We can't seem to get enough of Portugal, and are thinking of returning this summer for about 10 days. We've been to Lisbon, Coimbra, Sintra, Porto, Guimares, and Salema, but have always avoided the Alentejo (Evora, Marvao, etc.) in the summer thinking it's too hot. What do you think? We're Mainers and would be okay with high 70s, low 80s, but does it get hotter than that? And if we do go, what are your recommendations? And for how many days? And could we get around easily with public transportation rather than renting a car? Thanks!
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
Definitely too hot! And, I'm from Oklahoma. I can't imagine coming from Maine and spending time in the summer in Alentejo! I was there that later part of May last year and was very uncomfortable. Fall and spring would be lovely but not summer, IMO.
And, you really need a car to get around as public transport is limited.
I don't want to discourage you coming to Portugal but doing Alentejo in the summer is likely not going to be very enjoyable.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
It will be cooler the closer to the coast you are, as there is usually a strong breeze on the west coast. Inland can be very hot and no breeze - I have experienced 35/40 degrees C , which I think is about 95/100 degrees Fahrenheit in some of the Alentejo's inland towns.
There is certainly enough to fill 10 days - you could spend at least 2 days in Evora and its surroundings, Setubal and the Sado estuary, the old city of Beja or the beaches at Pego or Carvalhal. The scenery towards the Spanish border is also stunning.
Public transport is OK for links between the major cities, but you would need a car to get the most out of the trip, particularly in the rural parts where public transport is virtually non-existent.
Posted by
Salt Lake City, UT (Previous Seattle, WA)
315 posts
Too warm and dry! Come to Salt Lake City in July and August for a trial run! 90's plus some days that will feel like a 100 F. Trip in early May, 3 days in Evora, 75+ and one day 88 F. In 16 days, we had one day that it sprinkled (only in the morning) in Tomar.