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Lisbon/Sintra/Agarve?

We have traveled a lot throughout Europe, including living in Italy for 3 years. Our kids are 8 and 13 and good travelers. The rough itinerary I have so far: arrive Sunday in Lisbon (from Amsterdam flight), 3 nights in Lisbon (w/ a day trip to Sintra)- debating spending a night there. No need for nightlife, traveling w/ kids, but not sure it's worth changing hotels again. Wednesday drive to Algarve area- for 2 or 3 nights- was considering Salema, but after reading the forums perhaps Tavira instead. Friday, eiither stay in Sintra for our last night in Portugal or stay that 3rd night in Tavira (or Lagos?). We like to balance a trip with time in the city and time just relaxing.
Any suggestions are really appreciated. Thank you.

Posted by
6113 posts

You don't say when you are travelling. With children, Lagos is a better option than Salema and easier than Tavira if you want the beach. Tavira's beach is reached by boat.

For such a short trip, if you want beaches, I would stay somewhere closer to Lisbon, such as Foz do Arelha. The sea is cold in Portugal as it's the Atlantic not the Med.

If you are travelling peak season, accommodation will be easier to find further north than in the Algarve, where bookings are high this year.

Posted by
11 posts

We are traveling in April. We understand about the water/temps- no intention of going in.

Posted by
477 posts

Hi, we travelled last April in Portugal. I thin with your itinerary- 6 nights , that I would stay around the Lisbon area. You will spend the better part of a day just picking up a car and driving to the Algarve region. My suggestions would be the following. Start in Lisbon, take the train to Sintra. Pick up your rental car here. Drop at Airport on your way home. I would stay at least one night in Sintra as I think there is a lot to see and do there with your kids. There are a lot of Castles, gardens and hiking. It's quite a lovely area.

There are nice beaches fairly close to Sintra, or you could go up to Nazare was recommended in RS travel guide. We stayed our last night in Obidos, and made it to the airport for a late morning flight with no problems, but it was a Sunday.

I

Posted by
11 posts

Lisa, Thank you for that suggestion. I was really feeling like I wanted to spend more time in Sintra and was beginning to worry we were just going to end up driving too much. I think we will explore some more day trip options from Lisbon.

Posted by
233 posts

Hi!

Near Sintra you have:

  • Cabo da Roca - western point in continental Portugal
  • Ericeira - very nice village and good beach (although the wind)

Near Lisbon, but across the (Tajo) river:
- Costa da Caparica: big and nice beach where you take a veach train, go in and out where you want (it's open and really slow). People has to left the car at the beggining of the beach in the park.
- Sesimbra and Serra da Arrábida
- Troia (across Sado river, you cross it by ferry, with the company of the dolphins)

Helena

Posted by
11 posts

Thank you, Helena. We have booked 2 nights Sintra, 2 nights Lisbon, and we have the last night undecided. I have noted the places you wrote about. Thanks again!

Posted by
119 posts

Kids of that age should greatly enjoy the Quinta da Regaleira - lots of garden to explore complete with hidden caves, mini-castles, and other surpizes. Bring flash lights.
I suggest a day trip to Cascais - lots of things for kids there including nice beaches.