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9 Nights - Split between Lisbon - Porto or Lisbon - Algarve ? (GenX Adult Couple)

Posted by (Northern California) on

We will fly from SFO on TAP directly to Lisbon in April 2025 for 9 nights in Portugal. This will be our first time visiting Portugal.

We were originally going to spend all 9 nights in Lisbon itself and just do day trips from there. But I am getting the sense that it would be a shame to not visit some things further afield such as Porto or the Algarve region.

We don't want to over plan this trip - we want it to feel more leisurely than a typical European whirlwind. But also don't want to miss out on other experiences (that are farther than day trip distanced) that would be a shame to miss if we never made it back to Portugal.

That being said --- I am seeking comments about splitting our time with Porto or Algarve or even support that perhaps Lisbon alone (with day trips) is good enough?

We are big fans of unique local architecture, culture, nature and cuisine !

Posted by
1318 posts

FWIW, 9 nights is not a long time. Adding Porto for 3 to 4 nights should be worthwhile with balance in Lisbon. Squeezing in the Algarve would not be practical in my opinion. Weather may still be coolish for beach activities. Good luck.

Posted by
822 posts

As with any destination, defining what you are most interested in will direct you to your itinerary. You could easily spend all your time in Lisbon, but with 9 nights, I would divide my time between Porto and Lisbon. Not much nature, per se, other than parks and gardens, but in the architecture, culture and cuisine departments, you cannot do any better. The Algarve is a real outlier here. For me, the Algarve is mostly beaches and the associated attractions. Not much in the architecture, culture or cuisine departments, a bit of nature but not much. After your research, I think you'll find it easier to decide on a 5/4 split. Which city for more nights? For museums, fado, must-do big deal places like Belem, Jeronimos and Sintra, Lisbon would be the choice. But for food, port wine, azulejos, small churches, and charm, Porto would be my first choice. You really can't go wrong with either; just depends on your priorities.

Posted by
1817 posts

I’ll add my vote for Porto as a second base. It’s significantly different than Lisbon and the Douro Valley is doable via day trip from there. It’s easy from Lisbon on the train. Should be a great trip. Be aware to avoid the week before and after Easter if possible. Portugal gets a large increase in Spanish tourists during those weeks.

Posted by
20 posts

Thanks for the replies and commentary @funpig @Wanderlust58 @kathrynj
I'm sure we could keep busy in Lisbon (including day trips) for the 9 nights but thought if we were going to fly that far might as well try for another locale in Portugal.

It sounds like Porto is not necessarily a mini-Lisbon. It has it's own unique character and cuisine.

I think after reading comments here and in other RS Portugal forum posts that perhaps we should arrive a week after Easter vs our original plan which was arrive Easter Sunday. (Flights are not every day from SFO via TAP)

Happy to hear further comments from other forum members if they feel there is more to add here.

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