble, we are more than happy to return to our beloved little town for dinner and a sunset swim.
So yes, Daddy will be quiet from time to time so we can enjoy the serenity of this fab little town. You just need to sit yourself down on the water’s edge with a glass of something cold, build yourself a sand crocodile (other animals are available) and take in the moment. You might find that this quiet reflection is one of the best things you will do on your holiday.
More news next month.
David Lugg
@davidluggwriter
All photo images owned by David Lugg