We are outdoor oriented (hiking, kayaking, etc) but love local food/wine and typical avoid touristy areas. We typically base ourselves in a town and use it for adventuring the surrounding areas
First time visit to Portugal for a short trip (8 full days) in September. Would like suggestions if we should base ourselves in the Lisbon are or Lasgos area? other suggestions? we will have a rental car.
Thanks!
Lagos is very tourist-oriented, so I would opt for Lisbon. Evora would be a worthwhile trip from Lisbon, ideally overnight if you have the time for the historic centre plus good walking in the surrounding countryside.
Lagos is popular in September for those seeking a beach holiday for people not tied to school holidays, therefore much of the best accommodation will have been taken.
You don’t need a car in Lisbon itself.
Thanks for the feedback Jennifer!
Definitely Lisbon! You can easily fill eight days in the area. There are numerous days trips that are easy from Lisbon - Sintra (but don’t drive), Evora, Mafra, Ericeira and maybe as far north as Obidos or Tomar.
The less touristy towns are Mafra and Ericeira. The palace in Mafra is amazing and the beaches in Ericeira are great.
And, I would recommend not having a car the entire time as it’s a hassle to have a car in Lisbon, and you definitely don’t need it.
Lagos is more for relaxing on a beach in season will be crowded with other beach goers ; but definitely some cliff side trails all around where you could escape the crowds. Further west of Lagos on or near the Atlantic side does not get as visited but could be lacking in conveniences.
With 8 days, you could definitely do 4 nights there with a car and then 4 nights in Lisbon without a car.
I am staying this year in a small town on the water just west of Sintra so close to Lisbon but a little more off the main tourist path, could be an option for you. Look up Azenhas Do Mar ; will still be quite crowded with tourists in the summer since it is also on the water/beach but less so than the Algarve and much closer to Lisbon. In Sept I think would be not crowded. You would want a car for this small area though.
Lagos probably best option for kayaking, Atlantic side is likely too rough for that.
Thank you Kathrynnj and mreynolds!
I hadn't thought of splitting the trip. We usually rent a room from a family and stay just outside a city and we really do love the beach & kayaking. I havent booked tickets yet so we might just extend the trip a few days and split.
Really appreciate the suggestions!
