Going to Lisbon in October for 12 days trying to figure out itinerary. How many days needed in Lisbon would like a few day trip suggestions as well. Probably no car. Also wondering if we should go to Lagos or Porto? Do we need a car to get to the beaches? Looking for any suggestions to get me started in planning. Includin suggested areas to stay open to hotels or air B and B. Thank you!
Posted by
Surrey, UK
953 posts
Porto is larger and much more interesting than Lagos. Two or three full days there would be great.
We stayed here, in a lovely hotel room with ensuite, not in one of the dorms.
The breakfasts are amazing.
You don't need a car - one of the historic trams goes out to the beach.
Posted by
185 posts
The key part here is October. It might not be beach weather as far north as Porto, and whilst there's a chance in Lagos it's outside the summer season and restaurants may be closed. And don't forget, the water is the North Atlantic which isn't famous for being warm.
You don't need a car for any of this, for Lagos you have a choice of train (with one transfer on the way) or direct bus and both take about the same amount of time.
A day out from Lisbon should be Sintra (train from Rossio station), go early, visit palaces (if they are open) and then get the bus and go to Cabo da Roca. This headland with lighthouse (and not much else!) is spectacular and is the most westerly point in mainland Europe. Look out to sea in the direction of New York (or north thereof) and there is no land between you and there!
Posted by
Texas
7 posts
Take the train to Cascais and stay at the BEAUTIFUL Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa (not on the water) or the quaint and love Hotel Farol (on the water)!. The town can be touristy by day, but the city is amazing by night. Very walkable. The train from Lisbon is super convenient - we never had a car (this was part of our pre-RS Portugal trip). Stop at the Ginga stand under the stairs in Lisbon for a little chocolate cup of the amazing liquor. If you get a chance, travel to Nazare. Very nice little town, lots of places to get some grilled sardines, shop and if it's warm enough, spend some great time picnicking on the beach. Avoid Sintra - WAY tooooo crowded and touristy.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for the replies, how long should we stay in Lisbon, any other day trips besides Sintra? Any hotel recommendations for Lisbon and Porto?
Posted by
Portugal
207 posts
I have lived in Portugal for about 4 years. I would not count on a lot of beach time unless you bring a wet suit. The water can be pretty cold.
Asa for spending 12 days . . . probably way too much time in Lisbon, so even with side trips to Sintra, Belem, etc., you should look at some other stops. By rail from Lisbon and en route to Porto, consider a stop in Coimbra for a night or two, a college town with the famous Joanina Library (book ahead) and just outside of town about 20 km is the Roman site of Conimbriga (you can probably book a tour that will take you out there from town if this interests you). Coimbra also has its own style of fado, different from that of Lisbon.
We love Porto, a beautiful city. Your arrival train actually stops at Campanha station, but your ticket includes the transfer to Sao Bento in the heart of Porto with its fabulous azulejo tile entry hall. Just take the next train headed to Porto and they run frequently. From Porto, cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where all the port wine comes from. I am not a fan of the big WOW (World of Wine) complex, but you can get a tour of many of the port cellars easily. Be sure to visit the Palacio d Bolsa (we usually stop by on our way to/from breakfast and book our timed English language tour, then go explore until it is time to return). There is a tram stop near the Palacio de Bolsa that will take you along the river all the way out to a park near the ocean which we enjoy.
Have fun.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the tips. If we go to porto for a few days what are some day trips from there? Again wondering if we need to rent a car or if public transport to places would be easy? Thank you
Posted by
Portugal
207 posts
I already mentioned going over to Vila Nova de Gaia to learn about port wine.
There are several companies that will take you up the Douro for some sights and wine tastings from Porto.
You can also book a day trip from Porto to Guimaraes (where Portugal began) with its historic castle and/or Braga and Bom Jesus de Monte, a religious retreat with many steps and interesting structures on the way - there is also a unique, ingenious, water-powered funicular there.
You can easily reach Braga by train and spend some time there and hire a driver to take you to Bom Jesus (once the manager of the hotel where we were staying drove us up there and back for free).
I still see no need for a car, but others opinions may vary.