20 nights Portugal mid August 1st time input appreciated.

Greg,

My only input would be that Evora (inland) would be unbearably hot in August. If you have flexibility, Sept/Oct would be better (and less crowded)

Dennis

I am with Dennis when it comes to temperature in Spain and Portugal. That is a hot time -- late September into early Oct would be better. Personally we use hotels since we have had some marginal experiences with airB&B. Others love them, but we don't.

Wait until September or October. Then Evora is doable but I’m not certain I would stay four nights if you don’t have a car. I certainly wouldn’t stay in Sintra four nights but I’m not a fan due to the crowds. The palaces are great though so definitely go - but for a couple of nights rather than four.

I agree with the idea of a town north of Porto or even one of the Douro valley towns. The other poster mentioned very nice places. Coimbra is also lovely, but 2-3 nights is enough. If you are willing to rent a car, you could home base in Coimbra or even Tomar and drive to Alcobaca, Batalha and, maybe Obidos for day trips.

On my scouting trip before moving, I stayed in Porto, SanMartinho do Porto and Lisbon over three weeks. It was a relaxed pace and I really got a feel for the country - enough to make me choose it for my move!

I would agree with others who recommend later September/October. Several years ago we started our tour in Lisbon the first week of September and it was 104 degrees. We did a day trip to Sintra pre tour as well. Fortunately as our tour progressed the temperature was tolerable. We ended in Porto. The Douro Valley and Porto were relaxing. A nice end to a memorable journey!

I'm a pousada fan and you can checkout web site. Oftentimes rates are lower for more nights and you get a regional flavor. I'm in agreement with exploring Braga, Guimares. Depending on your interests, Lisbon is a good base for day trips as well. Sintra, Cascais, Arribada , Queluz, Mafra, Ericeira. If you are driving you could make a nice loop. The St Vincente coast is very scenic . More freedom with car and less timetables.

Thanks for all the great advice.
I am looking at September or October.
More time to plan now.

Two suggestions. If the cost is the same you could fly into Lisbon and out of Porto or vice versa, but I think that's more expensive. That would avoid backtracking.

If you're flying round trip, then if possible go directly to your first town and just end in Lisbon. You will have all your Lisbon days together and gives you more time for your other towns.