Racing Mackerel Hostel

We're a small family run hostel in the city center of historical Lagos. We would need help with the general upkeep of the apartment. We'll also need help with some reception duties. It isn't a lot of work so you can have free time to enjoy the beaches that are within walking distance, go surfing in nearby Sagres, or enjoy our small cobblestoned streets. Nightlife in Lagos is also a big draw! In the summer, the city is full of backpackers and young travellers looking for the laidback Portuguese lifestyle and they all know how to party.

As I said before, we're a small family run place. The family business is split up between two companies. There's us (Tiago and Bianca) at the Hostel and Tiago's brother, Andre and his business partners Pedro and Ricardo in the adventure tourism side of things. We're a close knit bunch who love to spend time with each other, travelling together, cooking dinners, and just enjoying our lives here. You can expect much of the same treatment as we'll quickly take you in and you'll be one of us. Between us all, we're fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French and always learning something new.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

5.0
(37 reviews)37

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

New Zealand

5

Loved my experience at the racing mackerel! This was my first Worldpackers experience and it was perfect, the hostel is small but big enough to chat to people and make friends but not to overwhelming. I had the best volunteers to work with and I’ve made some really close friends. Tiago is an awesome host and fun to talk to. I am so grateful for my time in Lagos and will definitely be visiting here another time! :)

3 days ago

Germany

5

Tiago was the best host I could have imagined during my unforgettable stay at the Mackerel. He is super cool, fun, loving, understanding and has a good music taste as well. If you need any tips regarding Lagos/Algarve(/or your personal life) he will be happy to help you. I loved working at the hostel because it is quite small but has a familiar vibe to it and you get to know the guests quite well.
Loved every single minute in Lagos and Tiago has contributed big time to this.

Thank you for everything, see you sometime!

10 days ago

Germany

5

My stay at the racing mackerel was incredible! Tiago is sooo welcoming and funny, he truly is a great host 😊🫂 the work was easy and as agreed so there is enough time to use the rest of the day to do beautiful hikes, go to the beach, do a kayak tour and much more! The nightlife in Lagos is also pretty good and you can connect to the locals and other travellers very easily😁I had the time of my life in Lagos and the other volunteers were amazing as well!
I recommend this experience 100% I'd love to be back :)

Live love Lagos <33

16 days ago

Brazil

5

I've been doing this for a bit, and I can say without any doubt that Thiago was the best Host I had, he was very understanding, kind and friendly! the hostel is small and welcoming, I felt at home there, my best volunteer experience for sure!

6 months ago

Belgium

5

Tiago was so sweet from the beginning he made it feel like a safe space! Everyone at the hostel was super sweet I was always the youngest tho but it was fine. I went to the beach everyday which was amazing. I am going to miss Lagos a lot and try to come back next summer.😁
Thank you Tiago for being so kind and patience all the time hopefully I will see you next year:)

6 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

City & Town

Beach

Yoga / Meditation

Adventure Sports