Hello everyone. We are planning a trip to Portugal this fall for 5-6 weeks. We're healthy, active, retired late 60 year old folks who like food, wine, historical locations, small/mid sized towns, and slow travel. We'll be renting a car, so will have the ability to wander at will. We like the "hub and spoke" type of travel. Staying in one location for several days/week or more, and explore what that area has to offer. I know this is pretty vague, but I'm interested in what folks might suggest for several base locations. We have some rough ideas already, but I'm interested in some feed back from others. We're not interested in the hyper beach life, so spending much time in the southern coast of Portugal is not high on our agenda. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6506 posts
Two central cities with a lot of day trip possibilities are Lamego or Peso da Regua (east of Porto) and Braga or Guimaraes (north of Porto) Some might suggest staying in Porto to day trip to Braga and Guimaraes, but I think there is plenty to do as day trips from one or the other to merit staying there. Some also day trip to the Douro from Porto, as well, but I highly recommend staying on the stunning Douro.
There are also a lot of day trip possibilities out of Batalha. We enjoyed our stay there, but it is limited in terms of restaurants. But from Batalha, we visited Tomar, San Martinho, Nazare, and Alcobaca. We ate dinner in Tomar one night so that worked out well.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1510 posts
I spent a week last October just north of Porto, but if I was looking for a place for a longer stay I'd consider a 2+ week rental somewhere between Aviro, Figuroa de Foz, and Coimbra. That gives you beaches, and lots of smaller town, and you're not too far from Lisbon or Porto.
If you don't mind the cold and bad weather you might consider places like Badajoz and the old fort towns along the Spanish border.
Posted by
OP
Prince George, BC, Canada
444 posts
KGC - what about Lousa as a base? The schist villages are nearby and Coimbra is not far away. Is there enough in the area for a week or more? We've got Elvas and Badajoz on our list already. We'e not worried about cool and drizzly weather. Better than the snow/cold we'd be getting back home in north central British Columbia...!!