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Advice needed for a few spare days in Portugal

I am imminently to visit Portugal. It’s too short, and my first visit here, though my 22nd European country. After a few days in Lisbon, and seeing the Mark Knopfler concert, I will rent a car and spend three nights in Salema. I have three nights left before returning the car and catching an 11am flight out of Lisbon. I know I will be back so there is no need to cram in sites by volume. I want to enjoy the drives, the towns and especially the evening experiences at cafes and on squares. How would you spend these three days? (I am locked in to Lisbonand Salema schedules).

Steven Jager

Posted by
1586 posts

From Salema drive to the Algarve region for those 3 days

Based yourself in Albufeira then tour Lagos, Faro, Tavira, Vilamoura, and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

From Albufeira, Drive rental car straight to Lisbon airport for drop off and catch 11am flight to London.

https://whereintheworldisnina.com/algarve-itinerary/

Posted by
11608 posts

Drive up to Evora and use it as a base. Stop for a few hours in Obidos enroute back to Lisbon.

Posted by
6113 posts

Albufeira is a tacky resort, popular with stag and hen parties. It’s only 25 minutes from Salema to Lagos, so it’s pointless moving to Albufeira to drive half way back to Lagos, as has previously been suggested.

Lagos would have been my recommendation for the western end of the Algarve, not Salema. However, as this is booked, try eating at Agua an Boca in Salema - you will need to book. Avoid Atlantico - great position, but we have never had a good meal in there. Also, Marigil Restaurant on the N125 just west of Raposeira is excellent and book a day ahead for their excellent specials including octopus stew. It doesn’t look much, but the food is fantastic and it’s so popular.

Another great locals place is in Vila do Bispo - Tasco do Careca which is some of the best value grilled food on the Algarve.

Evora is a good suggestion for a base, although 3 nights there maybe one too many. If you wanted to stay on the Algarve, Tavira would be my choice, as it has more character and you could take a day trip to Spain and explore the coast and places such as Alcoutim.

With an 11am flight, you will need to be at the airport at 9am, so I would suggest that your last night is in Lisbon, as otherwise, you will be battling rush hour traffic.